OKLAHOMA CITY - Amid growing concerns over the impact illegal immigration has on Oklahoma’s workforce and public resources, Rep. Gabe Woolley, R-Broken Arrow, has filed two pieces of legislation aimed at enforcing employment laws and ensuring transparency in public education enrollment and funding.

House Bill 1962, co-authored by Rep. Jim Shaw, R-Chandler, would require all employers in Oklahoma to use an electronic verification system to confirm the legal work eligibility of new hires. This measure would ensure that jobs are reserved for legal citizens and authorized workers. Woolley believes this would protect opportunities for Oklahomans while discouraging illegal employment practices.

“Oklahoma jobs should go to Oklahoma citizens and legal workers first,” Woolley said. "We must support and encourage ethical and legal behavior. Requiring an electronic verification system is a commonsense solution to prevent businesses from hiring undocumented workers, which undercuts wages and takes jobs away from hardworking Oklahomans.”

A second bill by Woolley, House Bill 1165, would mandate the disclosure of citizenship status when enrolling students in taxpayer-funded public schools. The aim is to provide accurate data on non-citizen student populations while ensuring that state resources are appropriately allocated.

“This bill does not deny education to any child but simply requires disclosure so we can make informed policy decisions," Woolley said. "Our public schools are funded by Oklahoma taxpayers, and we need full transparency in enrollment to understand what impact illegal immigration has on our education system. When the people of Oklahoma know exactly where their tax dollars are going, they can continue to work with their elected officials to better our state.”

Woolley said both proposed measures ensure fairness in employment and transparency in education while protecting protect Oklahoma taxpayers.

“These bills reinforce that Oklahoma is serious about enforcing immigration laws and protecting our citizens from the economic burdens of illegal immigration,” Woolley said. “It’s time we put Oklahoma families and workers first.”

HB1962 and HB1165 will be eligible for consideration in the upcoming legislative session, which starts Feb. 3.