AR HB1974

State government departments, boards, bureaus, political subdivisions, and agencies must register for E-Verify and use it to confirm employment eligibility for all new hires starting January 1, 2026

Employers must provisionally employ new workers until E-Verify confirms work authorization, submit verification even for employees terminated within 3 business days, and retain records for the duration of employment or 3 years (whichever is longer)

State employers are prohibited from employing unauthorized aliens, and failure to comply with E-Verify requirements creates a presumption of violation

Employees hired before the act's effective date are exempt; employers are not required to verify or reverify current employees

The Department of Labor and Licensing enforces compliance beginning July 1, 2026, with employers receiving notification of noncompliance and 30 days to cure any violations