Image Credit: TN General Assembly & Canva
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
After being signed by Governor Bill Lee on March 26, immigration-related legislation requiring private employers to verify the legal status of all employees is now officially part of Tennessee code.
HB1194/SB0990 lowers from six to one the number of employees a business must have to be considered a private employer for the purposes of the Tennessee Lawful Employment Act.
All private employers will be required to acquire proof that anyone they hire is here legally, either using the E-Verify system or another proof of legal status like a driver’s license, birth certificate, passport, or visa.
Should a private employer fail to submit the required evidence, the employer’s business license could be subject to suspension for failure to comply. For a first or second violation the license would be suspended until the violation is remedied, but for a third violation employers would lose their licenses permanently.
Sponsors have previously clarified that the legislation only applies to W2 employees and not independent contractors.
HB1194 was sponsored by Rep. Scott Cepicky (R-Culleoka-District 64) and passed the House 81-10 with some bipartisan support while SB0990 was carried by Sen. Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald-District 28) and passed the Senate 19-13 with several Senate Republicans joining Democrats in voting against.
The legislation will take effect January 1, 2027.
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
