Bill > HB5424

This bill, the Worker Citizenship Verification Act of 2026, aims to strengthen the verification of legal employment status for workers in West Virginia by requiring employers to confirm the U.S. citizenship of prospective employees using valid documentation, with assistance from the Secretary of State if needed. Employers must maintain records of these verifications and are prohibited from knowingly employing "unauthorized workers," defined as individuals not legally eligible to work in the U.S. The bill also outlines penalties for non-compliance, including fines and potential license revocation, and establishes a system for the Labor Commissioner to investigate complaints and conduct inspections, with a focus on "High Risk Industries" that have a greater likelihood of employing unauthorized workers. Furthermore, it clarifies that employers acting in good faith to verify employee status are presumed to be in compliance and are protected from wrongful termination lawsuits if they terminate an employee to meet these requirements.

Government Affairs

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=5424&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill