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Committee advances bill to let people with lawful status, including DACA recipients, obtain professional licenses
Summary
HB 17‑35 would allow people who are legally present in the United States to receive occupational and professional licenses in Arkansas; supporters cited workforce shortages and presented economic and personal testimony; the committee passed the bill.
Representative Lee Johnson (District 75) told the committee HB 17‑35 is modeled on a successful process in the state trauma system and would enable a similar confidential data‑review and feedback process for prehospital medicine and expand licensure access for individuals with lawful presence. "This bill is designed to mirror process... we have within the trauma system something called the preventable mortality committee," Representative Johnson said as he described confidentiality and feedback aims.
Mireya Wright, founder and executive director of Arkansas United, and Dr. Jake Walker of the Arkansas Research Center both testified in support. Dr. Walker provided demographic and economic context, saying immigrant households contribute significantly to state tax receipts and workforce participation. "Currently, we have about 10% of our population being either immigrants or children of immigrants...they represent $3,100,000,000 in spending power after taxes in our state," Dr. Walker told the committee.
Javier Luna, a DACA recipient and high‑school senior, gave personal testimony about his life in Arkansas and his aspiration to study civil engineering. "All the memories I've made, all the bonds I've created...my home has always been The United States," Luna said.
Committee members asked a few procedural questions but took no opposing testimony; Senator Hester moved to pass the bill and the committee approved it by voice vote. The bill will continue through the Senate process.
