Keeping Montana’s workforce fair and lawful | Courtenay Sprunger

Montanans believe in fairness. We believe that if you work hard, play by the rules, and run an honest business, you should be able to succeed. Unfortunately, when illegal labor enters the marketplace, it undermines that basic principle.

Businesses that follow the law should not have to compete against those who cut corners by hiring workers who are not legally authorized to work. When that happens, wages are driven down, opportunities for lawful workers shrink, and honest employers are placed at a disadvantage.

That is why I sponsored the Legal Employment and Government Accountability Law, or the LEGAL Act, during the 2025 legislative session. The law, which has now been enacted, strengthens Montana’s ability to ensure employers are following existing federal employment verification requirements and, for the first time, gives the state a clear role in enforcing those standards.

The concept behind the legislation is simple. Employers must verify that the individuals they hire are legally eligible to work. Most already do this through systems like the federal E-Verify program or by completing required I-9 documentation. The LEGAL Act ensures those standards are applied consistently and that the state now has the tools to address violations when they occur.

Equally important, the law creates a clear and accessible process for concerns to be reported and reviewed, something that did not previously exist in a direct and structured way.

Montanans who suspect violations of employment laws can now submit a complaint through the Montana Department of Labor and Industry’s wage and hour portal. The form can be accessed on the department’s website under Labor Standards and Wage and Hour claims, or directly here: https://erd.dli.mt.gov/labor-standards/legal-act.

This reporting process is an important part of ensuring the law works as intended. Government alone cannot see every violation that may occur across a large and diverse state like Montana. Workers, employers, and community members often see issues firsthand, and this law provides a responsible avenue to bring those concerns forward.

The goal is not to create unnecessary burdens for businesses. In fact, most Montana employers already follow the rules and value operating within a lawful system. The LEGAL Act is designed to protect those honest employers and ensure they are not placed at a disadvantage by bad actors.

It also protects Montana workers. A lawful labor market helps ensure wages remain competitive and that opportunities are available for those who are authorized to work. It also helps guard against labor trafficking and exploitation, which can occur when bad actors take advantage of illegal labor and operate outside the law. Montana has long been a place where hard work and integrity matter. By strengthening employment verification, establishing clear enforcement authority, and creating a direct reporting process, the LEGAL Act helps protect those values.

If we want a fair workforce and a strong economy, the rules must apply equally to everyone. This law helps make sure that happens.