With only four "no" votes, the Senate overwhelmingly approved a Republican plan today helping employers screen for illegal immigrants in the work force. Senate Bill 139, authored by Sen. Dave Schultheis, R-Colorado Springs, would require the state to notify employers that they can participate in the federal "E-Verify" program, which lets them check if a newly hired employee is in the country illegally.

Schultheis says while federal law bars knowingly hiring illegal immigrants, many employers aren't aware of their options for verifying an employee's status.

"Most employers want to comply with the law," he said after the vote. "This measure will empower them."

Schultheis noted his bill places no mandates on employers, instead apprising them of a tool that they may not know about. SB 139 requires the state Department of Labor and Employment to regularly remind employers of the federal law and that they can participate in E-Verify. The bill also requires the Secretary of State's Office to include the information on its Website.

The only members voting against the measure in the Senate were Sens. Gail Schwartz, of Aspen, Stephanie Takis, of Aurora, Jennifer Veiga, of Denver, and Sue Windels, of Arvada--all Democrats.