Senate Bill 2015 Summary

• Requires all Mississippi employers to use the federal E-Verify system to confirm work authorization status of newly hired employees, with compliance deadlines based on employer size (ranging from July 1, 2008 to July 1, 2011).

• Makes it a discriminatory practice for employers to discharge a U.S. citizen or permanent resident while retaining an unauthorized alien in the same job category, unless the employer is enrolled in E-Verify.

• Requires third-party employers (staffing agencies, leasing companies) to register with the Mississippi Department of Employment Security and mandates that employers using temporary workers are held accountable for third-party contractor violations.

• Establishes penalties for non-compliance including cancellation of state contracts (up to 3 years ineligibility), loss of business licenses or permits (up to 1 year), and liability for associated costs.

• Makes it a felony for unauthorized aliens to knowingly accept employment, punishable by 1-5 years imprisonment and fines of $1,000-$10,000.