Labor; status verification system; hiring; penalties; effective date.

HB 1962 requires all Oklahoma employers to verify the work eligibility status of new hires using federal systems like E-Verify starting November 1, 2025. It defines "status verification system" to include E-Verify, Social Security verification, or equivalent federal programs. Employers face fines of $100-$500 per violation after three warnings for noncompliance. The bill directly affects every business registered to operate in Oklahoma that hires new employees.