SB 23

Abstract

Amends the Attorney Act. Deletes language providing that no person shall be entitled to receive a license to practice law unless the person is a citizen of the United States or unless the person has made a declaration of intention to become a citizen or unless, having made such declaration of intention, he or she has filed a petition for naturalization within thirty days after becoming eligible to do so and until he shall have obtained a certificate of good moral character from a circuit court. Provides instead that no person shall be prohibited from receiving a license solely because he or she is not a citizen of the United States. Provides that the Illinois Supreme Court may grant a license to a person who, in addition to fulfilling the requirements to practice law within this State, satisfies the following requirements: (1) the United States Department of Homeland Security has approved the person's request for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals; (2) the person's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals has not expired or has been properly renewed; and (3) the person has a current and valid employment authorization document issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service. Provides that the provisions concerning the issuance of a license to a person granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals is a state law for purposes of the federal statute governing the eligibility of nonresident aliens for state and local public benefits. Requests that the Illinois Supreme Court promulgate any orders or rules necessary to implement the amendatory Act.