Relates to licensing by military spouses

9 Co-sponsors

• George Amedore
• Thomas Croci
• Rich Funke
• Timothy M. Kennedy
• William J. Larkin Jr.
• Terrence P. Murphy
• Thomas F. O'Mara
• Robert Ortt
• Michael H. Ranzenhofer

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to expedited licensing by certain military spouses

Purpose

The purpose of this bill is to provide for the expedited licensing of military spouses with out-of-state professional licenses in equivalent occupations.

Summary of provisions

Section 6501 of the education law, as amended by chapter 81 of the laws of 1995, is amended to provide an expedited review of an application for a license to any applicant who is the spouse of an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States, national guard or reserves who is transferred to this state. The applicant would submit evidence of licensure to practice an equivalent occupation issued by any other state, territory, protectorate or dependency of the United States.

In addition to the expedited review of the application, an applicant who has a license in good standing from another state shall be granted a temporary practice permit for a 6 month period, after which time, if secure direct source verification of equivalency is obtained, the full license shall be granted to the applicant. An additional 6 month period may be requested if necessary.

The bill provides that the initial licensure fee for applications submitted by spouses of active duty military personnel will be reduced by half of the normal fee.

*This bill now relates only to professions which are licensed through the Department of Education. The sections of the bill which amended the general business, insurance and real estate sections of law are omitted in this amended version. Chapter 328 of the Laws of 2104 allowed individuals residing in the household of a military service member to be licensed in professions which are regulated by the Department of State.

Justification

Many occupations require a state license, often with state-specific conditions and processes, which can cause lengthy re-employment delays for military spouses moving between states. These delays and the expense of relicensure cause many military spouses to not practice in their professions. Through collaborative efforts with 27 states, the Department of Defense has collected best practices that can reduce the time required for a military spouse to transfer a current license when entering a new state. These practices do not impact the standards of the state, still require military spouses to fully qualify within their occupations, and can be implemented at little or no cost to the state. This legislation allows New York State to modify licensing requirements and processes, which would otherwise impede qualified military spouses from becoming employed following a military move to a new state.

Legislative history

2013-2014: S.5205/ A.9455

Fiscal implications

To be determined

Effective date

180 days after enactment