DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds on Wednesday signed an executive order that requires the use of E-Verify and SAVE for all state government departments.

In a press release, Gov. Reynolds released the following statement about the executive order:

While it’s the responsibility of employers to ensure those they hire are eligible to work in the United States, in light of recent events with the former superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, I am issuing Executive Order 15, putting safeguards in place that will verify the legal immigration or citizenship status for anyone requesting a state-issued professional license before they provide services for Iowans or are entrusted with the health, safety or education of our communities. Additionally, as an employer, the state takes seriously its responsibility to verify work eligibility. While some agencies voluntarily use E-Verify as part of the hiring process, my executive action now makes it a requirement.”

The executive order comes after Des Moines Public Schools confirmed it does not utilize E-Verify, a free online system that compares information from an employees I-9 form with Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records regarding work eligibly, following the arrest of former Superintendent Ian Roberts by ICE, who’s accused of being in the country illegally.

According to the E-Verify website, only 21 states currently have some form of requirement for the use of the system and Iowa is not one of them. Legislation has been brought to the statehouse regarding the use of E-Verify on two separate occasions but it failed to make it out of the Iowa House both times. Iowa Senate Majority Leader Mike Klimesh told WHO 13 News on Tuesday that in light of Roberts’ arrest, legislation requiring the use of E-Verify may be brought up in the next session.

The executive order also requires the use of SAVE, an free online service that verifies an individuals’ immigration or citizenship status when applying for certain benefits or licenses.

The governor’s office says that a memorandum of understanding is expected to be completed sometime in October and hopes to be fully operational with the systems by the end of the year.

You can read the full executive order below: