Legislation

HB294 will change current law regarding which private employers are required to use the E-Verify system to check the immigration status of its employees. Current law requires all private employers who employ over 150 people to do so, but HB294 will lower that number to 50 employees. The bill also cites criminal penalties for the use of fraudulent identification to obtain employment.

This bill would eliminate the driving privilege card program, a program that allows Utah residents who are not eligible for a REAL ID document or are unable to establish lawful presence to acquire the lawful ability to drive. This program helps everyone as it allows all drivers to be screened for driving ability and to obtain auto insurance, protecting everyone on Utah roads. The bill would also require local law enforcement to notify ICE when a car accident takes place involving a driver who does not have lawful immigration status, further intertwining local law enforcement duties with federal immigration enforcement.

HB88 would remove several long-standing exceptions that allow impacted communities to bypass citizenship verification to access certain major healthcare and social services programs supported by state funding or grants. These services include food assistance (for children and adults), vaccinations, support for victims of domestic violence, housing assistance, and testing and treatment for communicable diseases, among others.