Requires all employers to enroll and actively participate in a federal work authorization program

SB 1038 requires all Missouri employers, including public employers and businesses receiving state contracts over $5,000, to enroll in and actively participate in a federal work authorization program. Employers must provide annual sworn affidavits confirming their enrollment and verifying they do not knowingly employ unauthorized workers. Violations result in fines of $2,000 per unauthorized worker and license suspensions (30 days for first offense, up to one year for third offense). The bill mandates employers to verify new hires' work eligibility through the federal program and provides an affirmative defense for compliant businesses. It suspends enrollment requirements for 15 days during declared emergencies like natural disasters.