Senate adopts measure requiring verification of identity and work authorization for educators; amendment clarifies language

The senate unanimously passed Senate File 22-18, a bill that requires the Board of Educational Examiners to require proof of lawful presence — amended in committee language to "legal authorization to work in the United States" — for applicants seeking teacher licensure and for school districts, charter schools, and accredited nonpublic schools to verify the identity and employment eligibility of individuals they hire.

Sen. Evans introduced the bill and offered Senate Amendment 50 30, which the chamber adopted to replace the phrase "lawful presence" with "legal authorization to work in the United States." Sen. Winkler expressed support for the amendment and for referencing federal code rather than enumerating specific documents in statute.

After the amendment was adopted and the sponsor moved the bill for final reading, the senate voted. The clerk recorded 47 ayes and 0 nays; the bill passed the senate and was ordered messaged.

The bill places verification responsibilities on the Board of Educational Examiners and local school authorities; transcript debate focused on the amendment's wording and adherence to federal employment-eligibility standards rather than extensive policy disagreement.