90th General Assembly · Funnel one-pager · Monday, November 9, 2026

SF 108: Relating to the employment of unauthorized aliens and providing penalties

Died when the session ended · The General Assembly adjourned on April 19, 2024. Bills that didn’t pass both chambers died.

What it does

This bill prohibits employers from knowingly employing unauthorized aliens. “Employer” is defined as the same as provided in Code chapter relating to unemployment insurance. §1324a(h)(3). The bill authorizes a county attorney, local law enforcement official, or member of the public to file a complaint of a violation with the department of workforce development. If the department determines, based on evidence included with the complaint or on evidence gathered by the department, that an employer has committed a violation, the bill requires the department to bring an action in district court against an employer for a violation in the county where the unauthorized alien employee is or was employed by the employer.

Cost

Cost: up to $70,000

The fiscal impact for SF 108 is estimated as follows: The one-time cost to the Secretary of State’s Office to develop a searchable database is approximately $70,000 in FY 2025. The Judicial Branch will incur expenses estimated at $3,600 per trial to administer…

Senate subcommittee · named January 17, 2024

Sen. Julian B. Garrett (R)
Sen. Tony Bisignano (D) · tony.bisignano@legis.iowa.gov
Sen. Tom Shipley (R) · tom.shipley@legis.iowa.gov

Lobbying · 3 for, 15 against

For: Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition; Personal Interest-Chuck Hurley; United Professionals/UE

Against: Agribusiness Association of Iowa; Alter Trading Corporation; Ames Regional Economic Alliance; Grow Cedar Valley; Heavy Highway Contractors Association; Iowa City Area Business Partnership; Iowa Grocery Industry Association; Iowa Insurance Associates; Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice; Marshalltown Area Chamber of Commerce; Master Builders of Iowa; Professional Developers of Iowa (PDI); and 3 more

In plain words

January 19, 2023Filed in the Senate and sent to the Judiciary committee
January 23, 2023Senate subcommittee named: Garrett, Bisignano and Shipley
January 24, 2023Subcommittee recommended passing it
January 26, 2023Approved by the Senate committee
March 7, 2023Cost estimate (fiscal note) posted
June 5, 2023Sent to the Senate Judiciary committee
January 17, 2024Senate subcommittee named: Garrett, Bisignano and Shipley
January 24, 2024Subcommittee recommended passing it
January 31, 2024Approved by the Senate committee
February 27, 2024Cost estimate (fiscal note) posted
February 28, 2024Passed the Senate, 30–17
March 5, 2024Arrived in the House