Missouri Requires Certain Employers To Use E-Verify; Colorado Issues An Update

Missouri joined the growing list of states that have passed immigration measures impacting employers.  Governor Matt Blunt signed House Bill 1549 which will require (as of January 1, 2009) the following entities to participate in a federal work authorization program (currently known as “E-Verify”): any public (government entity) employer and any business entity that applies for a contract or grant in excess of $5,000 with the state of Missouri or one of its political subdivisions or applies for a tax credit, tax abatement, or loan from the state of Missouri.  Although private employers are not required to participate in E-Verify, the law encourages them to do so.  For a complete summary of the law, see the July 8 Missouri eAuthority.

Colorado introduced one of the first state laws in 2006 requiring state contractors to use the federal E-Verify program.  (For an overview of the law, see the Fact Sheet on the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment’s website.)  Effective May 13, 2008, contractors who enter into or renew a public contract for services with Colorado state agencies or political subdivisions now have the choice of participating in E-Verify OR the newly created Department Program.  Contractors with state agencies who opt to participate in the Department Program must notify and register with the agency and then follow a prescribed series of steps, including retaining copies of I-9 documents, completing affirmations for employees and sending copies of affirmations to the state agency listed in the relevant contract.  Additional information concerning the new Department Program, including the required registration form, can be found at http://www.coworkforce.com/lab/pcs/default.asp. 

Note: This article was published in the July 2008 issue of the Immigration eAuthority.