Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Community Development, Housing & Tribal Affairs Committee |
SB 5359
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. |
Brief Description: Requiring annual reporting on the implementation of laws to streamline licensing processes for military service members and their spouses.
Sponsors: Senators Conway, Zeiger, Bailey, Rolfes, Hobbs and Kuderer.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/14/17
Staff: Sean Flynn (786-7124).
Background:
In 2011 the Legislature directed the Departments of Licensing and Health (Departments) to accept military training or experience towards licensing or certification requirements for certain business and health professions if the training and experience is substantially equivalent to the state licensing standards.
The same year, the Departments were required 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.
Summary of Bill:
The Departments must submit biennial reports to the Legislature and annual reports to the Council providing updates on the progress of implementing the licensing process for veterans and military spouses. The Departments also must provide annual updates before the JCVMA.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.