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Bill > AB759


WI AB759

WI AB759
Eligibility to receive occupational credentials for recipients of deferred action under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. (FE)


summary

Introduced
12/17/2025
In Committee
02/25/2026
Crossed Over
02/19/2026
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

Potential new amendment
2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Currently, federal law prohibits all but certain noncitizens from receiving any “state or local public benefit,” which is defined to include any “professional license, or commercial license provided by an agency of a state or local government.” However, federal law allows states to explicitly allow eligibility for certain public benefits. This bill allows certain individuals who are not U.S. citizens to receive credentials to practice certain occupations in this state if he or she meets all other requirements for the credential. Under the bill, an eligible individual is an individual to whom all of the following apply: 1) the individual has been granted deferred action under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security; 2) the individual’s deferred action is not expired; and 3) the individual possesses an unexpired employment authorization document issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Any credential issued to an individual under the bill is only valid for the period of time during which the individual’s employment authorization document is valid. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.

AI Summary

This bill creates a new statute that allows individuals who are not U.S. citizens to obtain occupational credentials (such as licenses, certificates, permits, or registrations) if they meet specific criteria related to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Specifically, eligible individuals must have been granted DACA status by the federal Department of Homeland Security, have a currently valid deferred action status, and possess a valid employment authorization document. The bill ensures that these individuals can receive occupational authorizations while maintaining the same professional qualifications and requirements as other applicants. Each credential issued will only be valid for the duration of the individual's employment authorization, and the issuing authority must verify the individual's status through a systematic alien verification program. If an individual's employment authorization is withdrawn, they must immediately cease practicing in their profession and notify the relevant authority. The bill also allows issuing authorities to adjust fees to cover the cost of verifying required identification numbers. Importantly, the bill explicitly states that this provision does not grant eligibility for any public benefits beyond occupational authorization and will not apply to DACA recipients granted status after the bill's effective date.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry, Government Affairs

Sponsors (28)

Last Action

Received from Senate concurred in (on 03/18/2026)

bill text


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