The LEGAL Act -- and what it means for Montana's employers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aG9_EuEn83E

In 2025, Representative Sprunger crafted and sponsored The LEGAL Act (Legal Employment and Government Accountability Law), addressing a growing issue and rising contention between factions in the state.

On a hot topic that often divides at party lines, The LEGAL Act passed with strong support from both parties because it was carefully constructed to fully enforce the law while ensuring constitutional protections and limiting unnecessary burden on small businesses. Sprunger's LEGAL Act fights back against employers who intentionally employ illegal labor and participate in labor trafficking, working to ensure a level playing field for Montana's law-abiding businesses.

That, and The LEGAL Act leveraged existing resources and systems rather than reinventing the wheel. It will cost just $70,000 annually to implement versus other recommended solutions that would have cost Montana taxpayers a $1 million or more each year for a similar outcome.

The LEGAL Act directs the Montana Department of Labor to enforce federal employment law and gives them the authority to do so - for the first time. This means checking for e-verify or I-9 for every employee during audits and worksite visits, and following up on formal complaints filed. The bill protects law-abiding businesses and jobs for those working legally in Montana, and protects the vulnerable from labor trafficking.

This is how leadership should look. Bringing Montanans together to tackle tough issues and promote vitality for the people of our state.