Idaho Senate Passes Bill Requiring E-Verify for State and Local Governments

The bill would also mandate E-Verify use for large private contractors working with state and local governments.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The Idaho Senate has approved a bill that would require state and local governments, as well as large private businesses contracting with them, to use the federal E-Verify system to check the work authorization of new hires. The bill now heads to the state House for further consideration.

Why it matters

This legislation is part of a broader push by Idaho lawmakers this session to expand the use of E-Verify, a federal program that allows employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of new hires. Supporters say it will help curb the hiring of undocumented workers, while critics argue the system has flaws that could lead to increased identity fraud.

The details

Senate Bill 1247 would mandate the use of E-Verify for all public entities in Idaho, including state and local governments, when hiring new employees. It would also require private employers with 150 or more workers and contracts valued at $100,000 or more with state/local governments to use E-Verify. The bill passed the Senate with bipartisan support and opposition, and now heads to the House for further consideration.

  • The Idaho Senate approved the bill on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
  • The bill will next go to the Idaho House for a public hearing in a committee, and if passed by the committee, a debate and vote on the House floor.

The players

Sen. Mark Harris

The Republican senator from Soda Springs who sponsored the E-Verify bill.

Sen. Ben Adams

The Nampa Republican senator who spoke against the bill, arguing that E-Verify requirements could encourage identity fraud.

Rep. Dale Hawkins

The Republican representative from Fernwood who introduced a separate bill that would make it a misdemeanor crime for employers to knowingly hire undocumented workers.

Rep. Jordan Redman

The Republican representative from Coeur d'Alene who introduced a bill that would prohibit employers from knowingly hiring undocumented workers.

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What they’re saying

“Let's see if it works. It's a start. We don't want to mash the gas pedal too hard and ruin something.”

— Sen. Mark Harris, Bill Sponsor (dailyfly.com)

“We may very well end up with a whole new industry in the state of Idaho that is not legal, and it will be expanded because of legislation that we may pass in this body based on flawed legislation at the federal level.”

— Sen. Ben Adams (dailyfly.com)

“I think they meant it as a warning. I took it kind of as a to-do list. They just sat there and told us which industries run on illegal labor, out-loud, on purpose, mostly ag, construction, service, stuff like that.”

— Sen. Brian Lenney, Nampa Republican (dailyfly.com)

What’s next

The bill will next go to the Idaho House for a public hearing in a committee, and if passed by the committee, a debate and vote on the House floor.

The takeaway

This legislation is part of a broader debate in Idaho over the use of E-Verify and how to address the employment of undocumented workers, particularly in key industries like agriculture, construction, and services. The bill's passage in the Senate signals support for a more targeted approach, but further negotiations are likely as it moves to the House.