Beginning July 1, 2026, Public Chapter 772 requires all local governments, local education agencies (LEA(s)), and other agencies of the state (employer(s)) to use E-Verify. E-Verify is an electronic verification system operated by the United States department of homeland security. It allows employers to determine if an applicant for employment is legally authorized to work in the United States. An employer who currently uses a third-party vendor for I-9 verification may continue to use that vendor until January 1, 2027, at which time the employer must begin using the E-Verify program. The new law requires employers to maintain employee work authorization documentation throughout their entire employment.
Non-Compliance
The law provides that the attorney general may investigate reports of non-compliance with the law. If the attorney general finds that a local government has failed to comply with this law, the attorney general may enforce compliance by withholding all state funds provided by grant, contract, or statute, including state-shared taxes. If a local education agency fails to comply with the law, the attorney general will take action as described above against the local government that approves the LEA’s budget.
E-Verify Enrollment Process
Local governments and local education agencies may visit the E-Verify website for step-by-step instructions on how to get signed up for E-Verify. The site also provides an enrollment checklist, information on system requirements, enrollment webinars, and other employer resources. For additional information about E-Verify compliance, please contact your CTAS County Government Consultant.