During a stop in Evergreen on Wednesday, Gov. Greg Gianforte signed into law a bill that expands the state’s authority to police illegal hiring practices.

Under the law, the Montana Department of Labor and Industry can audit employers for documents, such as I-9 forms, that are used to verify an employee’s legal working status. Rep. Courtenay Sprunger, R-Kalispell, introduced the measure during the 2025 legislative session. The bill passed both houses with bipartisan support. 

“If anyone is using illegal labor, it’s not a victimless crime,” said Sprunger following the bill’s signing at Flathead Electric Cooperative on June 18. 

She held up local contractor Bill Miles as proof. Miles approached Sprunger about drafting a bill after he said his business “dropped by 71% due to all the illegals here working.” 

Under the law, employers face a fine of up to $2,500 for each unverified employee they hire and may have their business license suspended after a third violation. Employers refusing to provide requested documentation would also be subject to a fine.  

While employers can face fines and penalties, the law does not provide guidance on how the state should address employees found working without verification. Whether the audits become another tool in the enforcement of the Trump administration’s deportation policies remains to be seen. 

The state has made other efforts to support federal immigration policies, including letting immigration officials use state and county detention centers, said Gianforte. 

 “We’ve made state resources available [to federal officials],” he said. “Not National Guard, but local law enforcement and Department of Corrections.” 

The governor reiterated his support for the Trump administration’s stated goal of targeting violent criminals such as gang members.  

“People who have crossed into this country illegally have committed a crime, and there’s ones that have gone further,” said Gianforte. “And what the Trump administration has said is that they’re going to go after the worst of the worst first, and that is what they have done.” 

Residing in the United States without legal status is a civil offense.* 

Of the new crack downs on illegal hiring practices, Gianforte said employers needed to be held accountable “to hire people who can actually have the constitutional right to work here.” 

“This is a commonsense bill that will bring integrity back to the workforce and ensure Montanans will have a fair shot,” he said. 

Reporter Hailey Smalley may be reached at 758-4433 or [email protected].

*This story has been updated with wording that more accurately reflects civil immigration offenses.