SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5970
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 January 22, 2014
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: Senators O'Ban, McCoy, Schoesler, Hobbs, Hatfield, Conway, Rolfes, Holmquist Newbry and Braun.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Commerce & Labor: 1/20/14.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR |
Staff: Mac Nicholson (786-7445)
Background: In 2011 legislation was enacted directing certain state agency licensing authorities to establish procedures to expedite the issuance of professional service licenses to military spouses who are licensed in another state and moved to Washington because of a military transfer. The state agencies subject to legislation include the Department of Licensing, the Department of Health, and other regulatory boards or commissions who regulate a broad variety of business and health professions.
The 2011 legislation also allowed military training or experience to satisfy licensing requirements for specific enumerated professions unless it was determined that the military training or experience was not substantially equivalent to Washington standards.
Summary of Bill: Military training and experience must satisfy licensing requirements for all business or professional licenses issued under Title 18 RCW if:
the applicant provides sufficient documentation of training, work experience, or qualification to perform a job or specialized duty; and
the training, work experience, or qualification is substantially equivalent to that needed for Washington licensure.
If the licensing authority determines the applicant's submitted documentation does not demonstrate military training or experience that is substantially equivalent to that needed for in-state licensure, the applicant must be notified and provided an opportunity to submit additional documentation or information.
Licensing authorities must maintain a list of all military training programs, certificates, awards, or work experience that have been examined and approved as fulfilling a requirement for obtaining a professional license. The list must be submitted to the Department of Veterans Affairs annually.
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: This bill takes another step toward providing help for our veterans as they transition out of the military and move back to our state. We undervalue the experience that service members get while in the military, and we need to value that appropriately as a state and as employers. We want to encourage veterans to settle in Washington; it will benefit the workforce and the state.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator O'Ban, prime sponsor.
Signed In, Unable to Testify & Submitted Written Testimony: PRO: Mark San Souci, Dept. of Defense State Liaison Office.