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 must provisionally employ individuals until their work authorization is verified and maintain records of this verification.
Additionally, the bill outlines compliance requirements, stating that employers are not obligated to verify employees hired before the act's effective date and must adhere to federal immigration laws. It prohibits the employment of unauthorized aliens and establishes enforcement mechanisms through the Department of Labor and Licensing, which can request documentation from employers to verify compliance. If an employer fails to use the E-Verify system, they will be notified and given a 30-day period to rectify the noncompliance. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2026.