JFAC directs Department of Labor to report on E‑Verify costs and disability‑determination options

The committee considered two pieces of intent language for the Department of Labor.

One item requires the Department of Labor to report on the costs and benefits of using E‑Verify and on the impact of illegal immigration on the state labor market, with a report due Dec. 15, 2025. Analyst Mr. Pree summarized the language; Senator Wintrow objected to the request on evidentiary grounds, saying data on immigration status are not collected and that the department likely cannot compile the requested data. Committee members responding to that concern said they expected comparative analysis from other states that use E‑Verify and suggested the department might provide policy and cost comparisons even if direct data on immigration status are not available.

A second language motion directs a review of the costs and benefits of administering disability determination services at the state level versus the federal level, correcting a typographical error on the screen to say “review of the costs and benefits.” Senator Wintrow again questioned the utility of the exercise, noting that the state has long administered disability determinations and that the analysis might not yield the anticipated policy options.

Both motions were approved by the committee and will carry due‑pass recommendations. Committee roll calls recorded final combined totals of 17 ayes, 3 nays for the E‑Verify/immigration language and 18 ayes, 2 nays for the disability determination review language across the two panels.