SPONSOR: Reed
This bill defined DACA recipients as "any individual who is protected from deportation under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and who holds a valid work authorization under the program".
The bill requires any board, department, agency, or office of this State that issues licenses to consider license applications from DACA recipients without regard to citizenship or immigration status.
License applications from DACA recipients will be evaluated based solely on qualifications, education, and professional competency. DACA recipients will not be subject to additional or separate requirements beyond those imposed on United States citizens or legal permanent residents.
DACA recipients granted licenses in accordance with the provisions of this section must have all the same rights, responsibilities, and protections in their respective fields as any other licensees.
Any license granted will be renewable and valid for the same period as a license issued to a United States citizen or legal permanent resident, provided that the licensee maintains valid work authorization.
The Department of Commerce and Insurance, in conjunction with oversight bodies issuing the licenses, must promulgate rules to implement the provisions of this section.
The provisions of this bill will apply to all license applications submitted on or after August 28, 2025.
Statutes affected: