The growing patchwork of E-Verify laws at the state level continues. Beginning immediately, the state of Minnesota is again requiring E-Verify for its large contractors. After Gov. Mark Dayton dropped the previous E-Verify requirement in April, the mandatory work eligibility check quietly came back as a provision of the state’s final budget deal, approved last month. Please visit the Minnesota Public Radio website to read the full story.

Already in effect, this new law applies only to private businesses providing more than $50,000 worth of services to the state. These companies must enroll in E-Verify and check the work status of new hires.

The E-Verify mandate does not extend to new state employees, which is curious since under the previous E-Verify law state agencies were required to E-Verify all new hires.

In December 2009, the state directed all of its agencies to stop using a Texas I-9 software vendor, Lookout Services, which state officials had hired for the purpose of submitting data to E-Verify. The state notified approximately 500 employees that their personal data, including names, dates of birth and social security numbers, may have been accessible on the Lookout Services’ website [Full article].

The security issue came to light when Minnesota Public Radio was able to access state employee data on the software vendor’s web site without using a password or any encryption software. Allegedly, employee names, birth dates, social security numbers and hire dates were visible on the web site for every state agency using the service as well as a long list of private companies.

Disclaimer: The content of this post does not constitute direct legal advice and is designed for informational purposes only. Information provided through this website should never replace the need for involving informed counsel on your employment and immigration issues.

To learn more about how I-9 Compliance Software can help you comply with Form I-9 and E-Verify requirements, click here.