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MissouriHB23662026 Regular SessionHouse

Modifies provisions relating to employment of unauthorized aliens

Sponsored By: Jeff Vernetti (Republican)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.

Employers face steep unauthorized hiring penalties

Missouri employers cannot knowingly hire or keep workers who lack authorization to work in the state. The attorney general can investigate suspected violations; complaints must include a sworn statement made under penalty of perjury. In court, the state must show that a knowing violation is more likely than not. The attorney general can seek damages equal to 10 times wages paid to unauthorized workers during the alleged violation. Employers also face court orders stopping violations and suspension of applicable licenses, permits, or exemptions. A court finding knowing hiring must enter judgment for the state and award penalties consistent with the relief requested.

Reporting employers gain protection from liability

Employers that report an alleged violation to Missouri's attorney general receive immunity under the law's specified unauthorized-employment provisions. This protection applies to reporting employers, not to liability under unrelated laws.

Contractors face liability for known violations

General contractors and subcontractors face liability when they know their direct subcontractor violated Missouri's ban on knowingly employing unauthorized workers. The law uses the federal standard for knowledge. After notice of a suspected violation, contractors must fully cooperate with the attorney general's investigation. This includes timely access to work sites and requested records.

Employer work checks bring legal protection

All Missouri public employers must join and actively use a federal work authorization program; other employers may join voluntarily. Businesses must participate for covered workers when receiving state or local contracts or grants over $5,000, or state-administered or subsidized tax credits, tax abatements, or loans. These businesses must submit annual sworn statements and documents confirming participation and no knowing unauthorized employment connected to covered services. After enrollment, employers must check each new hire and keep dated reports; compliant participation provides a legal defense against unauthorized-employment claims. For covered public awards, enrollment and participation requirements pause for 15 working days during or immediately after a qualifying emergency.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jeff Vernetti

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Scott Miller

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 228 • No: 6

Senate vote • 4/29/2026

Truly Agreed To and Finally Passed

Yes: 31 • No: 0

House vote • 4/29/2026

Truly Agreed To and Finally Passed

Yes: 31 • No: 0

House vote • 4/2/2026

Reported Do Pass

Yes: 8 • No: 0

House vote • 4/2/2026

Third Read and Passed

Yes: 139 • No: 6 • Other: 1

House vote • 3/11/2026

Reported Do Pass

Yes: 10 • No: 0

House vote • 3/3/2026

HCS Reported Do Pass

Yes: 9 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Delivered to Secretary of State (G)

    7/13/2026House

  2. Approved by Governor (G)

    7/13/2026House

  3. Delivered to Governor

    5/28/2026House

  4. Signed by President Pro Tem

    5/28/2026Senate

  5. Signed by House Speaker

    5/28/2026House

  6. Senate Message

    4/29/2026Senate

  7. Truly Agreed To and Finally Passed - AYES: 31 NOES: 0 PRESENT: 0

    4/29/2026Senate

  8. Taken Up for Third Reading

    4/29/2026Senate

  9. Reported Do Pass

    4/28/2026Senate

  10. Voted Do Pass

    4/28/2026Senate

  11. Executive Session Scheduled - Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 12:45 p.m., Senate Lounge - 3rd Floor

    4/27/2026

  12. Referred: Fiscal Oversight

    4/16/2026Senate

  13. Reported Do Pass

    4/16/2026Senate

  14. Voted Do Pass

    4/15/2026Senate

  15. Executive Session Held

    4/15/2026Senate

  16. Public Hearing Held

    4/15/2026Senate

  17. Public Hearing Scheduled - Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 10:30 a.m., or Upon Adjournment of Gubernatorial Appointments, Senate Lounge - 3rd Floor

    4/13/2026Senate

  18. Second read and referred: Rules, Joint Rules, Resolutions and Ethics

    4/8/2026Senate

  19. Reported to the Senate and First Read

    4/7/2026Senate

  20. Third Read and Passed - AYES: 139 NOES: 6 PRESENT: 1

    4/2/2026House

  21. Taken Up for Third Reading

    4/2/2026House

  22. Placed on the Informal Third Reading Calendar

    4/2/2026House

  23. Reported Do Pass - AYES: 8 NOES: 0 PRESENT: 0

    4/2/2026House

  24. Voted Do Pass

    4/2/2026House

  25. Executive Session Completed

    4/2/2026House

Bill Text

  • Truly Agreed

    4/29/2026

    PDF

  • Perfected

    3/31/2026

    PDF

  • Committee Substitute

    3/3/2026

    PDF

  • Introduced

    1/7/2026

    PDF

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