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Bill

HB 1974

TO PROHIBIT STATE ENTITIES FROM EMPLOYING UNAUTHORIZED ALIENS; TO ESTABLISH THE E-VERIFY REQUIREMENT ACT; AND TO REQUIRE STATE ENTITIES TO USE E-VERIFY TO CONFIRM EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Rebecca Burkes and 3 co-sponsors

Arkansas' Act 948 mandates state employers use E-Verify to confirm new hires' work eligibility, ensuring only authorized individuals are employed, protecting taxpayer resources.

Notification that HB1974 is now Act 948
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1974

Summary of House Bill 1974 (Act 948)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1974, now known as Act 948, aims to strengthen employment eligibility verification for state entities in Arkansas by prohibiting the employment of unauthorized aliens. The bill establishes the E-Verify Requirement Act, mandating that state employers utilize the E-Verify system to confirm the work eligibility of new hires. This legislation reflects the state's commitment to ensuring that taxpayer resources are used responsibly and that employment opportunities are reserved for individuals legally authorized to work in the United States.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant provisions:

  1. E-Verify Requirement:

    • State employers must register for and utilize the E-Verify system to verify the employment eligibility of all new employees.
    • Employers are required to provisionally employ new hires until their work authorization is confirmed through E-Verify.

  2. Record Keeping:

    • Employers must maintain records of E-Verify verifications for the duration of the employee's employment or for three years, whichever is longer.

  3. Prohibition on Unauthorized Employment:

    • Employers are prohibited from employing unauthorized aliens, with noncompliance presumed to be a violation of the law.

  4. Compliance and Enforcement:

    • The Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing is authorized to request documentation from employers to verify compliance with the E-Verify requirements.
    • Starting July 1, 2026, employers found to be noncompliant will be notified and given 30 days to rectify the issue.

  5. Exemptions:

    • Employees hired before the effective date of the act (January 1, 2026) are exempt from the new verification requirements.

Affected Parties

  • State Employers: All state government departments, boards, bureaus, political subdivisions, and agencies will be required to comply with the E-Verify system.
  • Employees: The bill directly impacts new hires within state entities, ensuring that only those legally authorized to work are employed.
  • Taxpayers: The legislation aims to protect taxpayer interests by ensuring that state resources are allocated to lawful employment.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: April 2, 2025
  • Passed: The bill was read and passed multiple times in both the House and Senate, with the final notification of its enactment occurring on April 21, 2025.
  • Effective Date: The provisions of the act will take effect on January 1, 2026.

Conclusion

House Bill 1974 (Act 948) represents a significant legislative effort in Arkansas to regulate employment practices within state entities, ensuring that only individuals with legal work authorization are employed. By mandating the use of the E-Verify system, the act aims to enhance compliance with federal immigration laws and protect the integrity of the state's workforce.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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