Colorado E-Verify Not Mandated Statewide

Colorado has no general statute compelling private employers to enroll in the federal E-Verify program. The state previously required a separate employment eligibility affirmation under former CRS 8-2-122 (passed via HB 06-1343), but House Bill 16-1114 repealed that affirmation requirement effective August 2016 because federal Form I-9 already documents work authorization. Employers must still complete I-9 verification under federal law and may voluntarily use E-Verify. State contractors and certain public employers may face E-Verify or equivalent verification obligations under separate procurement rules in CRS Title 8, but private-sector use remains optional statewide. Local governments cannot impose conflicting state-wide private mandates.

Federal I-9 violations carry penalties from $281 to $27,894 per worker; state contractor verification breaches can trigger contract termination and debarment.