The bill amends various sections of the Iowa Code to establish requirements for state and local government employment and professional licensure regarding the verification of employment eligibility and immigration status. It mandates the use of the e-verify system by each house of the general assembly, state agencies, and local governments to confirm the employment eligibility of newly hired employees. Additionally, it allows employees to challenge the results of their e-verify submissions within ten calendar days, with the legislative council or relevant authority required to review and communicate the results of the appeal promptly. If an employee is found to lack legal status, the results must be transmitted to federal immigration agencies.

Furthermore, the bill introduces the SAVE program clearinghouse, which will serve as a central entity for verifying the citizenship and immigration status of individuals applying for professional licenses. It stipulates that licensing boards must use this clearinghouse and prohibits the issuance or renewal of licenses to individuals who cannot be verified as lawfully present in the United States. The bill also includes provisions for the transmission of results to federal immigration agencies in cases where individuals are found to be unlawfully present after an appeal process. Overall, the legislation aims to enhance the verification process for employment and licensure in Iowa, ensuring compliance with federal immigration laws.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 7E.3, 10A.101, 10A.506, 10A.113, 272C.4, 272C.10
Reprinted: 2.11, 2A.2, 2C.4, 7E.3, 10A.114, 10A.113, 272C.4, 272C.10