Immigration (Work Authorization)

SB 655, the Oklahoma Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act, requires most Oklahoma employers to verify all new employees' work authorization using the federal E-Verify system within three business days of hiring. Employers must maintain verification records for at least three years, cannot hire individuals whose verification fails, and face penalties for violations - including $2,500 fines for second offenses and $5,000 for third offenses. The Oklahoma Attorney General enforces the law through investigations, warnings, fines, and a database that bars violators from state contracts for one year. The bill explicitly states it does not replace federal immigration requirements and allows employers to terminate staff for compliance without facing wrongful termination claims.