New Changes to Iowa’s Employment Verification Laws (Senate File 2218)

Iowa Workforce Development News Update

Topics:

Unemployment

Senate File 2218 (SF 2218), signed into law by Governor Reynolds, establishes new requirements intended to strengthen employment verification practices across Iowa. The new law primarily does this by introducing measures to help prevent the use of false Social Security numbers. 

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SF 2218 Overview

The law prohibits individuals from providing a false Social Security number (SSN) to an employer or prospective employer and establishes criminal penalties for doing so. Employers who knowingly accept false SSNs or knowingly hire individuals that provide them may be subject to enforcement actions and civil fines. Likewise, employers who knowingly provide potential employees with false Social Security Numbers for the purpose of hiring them will be subject to criminal penalties.

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Requirements for Educational Institutions and Licensure Applicants

SF 2218 includes additional verification requirements for school districts, accredited nonpublic schools, charter schools, and innovation zone schools. These employers must verify the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires in compliance with federal law.

The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners is also required to ensure licensure applicants provide proof of lawful presence and work authorization during each license issuance or renewal, or at least every five years.

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IWD Enforcement

Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) is responsible for enforcing SF 2218’s employment-related provisions. Employers are encouraged to continue following federal Form I-9 requirements, review SSNs for accuracy, maintain proper documentation, train HR staff, and contact IWD with any questions regarding compliance.

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Reporting Violations

To report individuals who are using false Social Security Numbers or employers who are knowingly hiring individuals with false numbers, please contact IWD using the following information:

  • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: 888-848-7442
  • Business Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday (excluding holidays)
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