WV Senate Takes Up E‑Verify Bill Requiring Legal Work Status Checks

CHARLESTON, WV — A bill that would require all employers in West Virginia to verify the legal work status of potential employees is moving forward in the state Legislature. House Bill 4198 passed the House of Delegates and has now been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee for further consideration.
The measure would mandate the use of the federal E‑Verify system to confirm whether job applicants are legally authorized to work in the United States. Supporters say the requirement would help protect business owners who follow the law and ensure a level playing field in the state’s workforce.
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito has voiced support for stronger verification efforts, saying illegal employment practices can undermine legitimate businesses. “We need to figure out who’s here, why they’re here; alleviate the violent criminals, send them home,” Capito said. “There’s a whole host of other people that are here legally and have legal status.”
Lawmakers backing the bill argue it will provide additional safeguards for employers and help prevent unlawful hiring practices. The Senate Judiciary Committee will review the proposal before it can advance to the full Senate.