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Bill

H 252

UNAUTHORIZED WORKERS – Adds to existing law to establish certain requirements for employers to verify the lawful status of workers.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill 252 mandates Idaho employers to verify workers' legal status using E-Verify, prohibiting unauthorized employment and impacting hiring practices statewide.

Reported Printed and Referred to State Affairs
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Bill Summary · H 252

Summary of House Bill 252 (H 252)

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 252 (H 252) aims to strengthen Idaho's employment laws by establishing requirements for employers to verify the legal employment status of workers. The bill seeks to prohibit the employment of unauthorized workers, thereby ensuring that only individuals legally authorized to work in the United States are employed in Idaho.

Key Provisions

H 252 introduces several significant changes to existing law, including:

  1. Definition of Terms: The bill defines key terms such as "alien," "employer," "employee," and "unauthorized worker" to clarify the scope of the legislation.

  2. Prohibition on Employment:

    • It is unlawful for employers to knowingly employ, hire, or refer unauthorized workers.
    • Employers must verify an employee's legal status within three days of their first day of work or by the first day if the employment is for fewer than three days.

  3. Verification Requirements:

    • Employers are required to use the E-Verify program to confirm the employment eligibility of new hires starting January 1, 2026.
    • Acceptable forms of proof for legal status include valid identification documents such as a social security card, immigration visa, or government-issued ID.

  4. Enforcement and Compliance:

    • The Idaho Department of Labor will have the authority to access information from state agencies to verify workers' legal status.
    • Employers using E-Verify will not be penalized for employing individuals verified through the program.

  5. Contractual Conditions:

    • Any business entity or employer seeking state contracts, grants, or incentives must provide documentation proving compliance with the verification requirements.

  6. Emergency Clause: The bill includes a declaration of emergency, indicating that it will take effect immediately upon passage.

Affected Parties

  • Employers: All employers in Idaho will be required to comply with the new verification requirements, impacting hiring practices and administrative processes.
  • Employees: The bill directly affects workers, particularly those who may not have legal authorization to work in the U.S., as they will be prohibited from employment.
  • State Agencies: The Idaho Department of Labor and other state agencies will be involved in enforcing the new regulations and ensuring compliance.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: February 14, 2025
  • Current Status: Reported printed and referred to the State Affairs Committee as of February 17, 2025.
  • Implementation Date: The E-Verify requirement will take effect on January 1, 2026.

Fiscal Impact

According to the fiscal note attached to the bill, there are no anticipated additional expenditures or revenue changes for state or local governments as a result of this legislation.

This summary provides an overview of House Bill 252, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and potential impacts on employers and employees in Idaho.

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

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