Senate Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to revise employment law in Montana by mandating that employers with more than 50 employees utilize the e-verify system to confirm the work authorization of new hires. The bill defines key terms such as "employee," "employer," and "unauthorized worker," and establishes that employers must register for e-verify, submit employee information for verification, and maintain records of this verification. It also outlines penalties for non-compliance, including fines for employing unauthorized workers and the potential suspension or revocation of business licenses for repeated violations. Additionally, the bill prohibits local governments from enacting laws that contradict its provisions and provides a safe harbor for employers who comply in good faith.

The bill grants the Montana Attorney General enforcement powers, including the ability to investigate complaints regarding violations of the act. It specifies that employers who terminate employees to comply with the new verification requirements are exempt from wrongful termination claims. The bill amends existing law to clarify that local governments cannot limit the enforcement of these provisions. It is set to take effect for new employee hires on or after October 1, 2025, and includes a severability clause to ensure that if any part of the act is found invalid, the remaining provisions will still be enforceable.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 7-1-111
SB0329_1(1): 7-1-111
SB0329_1(2): 7-1-111
SB0329_1(3): 7-1-111
SB0329_1(4): 7-1-111
SB0329_1(5): 7-1-111
SB0329_1: 7-1-111
SB0329_2(1): 7-1-111
SB0329_2(10): 7-1-111
SB0329_2(11): 7-1-111
SB0329_2(12): 7-1-111
SB0329_2(2): 7-1-111
SB0329_2(3): 7-1-111
SB0329_2(4): 7-1-111
SB0329_2(5): 7-1-111
SB0329_2(6): 7-1-111
SB0329_2(7): 7-1-111
SB0329_2(8): 7-1-111
SB0329_2(9): 7-1-111
SB0329_2: 7-1-111
SB0329_3(1): 7-1-111
SB0329_3(2): 7-1-111
SB0329_3(3): 7-1-111
SB0329_3(4): 7-1-111
SB0329_3(5): 7-1-111
SB0329_3(6): 7-1-111
SB0329_3: 7-1-111