SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1859

As of March 28, 2013

Title: An act relating to evaluating military training and experience toward meeting licensing requirements.

Brief Description: Evaluating military training and experience toward meeting licensing requirements.

Sponsors: Representatives McCoy, Appleton, Morrell, Ryu and Ormsby.

Brief History: Passed House: 3/13/13, 97-0.

Committee Activity: Governmental Operations: 3/28/13.

Staff: Samuel Brown (786-7470)

Background: The Department of Licensing (DOL) regulates a variety of businesses and professions, while the Department of Health (DOH) regulates a variety of health professions. Each regulated business or profession has a separate set of laws and licensing requirements. While some businesses and professions are under DOL or DOH authority, others are under a board or commission charged with regulating that particular business or profession. Title 18 RCW includes the regulation of a broad array of businesses and professions.

Licensing requirements for various businesses and professions vary considerably. Some licenses require college-level or equivalent coursework and specific experience. Others require some level of training, clinical training, or work experience. Still other professions require an examination, a surety bond, minimum safety standards, or other miscellaneous requirements, but do not require specific training or experience levels for a license.

Military training or experience satisfies the training and experience requirements of certain professional licenses unless DOL, DOH, or another applicable regulatory body determines the training or experience is not substantially equivalent to state standards. The designated professions are denturists, dispensing opticians, ocularists, pharmacy assistants, physician assistants, osteopathic physician assistants, emergency medical technicians, radiologic technologists, nursing assistants, respiratory care practitioners, health care assistants, surgical technologists, dental assistants, expanded function dental auxiliaries, physical therapists, physical therapy assistants, architects, cosmetologists, barbers, manicurists, estheticians, engineers, land surveyors, security guards, auctioneers, embalmers and funeral directors, real estate brokers and managing brokers, landscape architects, appraisers, court reporters, private investigators, bail bond agents, on-site wastewater treatment system designers, geologists, home inspectors, body piercing and tattooing licensees, camping resort salespersons, notaries public, driver training school instructors, timeshare salespersons, and boxing, martial arts, and wrestling licensees. Some of these professions are regulated in Title 18 RCW, while others are regulated in different parts of the code.

Summary of Bill: For all businesses and professions licensed under Title 18 RCW, military training and experience must be recognized as satisfying any or all requirements for obtaining a professional license, certificate, registration, or permit if:

• the applicant provides documentation of completion of a military training or education program, experience working in an occupational or professional field in military service, a certificate or other acknowledgement of qualification, or any other relevant training and experience; and

• the training, experience, or other qualification is substantially equivalent to the requirements in state law.

If these conditions are met, military training and experience must also be recognized as satisfying any or all requirements for obtaining a professional license, certificate, registration, or permit for the following professions:

• camping resort salespersons;

• notaries public;

• driver training school instructors;

• timeshare salespersons; and

• boxing, martial arts, and wrestling licensees.

If the board, commission, or other authority responsible for issuing the license determines that the training or experience is not substantially equivalent, it must inform the applicant in writing, identify the unmet criteria, and permit the applicant to submit additional documentation or information.

Each board, commission, or other authority must develop procedures to evaluate military training and experience and maintain a list of military training programs, certificates, awards, and work experience that it approves in an application. The list must be submitted to the Department of Military Affairs annually on December 1.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: We are going to have a huge influx of troops coming home and leaving the service. While in the service, they gain lots of skills and there is no reason to have them go through a whole new training regimen to take the test. This way, they can get their licenses and be productive members of society.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative McCoy, prime sponsor.