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 mandates that state employers must register for and utilize the E-Verify system to confirm the employment eligibility of new hires. It includes provisions for provisional employment pending verification, record-keeping requirements, and stipulates that if an employee's work authorization is not verified, the employer cannot employ or reemploy that individual. Additionally, the bill clarifies that employers are not required to verify the eligibility of employees hired before the act's effective date.
The legislation also emphasizes the importance of compliance with federal immigration laws and outlines enforcement mechanisms through the Department of Labor and Licensing. If an employer fails to use the E-Verify system as required, they will be notified of noncompliance and given a 30-day period to rectify the situation. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and includes legislative findings that underscore the need for a legal workforce to protect taxpayers and support the local economy.