April 14, 2023 Less than a minute read

Missouri Chamber opposes new mandate requiring E-Verify check

The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry is pushing back on a new business mandate.

This week, the House perfected HB 188, sponsored by Rep. Jim Murphy (R-St. Louis). The bill would require all employers to use the federal E-Verify system to verify the employment eligibility of all employees. Currently, private employers are not required to use the system, but they can be penalized for knowingly hiring an unauthorized individual.

“While many employers do choose to utilize the E-Verify system already, businesses should be allowed to decide whether or not they want to use this method to verify their employees’ eligibility,” said Heidi Sutherland, director of legislative affairs for the Missouri Chamber.

In addition to the new administrative burden, the bill also contains a penalty provision. After the first violation of the new E-Verify requirement, employers could be guilty of a class D felony for any subsequent violations.

An amendment was added during House debate requiring general contractors and subcontractors to report to the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations if they are made aware that a direct subcontractor is violating the law.

HB 188 is opposed by a wide range of industries, including retailers, grocers and tire manufacturers.

For more information contact Sutherland at hsutherland@mochamber.com or call 573-634-3511.


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