Panel approves 30-day expedited licensure for military members and spouses

The Senate Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs Committee voted 5-0 to pass Senate File 119, a bill that requires professional occupational licensing boards to issue a license or a temporary practice permit within 30 days to qualifying military service members and their spouses.

The bill’s sponsor, Senator Vohner, told the committee the measure is intended to address delays that prevent military spouses and recently separated service members from working soon after a permanent change of station or relocation. "If you're doing as short of a tour as two years sometimes at a place like Warren Air Force Base, that makes it very difficult for your family to find work," Vohner said, explaining the bill aligns state statute with recent federal expectations that permit issuance occur within 30 days when an applicant already holds a similar out-of-state license.

Under the bill, an applicant qualifies if they are a military service member or spouse,…