SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 2524

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As of February 14, 2012

Title: An act relating to military spouses or registered domestic partners occupational licensing status during deployment or placement outside Washington state.

Brief Description: Concerning military spouses or registered domestic partners occupational licensing status during deployment or placement outside Washington state.

Sponsors: Representatives Orwall, Bailey, Hudgins, Hurst, Kenney and Kelley; by request of Department of Veterans Affairs.

Brief History: Passed House: 2/09/12, 97-0.

Committee Activity: Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections:

SENATE COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS, TRIBAL RELATIONS & ELECTIONS

Staff: Sharon Swanson (786-7447)

Background: The Department of Licensing (DOL) regulates certain businesses and professions. Each regulated business and profession has a separate set of laws and separate licensing requirements. Some businesses and professions are under the authority of the Director of the DOL while others are under a board or commission charged with regulating the particular business or profession.

Licensing requirements for professions vary considerably. Some licenses require college-level coursework and experience. Other professions might require an examination, a surety bond, minimum safety standards, or other requirements, but do not require that the applicants have specific training or experience to be licensed.

Summary of Bill: Service in the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps is added to the service that qualifies for a moratorium on the expiration of a license for the Department of Health (DOH) and DOL licensees.

License moratoriums parallel to the moratoriums for service members are created for the spouse or registered domestic partner of a service member while the service member is deployed or stationed outside of the state. The licensed spouse or registered domestic partner status may have their license placed on inactive status until the service is ended.

DOH must return the license of the spouse or registered domestic partner of a service member to active status if the spouse or registered domestic partner:

The Director of DOL and the various boards and commissions may adopt rules to implement this act for DOL licenses.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.