This bill addresses lawful presence for receipt of public benefits.
This bill:
- removes authority for an agency or political subdivision of the state to skip verification of lawful presence for receipt of a state or local public benefit or a federal public benefit the state administers;
- prohibits an agency or political subdivision of the state from providing state or local public benefits to an individual who is unlawfully present in the United States, with certain exceptions;
- requires an agency or department to conduct certain audits;
- provides that the Office of the Legislative Auditor General may conduct a certain audit under certain circumstances;
- provides for criminal or civil penalties under certain circumstances; and
- makes technical and conforming changes.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 63G-12-402, 76-14-207
Substitute #1: 63G-12-402, 63I-1-226, 76-14-207
Substitute #2: 63G-7-301, 63G-12-402, 63I-1-226, 76-14-207
Substitute #4: 63G-7-301, 63G-12-402, 76-14-207
Substitute #3: 63G-12-402, 63I-1-226, 76-14-207
Substitute #5: 63G-12-402, 76-14-207
Substitute #7: 53H-11-203, 53H-11-414, 63G-12-402, 76-14-207
Amended 2/23/2026 17:02:430: 63G-12-402, 76-14-207
Substitute #6: 63G-12-402, 76-14-207