AR HB1757

Authorizes the Arkansas Department of Education to grant teaching licenses to individuals approved for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status who meet all other state teaching requirements.

Requires applicants to have valid DACA approval from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, current and valid employment authorization, and non-expired or properly renewed exemption status.

Declares the licensing provision a state law under 8 U.S.C. § 1621(d) as of January 1, 2019, to comply with federal law requirements.

Directs the Department of Education to promulgate rules implementing this section, with final rules to be filed with the Secretary of State by January 1, 2020, or as soon as practicable after Legislative Council approval.

Addresses Arkansas's teacher shortage by allowing work-authorized DACA recipients to obtain teaching licenses and remain in the state rather than leaving after completing professional coursework.