JFAC requires Department of Labor reports on E-Verify impacts and disability determination costs; committee splits on feasibility
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Summary
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee approved two directives Thursday asking the Department of Labor to report by late 2025 on (1) the costs and benefits of E-Verify and the labor-market impacts of illegal immigration and (2) costs/benefits of state-versus-federal administration of disability determination services.
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee voted to require two reports from the Idaho Department of Labor, both due to the committee by December 2025.
One directive asks the department to report on the costs and benefits of implementing E-Verify and on the impact of illegal immigration on Idaho’s labor market. The language instructs the department to study costs and benefits and return a report by Dec. 15, 2025.
Another directive requires a report comparing the costs and benefits of administering disability determination services at the state level versus federal administration; the language was clarified on the record to correct a typographical error and set a December 1, 2025, submission date.
Mr. Pre (budget analyst) presented the language for the E-Verify motion; the co-chair moved to accept the language and the motion passed after roll call. Senator Wintrow objected to unanimous consent and raised concerns on the record that the department does not collect information on immigration status, making the E-Verify and illegal-status analysis likely infeasible. Wintrow argued that immigration status is not recorded in the data the department collects and that directing the department to analyze that absent data could produce limited or no findings. The motion maker replied that studying other states’ E-Verify experiences could yield useful information.
On the disability-determination language, Senator Wintrow again noted the department historically conducts determinations at the state level and cautioned the request could amount to asking the federal government to resume functions the state has administered for decades. The committee discussed feasibility; the motion ultimately passed.
Roll calls: the E-Verify language passed with a combined total of 17 ayes and 3 nays (Senate 8-2, House 9-1). The disability-determination language passed with a combined total of 18 ayes and 2 nays. Both items will carry due-pass recommendations to the full legislature.
These are intent/reporting requests directing the Department of Labor to research and return findings; they do not change statute or create immediate programmatic changes.
