HB 5424
Verifying legal employment status of workers.
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Sign in to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill, the Worker Citizenship Verification Act of 2026, aims to establish a system for verifying the legal employment status of workers in West Virginia. It requires employers to verify employee citizenship and authorization to work, expands the definition of ‘unauthorized worker,’ and creates a process for the Labor Commissioner to investigate potential violations. The bill also establishes penalties for employers who knowingly hire unauthorized workers and preempts local ordinances that could conflict with these requirements. Furthermore, it grants the Labor Commissioner the right to inspect workplaces and access relevant records.
Key provisions
- Establishes the Worker Citizenship Verification Act of 2026.
- Requires employers to verify a prospective employee’s legal status or authorization to work.
- Defines ‘unauthorized worker’ as someone lacking the legal right to be employed.
- Grants the Labor Commissioner the authority to investigate potential violations and conduct workplace inspections.
- Creates a list of ‘High Risk Industries’ for more frequent inspections.
- Provides civil protections for employers who terminate employees to comply with verification requirements.
- Allows the Labor Commissioner to access information from other state agencies to verify employee status.
- Establishes penalties for employers who knowingly hire unauthorized workers, including fines and potential license revocation.
Who is affected
- Employers (private and public)
- Employees
- The Labor Commissioner and their staff
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yours