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WI AB759
WI AB759Eligibility to receive occupational credentials for recipients of deferred action under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. (FE)
summary
Introduced
12/17/2025
12/17/2025
In Committee
02/25/2026
02/25/2026
Crossed Over
02/19/2026
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)
Scott Allen (R)*,
Ryan Clancy (D)*,
Cindi Duchow (R)*,
Jodene Emerson (D)*,
Benjamin Franklin (R)*,
Russell Goodwin (D)*,
Francesca Hong (D)*,
Karen Kirsch (D)*,
Joel Kitchens (R)*,
Rob Kreibich (R)*,
Scott Krug (R)*,
Maureen McCarville (D)*,
Paul Melotik (R)*,
Jeff Mursau (R)*,
Greta Neubauer (D)*,
Todd Novak (R)*,
Sylvia Ortiz-Velez (D)*,
Pricilla Prado (D)*,
Amaad Rivera-Wagner (D)*,
Jessie Rodriguez (R)*,
Christine Sinicki (D)*,
Pat Snyder (R)*,
Angela Stroud (D)*,
Lisa Subeck (D)*,
Tim Carpenter (D),
Jesse James (R),
Chris Larson (D),
Cory Tomczyk (R),
Last Action
Received from Senate concurred in (on 03/18/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/asm/bill/ab759 |
| AB759 ROCP for Committee on Government Operations, Labor and Economic Development | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/records/senate/government_operations_labor_and_economic_development/1978005.pdf |
| Analysis - LC Amendment Memo | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/lcamendmentmemos/2025/REG/AB759.pdf |
| AB759 ROCP for Committee on Regulatory Licensing Reform On 1/15/2026 | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/records/assembly/regulatory_licensing_reform/1964407.pdf |
| Assembly Amendment 1 | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/amends/2025/REG/AB759-AA1.pdf |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/AB759.pdf |
| Fiscal Note - AB759: Fiscal Estimate From DSPS | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/fe/ab759/ab759_dsps.pdf |
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