Requires colleges, vocational institutions and other approved programs to provide credits or exemptions for comparable military training

Summary of provisions

Section One - states this bill would add a new section 669-e to the education law to provide that every veteran who is enrolled on a full- time basis as an undergraduate student in good standing, at an institu- tion within the state university system, shall upon application and approval of the chancellor, or his or her designee, be granted up to six academic credits per semester towards his or her degree for completion of courses that were part of such veteran's military training or service. In determining the approval of such veteran's application, the chancellor, or his or her designee, shall consider the standards of the American council on education. No lee, tuition or other charge shall be assessed against a veteran who qualifies for such credit pursuant to this section.

Section Two - amends section 6505-c of the education law to expand the currently required Articulation between military and civilian profes- sional careers to include programs which may provide, where applicable, equivalent education and training for those professions which would promote the economic development, job creation or technological advance- ment of business in the state of New York, and to further provide that in their determination of which military programs provide equivalent education and training, the commissioner and the director shall consider the standards of the American council on education.

Section Three - states this bill would add a new section 6505-d to the education law, to expand the articulation performed for veterans under section 6505-c to practice of a profession by spouse of a veteran.

Section Four - states this bill would add a new Article 2-A to the general business law to provide the same articulation performed for veterans and veterans spouses under section 6505-c and 6505-d of the education law, to be performed by the secretary of state with respect to licensing, certification and registration under the general business law.

Section Five - amends section 304-a of the vehicle and traffic law, to provide that the commissioner of motor vehicles may, by regulation, establish standards of competency and fitness for certification as an inspector; provided, however, that any person who was a member of the armed forces of the United States, national and or reserves and who by military training and practice acquired the skills of a motor vehicle inspector shall be certified by the commissioner as an inspector.

Section Six - amends section 398-d of the vehicle and traffic law, to provide that every person who was a member of the armed forces of the United States, national guard or reserves and who by military training and practice acquires the skills of a motor vehicle mechanic shall be deemed to be qualified to perform work upon motor vehicles at motor vehicle repair shops.

Section Seven - amends section 3002 of the public health law, to provide that any person who was a member of the armed forces of the United States, national guard or reserves and who by military training and practice was a medic or corpsman shall be certified, without examina- tion, by the state council and regional councils as a first responder or emergency medical technician.

Section Eight - amends section 236-a of the county law, to provide that the counties of Dutchess and Westchester shall provide for the licens- ing, without examination, as a master electrician of any person who was a member of the armed forces of the United States, national guard or reserves and who by military training and practice acquired the skills of an electrician.

Section Nine - amends the general city law, to provide that any person who was a member of the armed forces of the United States, national guard or reserves and who by military training and practice acquired the skills of a plumber shall be certified as competent without examination.

Justification

Recently discharged military service members are frequently delayed in obtaining post-Service employment, even though they have applicable military education, training and experience which can qualify them for licenses and/or provide academic credit toward degree requirements. The Department of Defense of Military Services provide each Service member a transcript of their experience and train- ing; however, these transcripts are not always adequate for civilian institutions to assess for possible academic credit and by licensing boards to assess for license requirements. This bill would allow Service members to obtain credit toward occupational licenses based on their military education, training and experience.

Legislative history

This is a new bill.

Fiscal implications

None noted.

Effective date

This act would take effect on the first of January next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law.