Bill · S. 1151· Senate(119-S-1151)
Accountability Through Electronic Verification Act
- Introduced
- 3/26/2025
- Last activity
- 3/26/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Chuck Grassley
- Cosponsors
- - 12 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Accountability Through Electronic Verification Act aims to expand and mandate the use of E-Verify across the United States. It requires all federal government agencies, federal contractors, and all employers to participate in the electronic verification system. The bill establishes strict timelines for mandatory participation and outlines severe consequences for non-compliance, including increased civil and criminal penalties. It also introduces the debarment of repeat violators from receiving federal contracts or grants. Additionally, the Act creates an Employer Compliance Inspection Center to standardize enforcement and audits.
Yes· 3 of 5
Does this give the federal government more power?+7
The bill significantly expands federal authority over employment verification and enforcement.
Does this tighten control of the border?+5
The bill strengthens immigration enforcement through mandatory E-Verify usage.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+1
The bill provides specific assistance for small businesses in rural areas to use E-Verify.
The opposite· 3 of 10
Would immigrants be better off under this?-8
Strict verification and mandatory termination requirements create significant instability for immigrants.
Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this?-7
Increased enforcement and mandatory termination for non-compliance target this demographic more heavily.
Would business owners be better off under this?-5
Increased civil/criminal penalties and mandatory compliance create high financial and legal risks.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Accountability for Employers: The bill requires all employers to participate in E-sVerify for employees hired after one year, which aims to hold all businesses accountable (Section 3).
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Legal Protection for Employers: Employers who participate in E-Verify and act in good faith are protected from liability for employment-related actions, such as termination, based on the system's information (Section 5).
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Protection for Employees During Disputes: If an employer receives a tentative nonconfirmation, the law prohibits them from taking adverse action against the individual while they are contesting the finding (Section 6).
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Support for Small Businesses: A demonstration program will be established to assist small businesses in rural areas or those without internet to verify employees through public internet terminals (Section 13).
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Enhanced Security and Fraud Prevention: The E-Verify system is directed to use algorithms to detect identity theft and misuse of the system (Section 11).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Increased Financial Burdens for Employers: The bill significantly increases civil penalties, with fines for various violations rising to much higher amounts (Section 4).
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Severe Penalties for Repeat Violators: Employers deemed repeat violators may be debarred from receiving federal contracts, grants, or cooperative agreements (Section 4).
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Mandatory Employment Termination: Employers who receive a final nonconfirmation regarding an individual are required to immediately terminate that person's employment, recruitment, or referral (Section 8).
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Criminal Risks for Employers: Engaging in a pattern or practice of violations can result in criminal fines and imprisonment for up to 10 years (Section 4).
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Strict Requirements for Contract Labor: Employers using contract labor must certify that all parties involved in the contract are using E-Verify, or they will be deemed in violation (Section 3).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Rural Residents+1Good For Immigrants-8Good For Hispanic Americans-7Good For Business Owners-5Good For Low Income Households-3
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+7Increase States Rights-5Improves Privacy Rights-3Improves Due Process-2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+1Increases Job Creation-3
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Increases Domestic Surveillance-2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+1
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Border Security+5Improves Pathway To Citizenship-5
- 3/10/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 10/9/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/10/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/2/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 5/1/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/26/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 7 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Jim BanksRepublican · Indiana
Katie BrittRepublican · Alabama
Shelley CapitoRepublican · West Virginia
Ted CruzRepublican · Texas
Joni ErnstRepublican · Iowa
Bill HagertyRepublican · Tennessee
James LankfordRepublican · Oklahoma
Mike LeeRepublican · Utah
Bernie MorenoRepublican · Ohio
Tim SheehyRepublican · Montana
Tommy TubervilleRepublican · Alabama
Roger WickerRepublican · Mississippi