Idaho Bill Proposes Mandatory E-Verify for State, Local Governments and Contractors

The new legislation would require the use of the federal work authorization program for public employers and large private contractors.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 8:31pm

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A new bill introduced in the Idaho legislature would mandate the use of the E-Verify system to check the work authorization of employees for state and local governments, as well as large private contractors that do business with the government. The bill aims to address concerns about unauthorized workers, particularly in industries like construction and agriculture that rely heavily on immigrant labor.

Why it matters

This legislation is part of a broader push in Idaho to expand the use of E-Verify, a federal program that allows employers to verify the immigration status of new hires. Supporters argue it will help ensure taxpayer funds are not going to unauthorized workers, while critics warn it could put certain industries in a "precarious position" by limiting their access to immigrant labor.

The details

The bill, introduced by Assistant Senate Majority Leader Mark Harris, R-Soda Springs, would require state agencies, local governments, and private contractors with over 150 employees and $100,000 in state/local government contracts to use E-Verify when hiring new workers. Violations could result in contractors being ordered to fire unauthorized workers and being placed on probation with quarterly reporting requirements. Repeat offenders could have their government contracts terminated.

  • The bill was introduced in the Idaho Senate State Affairs Committee on February 2, 2026.
  • A 2009 executive order from then-Governor Butch Otter had already required state agencies and contractors receiving federal stimulus funds to use E-Verify.

The players

Mark Harris

Assistant Senate Majority Leader, R-Soda Springs, who introduced the bill to mandate E-Verify use.

Butch Otter

Former Governor of Idaho who issued an executive order in 2009 requiring state agencies and certain contractors to use E-Verify.

Jordan Redman

Republican state representative who proposed bills in 2024 and 2025 to require all public and private Idaho employers to use E-Verify, but the bills did not advance.

Rick Naerebout

CEO of the Idaho Dairymen's Association, who warned that sectors without access to seasonal worker visas would be put in "very precarious positions" by a universal E-Verify requirement.

Todd Webb

State President of the Idaho Home Builders Association, which opposed Redman's previous E-Verify bill as written.

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What they’re saying

“'Sectors in the state economy without access to the H-2A program would be put in 'very precarious positions' Redman's proposed universal E-Verify requirement.'”

— Rick Naerebout, CEO, Idaho Dairymen's Association

“'The association opposed the bill as it is written.'”

— Todd Webb, State President, Idaho Home Builders Association

What’s next

The bill has been introduced and will now go through the legislative process, including a public hearing, before potentially being voted on by the full Idaho Senate.

The takeaway

This legislation reflects ongoing debates in Idaho and across the U.S. over the role of E-Verify in addressing unauthorized employment, with supporters arguing it ensures responsible use of taxpayer funds and critics warning it could harm certain industries that rely on immigrant labor.