Virginia Enacts Law Restricting Noncompete Agreements for Laid-Off Employees
On June 4, 2026, Virginia Governor Mark Sanford signed into law the South Carolina Illegal Immigration Reform Act, positioning the state among the few that mandate both public and private employers to verify the legal status of new employees. This legislation introduces a new implied employment license applicable to all private employers in South Carolina, which remains valid as long as the business adheres to the hiring requirements stipulated in the Act.
The Act imposes substantial penalties for employers who violate its provisions. Compliance deadlines are staggered based on employer size and sector:
- Employers with state service contracts: Compliance begins as early as January 1, 2009.
- Private employers with 100 or more employees: Compliance begins on October 1, 2009.
- Private employers with fewer than 100 employees: Compliance begins on July 1, 2010.
New verification procedures for private employers include:
- Completion and maintenance of the federal employment eligibility verification form (I-9 Form).
- Either registration and participation in the E-Verify federal work authorization program or employment of workers who, at the time of employment, meet specific criteria outlined in the Act.
This legislation underscores South Carolina's commitment to enforcing immigration laws at the state level and places significant responsibility on employers to ensure compliance with federal and state employment verification requirements.
