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Nebraska committee hears wide-ranging debate on bill to require E‑Verify for all employers (LB532)
Summary
Senators and dozens of witnesses spent nearly four hours debating LB532, a bill to require Nebraska employers to use the federal E‑Verify system for new hires; supporters said the change would protect jobs and public coffers, while opponents warned of errors, discrimination and burdens on small and agricultural employers.
Senator Kathleen Kauth, the bill—s introducer, told the Business and Labor Committee that LB532 would require Nebraska employers to use E‑Verify when hiring new employees and that the committee would consider AM416 as its working amendment.
The bill—s sponsor said E‑Verify is "a win for everyone, businesses, workers, and even illegal immigrants," arguing the free, web-based system reduces the risk of hiring unauthorized workers and levels the playing field for law‑abiding employers. She told the committee the bill—s original fiscal note estimated about $260,000 in start‑up costs in year one and about $200,000 annually thereafter to support audits, and that penalties created in the amendment would be deposited into the Permanent School Permanent Education Fund.
Proponents who testified said mandatory E‑Verify would raise wages and reduce illegal hiring. Doug Kagan of Nebraska Taxpayers for Freedom said enforcement…
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