Bill > SB254

This bill prohibits individuals who are in the United States unlawfully from receiving state or local public benefits, with certain exceptions as required by federal law. For individuals 18 years or older applying for any state or local public benefit, they must provide proof of being a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or an alien lawfully present in the U.S. This proof can include documents recognized by the division of motor vehicles for driver's license applications or any federal document confirming lawful presence. State and local agencies are forbidden from providing public benefits to any alien without first verifying their lawful presence using the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) program, operated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and must cooperate with this agency for verification. The bill defines "lawfully present in the United States" and "qualified alien" according to federal regulations and clarifies that "state or local public benefit" generally includes reduced tuition and fees at postsecondary educational institutions for residents, which are now prohibited for those unlawfully present.