Committee advances 30-day expedited licensure measure for military members and spouses

Senate File 119, a bill to expedite professional licensure for military members and their spouses, was passed by the Senate Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs Committee after testimony from lawmakers, military officials and affected spouses.

The bill requires a professional licensing board to issue a license or a temporary practice permit within 30 days of receiving a complete application from a qualifying military service member or spouse, and sets July 1, 2025, as the bill's effective date.

The measure defines eligible applicants to include active-duty service members and their spouses, and extends eligibility to people who were released from military service within two years and were honorably discharged. It also directs boards to adopt rules, require online applications, and accept military training as part of education or training qualifications where applicable.

"When you have a military family who's moving from base to base ... it could be difficult if their spouse is a professional…