Immigration

SB 944 expands West Virginia's law enforcement authority to include 20 additional categories of federal officers, such as FBI agents, IRS special agents, and Border Patrol officers, who may enforce state laws under specific conditions. These officers can act when requested by state/local agencies, during emergencies involving imminent danger, or when witnessing a felony. The bill explicitly excludes enforcement of traffic laws and parking ordinances, and clarifies that these federal officers remain federal employees - not state law enforcement personnel - and cannot conduct independent investigations. This policy change aims to enhance coordination between federal and state agencies during joint operations or emergencies.

HB 4198, the E-Verify Requirement Act, requires all employers in West Virginia - including businesses, government entities, and public agencies - to use the federal E-Verify system to confirm employees' work authorization. It replaces criminal penalties with fines for knowingly employing unauthorized workers ($100-$10,000 per violation depending on offense count) and allows license suspension or revocation for repeat violations. The bill also creates a "safe harbor" for employers who use E-Verify, shielding them from penalties for failure to verify status. It repeals a provision denying business expense deductions for non-compliance but maintains financial penalties and licensing consequences for violations.

HB 4148 requires real estate salesperson license applicants in West Virginia to submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work in the United States. This directly affects individuals seeking to become real estate salespersons in the state. The bill amends §30-40-13 of the West Virginia Code to add this documentation requirement alongside existing education and exam standards. It does not change the education or exam requirements but adds a new verification step for applicants' immigration status. The law applies only to salesperson licenses, not other real estate professional licenses.