HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1978
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 Reported by House Committee On:
Community Development, Housing & Tribal Affairs
Title: An act relating to requiring annual reporting on the implementation of laws to streamline licensing processes for military service members and their spouses.
Brief Description: Requiring annual reporting on the implementation of laws to streamline licensing processes for military service members and their spouses.
Sponsors: Representatives Kilduff, McCabe, Ryu, Muri, Orwall and Reeves.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
Community Development, Housing & Tribal Affairs: 2/15/17, 2/16/17 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, HOUSING & TRIBAL AFFAIRS |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 7 members: Representatives Ryu, Chair; Macri, Vice Chair; McCabe, Ranking Minority Member; Barkis, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Jenkin, Reeves and Sawyer.
Staff: Sean Flynn (786-7124).
Background:
In 2011 the Legislature directed the departments of Licensing and Health (Departments) to establish procedures for expediting licensing, certification, or registration in certain business and health-related professions for spouses of military members subject to an interstate transfer who have a professional license for such professional services in another state. Each authorizing board or commission within the Departments must develop rules to issue a temporary license to allow the military spouse with an out-of-state professional license to practice in-state for a period of time, while completing any additional reporting or licensing requirements that were not required in the prior state.
The Washington State Military Transition Council (Council) was created in 2013 by executive order to develop innovative ideas to increase veteran employment opportunities by connecting state agencies with other governmental entities, private and nonprofit organizations, as well as the Department of Defense. The Director of the Department of Veterans Affairs is the chair of the Council.
The Joint Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs (JCVMA) was created in 2005 to study issues related to veterans and military forces, as well as the administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Military Department. The JCVMA conducts meetings during the legislative interim and makes recommendations to the Legislature for consideration during the upcoming legislative session.
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Summary of Bill:
The departments of Licensing and Health (Departments) must submit biennial reports to the Legislature and the Washington State Military Transition Council to provide updates on the progress of implementing the licensing process for military spouses with out-of-state professional licenses. The Departments also must appear annually before the Joint Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs to provide progress reports.
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Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) The underlying legislation allowing military spouses to practice in licensed professions with out-of-state credentials helps to break down barriers for spouses whose families are transferred to the state and allows them to continue employment in their professions. It also mitigates the hardship that transferring has on a career and protects against unemployment. This additional reporting component on the progress of the licensing program will add accountability and ensure the program is working for military spouses.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Kilduff, prime sponsor.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.