This bill establishes new requirements for state employment and professional licensure in Iowa, focusing on the verification of United States citizenship and immigration status. It mandates that all state departments, independent agencies, and institutions of higher education utilize the e-verify system to confirm the employment eligibility of newly hired employees. Additionally, the bill creates a SAVE program clearinghouse within the department of inspections, appeals, and licensing, which will serve as the central entity for processing requests to verify the citizenship and immigration status of individuals applying for professional licenses.

Professional licensing boards are required to use the SAVE program clearinghouse to verify applicants' immigration status and must deny or refuse to renew licenses if they cannot confirm lawful presence in the United States. The bill also stipulates that any denial of a professional license based on the SAVE program results can be appealed to the director of the department, whose decision will be final. Furthermore, licensing boards established after January 1, 1978, must adopt rules for revoking or suspending licenses for individuals found to be unlawfully present in the U.S., as determined by the SAVE program clearinghouse.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 7E.3, 10A.101, 10A.506, 10A.113, 272C.4, 272C.10