PLEASE NOTE: The following is presented as general educational information. It is not legal advice, either express or implied. Consultation with legal counsel is recommended for all employment law matters. This information is subject to change without notice.

On June 4, 2008, South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford signed legislation that requires South Carolina businesses to verify the employment eligibility status of all new hires through registration and participation in the federal E-verify program or employ only workers who, at the time of employment, possess, or are eligible to possess a driver’s license or state issued identification card from South Carolina or any other state approved by the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles.

The legislation goes into effect in three phases:

• Effective Jan. 1, 2009: All public employers and any business that contracts with public employers and employs 500 or more employees must follow the procedure prescribed above.
• Effective July 1, 2009: Employers with 100 or more employees must verify the eligibility of their new hires using E-Verify or require new hires to present a valid driver’s license or ID card as prescribed above.
• Effective Jan. 1, 2010: All employers must be in compliance through the use of E-Verify or driver’s license/ID card requirements.

South Carolina businesses face fines of up to $1,000 per violation and possible suspension or revocation of their business license for failure to comply with the new law.

Click here to read the text of the legislation. Click here to read the governor’s press release.

Verifications, Inc. Employment Eligibility Solutions

Verifications, Inc. has a solution to help you comply with federal and state E-Verify requirements. Our Legal Right to Work check enables you to use the E-Verify program to electronically query the DHS and SSA databases and verify new employees’ U.S. work eligibility. The query result confirms whether the social security number submitted belongs to an individual who is legally permitted to work in the U.S. Enhanced capabilities include email management alerts and reports to help track and monitor tentative non-confirmations.

Verifications also offers an electronic solution for I-9 forms processing that facilitates one-click submission of the E-Verify check upon completion of the electronic form I-9. Advanced error detection ensures forms are completed correctly so you maintain compliance with federal regulations. In addition, the system allows employers to:

• Eliminate duplicate data entry
• Eliminate paper storage of I-9s
• Provide a single reporting interface
• Receive email management alerts to track and monitor expiring work authorization documents

Call us toll-free at (866) 455-0779 or e-mail sales@verificationsinc.com to learn more.