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Committee hears bill to let DLI check I‑9s, use E‑Verify as option to curb illegal employment
Summary
HB 226 would allow Montana's Department of Labor and Industry to check employers' I‑9 or E‑Verify records during inspections and assess graduated penalties; supporters said it protects law‑abiding businesses and vulnerable workers, while opponents raised concerns over unequal liability and preference for E‑Verify.
Representative Courtney Sprunger (House District 7) presented House Bill 226, the "Legal Employment and Government Accountability" (LEGAL) Act, proposing to give the Montana Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) authority during employer inspections to review I‑9 records or, optionally, E‑Verify results and to assess civil penalties for repeated violations.
Proponents including trade unions, construction industry groups and the Montana Chamber of Commerce told the committee the measure is intended to protect law‑abiding employers from unfair competition and to deter labor trafficking and the employment of ineligible workers. Jay Reardon of the Montana State Building and…
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