(INDIANAPOLIS) - Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita says his office is preparing to enforce new state laws targeting employers who knowingly hire or retain workers not authorized to work in the United States.
The business enforcement provisions of Senate Enrolled Act 76 take effect July 1.
The law prohibits employers from intentionally recruiting, hiring or continuing to employ unauthorized workers and gives the attorney general authority to investigate alleged violations.
If the attorney general determines probable cause exists, the office may file a civil lawsuit against the employer.
Under the law, courts could suspend a company's authorization to operate for five business days or permanently revoke operating authority at Indiana locations, depending on the number of violations and the employer's history.
Rokita said information from federal immigration officials, the U.S. Department of Labor and local law enforcement agencies will receive priority during investigations.
The attorney general's office is also working on a data-sharing agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor related to mandatory E-Verify employment checks.
State officials say guidance for employers on complying with the new law is expected before the July 1 implementation date.