MO HB126

Requires all public and private employers and business entities to enroll and actively participate in a federal work authorization program (such as E-Verify) to verify employee eligibility

Establishes escalating penalties for violations: first offense results in 1-30 day license suspension; second offense results in 30 days to 1 year suspension; third offense results in permanent license suspension and revocation of business registration in Missouri

Removes the "knowingly" standard for violations, meaning employers can be held liable for employing unauthorized workers regardless of intent, though enrollment in a federal work authorization program provides an affirmative defense

Allows businesses to deduct costs of participating in federal work authorization programs from state income or business taxes

Effective date of January 1, 2016