Expands E-Verify requirements for employers in North Carolina, including state and local governments, and increases penalties for non-compliance.

This bill mandates that all employers in North Carolina, including state and local governments, use the federal E-Verify program to verify the work authorization of new hires. It increases civil penalties for violations, allowing for random and risk-based compliance checks by the Commissioner of Labor. The bill also creates a good-faith safe harbor for employers who unknowingly accept fraudulent documentation and prohibits retaliation against employees who report suspected E-Verify violations. The changes take effect October 1, 2026.

Expands E-Verify requirements for employers in North Carolina, including state and local governments, and increases penalties for non-compliance.

This bill mandates that all employers in North Carolina, including state and local governments, use the federal E-Verify program to verify the work authorization of new hires. It increases civil penalties for violations, allowing for random and risk-based compliance checks by the Commissioner of Labor. The bill also creates a good-faith safe harbor for employers who unknowingly accept fraudulent documentation and prohibits retaliation against employees who report suspected E-Verify violations. The changes take effect October 1, 2026.