The proposed bill amends existing North Dakota law by enacting a new section related to immigration law, specifically focusing on the prohibition of employing unauthorized workers. The bill defines key terms such as "business license," "private employer," and "unauthorized worker," and establishes that private employers are prohibited from willfully hiring unauthorized workers. It also outlines a process for individuals to report alleged violations to the attorney general, who may investigate and refer cases for prosecution. Violations of this section can result in civil penalties that escalate with repeated offenses, ranging from $2,000 for a first offense to $10,000 for a third or subsequent offense.
Additionally, the bill mandates a legislative management study during the 2025-26 interim to explore various aspects of immigration law, including federal jurisdiction, state laws regarding unauthorized individuals, and the coordination between local and federal law enforcement. The study will gather input from various stakeholders, including the private sector and government officials, and will culminate in a report with findings and recommendations for the seventieth legislative assembly.