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JFAC directs Department of Labor to study E‑Verify costs and federal vs. state disability determination
Summary
The committee adopted intent language asking the Department of Labor to report on the costs and benefits of using E‑Verify and to compare administering disability‑determination services at state versus federal level, with reporting deadlines in December 2025.
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee adopted two items of intent language that direct the Idaho Department of Labor to prepare reports for the committee on separate subjects: (1) a study of costs and benefits of using E‑Verify and the impact of illegal immigration on Idaho’s labor market, and (2) a review of costs and benefits of administering disability determination services at the state level versus the federal level. Both reports are due to JFAC by Dec. 15, 2025 (E‑Verify language) and the date shown in the packet for the disability‑determination review.
Mr. Pree (budget and policy analyst) presented the language for both items. During discussion, Senator Wintrow questioned whether the Department of Labor could provide the immigration‑status data requested, noting that agencies do not collect illegal‑status data and that the department might not be able to produce the requested detail. The motion maker and other members said interstate comparisons of states that use E‑Verify and statutory research could provide useful information even if direct state data are limited.
The committee adopted the E‑Verify language on a roll call of 17 ayes and 3 nays, and later adopted the disability‑determination language (motion recorded and passed with majorities in committee). Senator Wintrow and others voiced concerns that the department may not have the underlying data requested and cautioned about expectations for the report.
Ending: The Department of Labor will prepare the requested reports and return findings to JFAC by the required due dates; the committee recorded concerns about data availability and anticipated the reports may note those limitations.
