MS HB1187

Amends Mississippi's Employment Protection Act to prohibit employers from knowingly employing unauthorized aliens, with compliance measured through the E-Verify program rather than a generic "status verification system."

Requires all employers to register with and use E-Verify to verify work authorization of newly hired employees within three (3) days of hiring, with staggered implementation deadlines based on employer size from July 1, 2008 through July 1, 2011.

Makes it discriminatory practice for employers to discharge U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens while retaining unauthorized aliens in comparable positions; employers using E-Verify within three days of hire have a rebuttable presumption of compliance.

Establishes penalties of $1,000 to $5,000 per violation, contract cancellation for up to three years, and loss of business licenses for up to one year; designates the State Auditor as primary enforcement authority with cooperation required from all state agencies.

Removes criminal penalties for unauthorized aliens accepting employment and clarifies that third-party employers must register with Mississippi Department of Employment Security and provide proof of E-Verify participation.