MS HB262

Transfers administration of the E-Verify program from the Mississippi Department of Employment Security to the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce.

Adds criminal penalties for violations by unauthorized alien employees, including 1-5 years imprisonment and fines of $1,000-$10,000.

Requires employers to register with E-Verify to verify work authorization of newly hired employees, with timeline deadlines based on employer size (250+ employees by July 1, 2008; all employers by July 1, 2011).

Establishes penalties for non-compliant employers including cancellation of state contracts (up to 3 years ineligibility), loss of business licenses/permits (up to 1 year), or both.

Adds E-Verify program administration duties to the Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce under Mississippi Code Section 69-1-13.