The proposed bill aims to amend existing employment laws in Arkansas by prohibiting state entities from employing unauthorized aliens and establishing the E-Verify Requirement Act. The bill includes legislative findings that emphasize the importance of protecting Arkansans, ensuring a legal workforce, and responsibly using taxpayer resources. It introduces a new subchapter titled "E-Verify Requirement Act," which mandates state employers to register for and utilize the E-Verify system to confirm the employment eligibility of new hires. Employers are required to provisionally employ individuals until their work authorization is verified and must maintain records of this verification.
Additionally, the bill outlines compliance measures, stating that employers must not employ unauthorized aliens and that failure to comply with the E-Verify requirements will be presumed a violation. The Department of Labor and Licensing is tasked with enforcing these provisions, including the ability to request documentation from employers regarding employee verification. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, allowing time for implementation and compliance by state entities.