Creates provisions relating to professional licenses issued to DACA recipients

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mark Boyko and 3 co-sponsors

Allows DACA recipients to apply for professional licenses in Missouri on equal terms with citizens, evaluated only on qualifications and competency.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)

#immigration #professionalregistrationandlicensing

Summary of HB 2518 (2026) – Missouri

main purpose and intent

To authorize DACA recipients to obtain professional licenses in Missouri on the same basis as U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents.

Establishes that licensing decisions for DACA recipients should be based on qualifications, education, and professional competency, without regard to immigration status.

Applies to license applications submitted on or after August 28, 2026.

key provisions and changes

Definitions:

“DACA recipient”: an individual protected from deportation under the DACA program who holds valid work authorization.
“License”: any license, certificate, registration, permit, or accreditation allowing lawful practice of a profession in Missouri.
“Oversight body”: any Missouri board, department, agency, or office that issues licenses.

Eligibility and equivalence:

A DACA recipient who meets all educational and professional requirements for a licensed occupation is eligible for licensure on the same basis as U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents.

Consideration of applications:

All oversight bodies must consider license applications from DACA recipients without regard to citizenship or immigration status.

Evaluation criteria:

Applications from DACA recipients must be evaluated solely on qualifications, education, and professional competency.
DACA recipients shall not be subject to additional or separate requirements beyond those imposed on citizens or legal permanent residents.

Rights and protections:

DACA recipients who receive licenses have the same rights, responsibilities, and protections as other licensees.

Licensing terms:

Licenses granted under these provisions are renewable and valid for the same duration as licenses for U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents, assuming the licensee maintains valid work authorization.

Implementation and rulemaking:

The Department of Commerce and Insurance, with oversight bodies, must issue rules to implement this section.
Rules must comply with Missouri’s administrative rulemaking process and are subject to the state’s rule review provisions.
The rulemaking authority is nonseverable from the bill; if constitutional issues invalidate rulemaking, related provisions become void.

who is affected

DACA recipients seeking professional licensing in Missouri.

State oversight bodies that issue professional licenses (boards, departments, and agencies).

Employers and industries relying on licensed professionals, indirectly affected through expanded licensure eligibility.

procedural and timeline aspects

Effective date for applicability: license applications submitted on or after August 28, 2026.

Requires rulemaking by the Department of Commerce and Insurance and relevant oversight bodies to implement the provisions.

References an approach compatible with general licensing practices (renewals, duration tied to standard license periods, contingent on valid work authorization).

additional context

This bill is positioned as a Missouri-specific expansion of licensure eligibility for DACA recipients.

It mirrors concepts found in prior related legislation (HB 811, 2025) and aligns with a broader policy goal of equal licensure consideration regardless of immigration status.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with current Missouri licensure requirements or summarize potential practical implications for specific professions.