MO HB235

All public and private employers in Missouri must enroll in and actively participate in E-Verify to verify employment eligibility of employees hired after October 1, 2015, and must retain verification reports for one year after employment ends

First violation penalties include a $10,000 civil fine or business license suspension of 1-30 days; second violations add $10,000 plus $5,000 per additional unverified employee (up to $100,000) or license suspension of 30 days to one year

Third violations result in permanent suspension of all business licenses and revocation of the employer's corporate registration in Missouri

Employers with state contracts who violate these provisions face contract termination, withholding of up to 25% of amounts due, and debarment from state business for 3 years (first offense) or permanently (subsequent offenses)

Employers may deduct E-Verify participation costs from state income or business taxes, and participation in E-Verify provides an affirmative defense against violation claims