Texas Senate Advances Bills on E-Verify Expansion and Ibogaine Research

The Texas Senate on Wednesday approved two significant measures: one that would mandate use of the federal E-Verify system by nearly all employers in the state, and another authorizing state-supported research into ibogaine, a controversial but promising treatment for addiction and mental health conditions.

Senate Bill 324, authored by Senator Lois Kolkhorst (R), would require all public and private employers in Texas to use E-Verify to confirm that new hires are legally eligible to work in the United States. While current state law already mandates its use by state agencies, universities, and certain businesses, this bill significantly broadens the requirement.

“E-Verify is the most functional and cost-effective method of immigration reform the state of Texas can implement,” Kolkhorst said, emphasizing its role in protecting legally present workers and combating labor trafficking. The system compares information from workers’ I-9 forms to federal immigration databases.

Kolkhorst noted that labor unions testified in support of the bill, describing how some employers bypass legal hiring to cut costs, undermining fair wages and working conditions. Under the bill, state licensing agencies would be required to verify compliance, and the state comptroller could bar non-compliant contractors from state work for up to a year.

Also approved was Senate Bill 2308 by Senator Tan Parker (R), which authorizes state-supported, privately funded research into ibogaine—a plant-derived compound showing potential in treating opioid addiction, PTSD, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and depression.

“Traditional treatments often fail,” said Parker, citing preliminary research and clinical observations indicating ibogaine’s ability to reset neural pathways, reduce withdrawal symptoms, and interrupt substance use disorders.

Ibogaine treatment is intensive and requires in-patient medical supervision, which is why Parker is pushing for regulated access in Texas. “Patients are traveling abroad to receive this treatment in countries where medical standards are lower,” he said, adding that the bill would allow Texas to offer safer alternatives.

The bill establishes a grant program, managed by the Texas Department of State Health Services, to fund FDA-approved trials. All funding must come from private donations, ensuring no cost to taxpayers.

Together, these two bills reflect the Senate’s bipartisan interest in both securing the state’s labor market and pursuing innovative health interventions.