Bill qualifies Licensing for Military Spouses
/Measure adds reciprocity between state governments for military spouses and certification
Salem, Ore. – HB 3030 passed in a unanimous vote on the House Floor on Thursday. The bill was chief-sponsored by Rep. E. Werner Reschke (R-Klamath Falls) who worked with Rep. McLane, Klamath County Commissioners, and Col. Jeff Smith, Commander 173rd Fighter Wing.
“Many military spouses work as professionals across industries, from teaching and nursing to physical therapy and cosmetology. Frequent relocation’s of military families from one base to another causes a burden on the active member's spouse. Certification does not automatically transfer to Oregon”, said Rep. Reschke.
HB 3030 provides for active military families by allowing state professional licensing boards to issue temporary authorization for work if a person meets all four of the following criteria: Spouse of U.S. Armed Forces member stationed in Oregon, Holds current authorization issued by another state, Provides board sufficient proof that person is in good standing with out-of-state licensing board, Has demonstrated competency.
“Despite their level of education, nearly one-third of military spouses are underemployed.”
“When I talked with Heather Wilson, who visited Kingsley Field Air National Guard Base last November, she said there is a need for reciprocal licensing between state governments for military spouses and that lowering employment barriers for military spouses is incredibly important to the Air Force. I sponsored this bill to deliver on that request, by allowing out-of-state licenses to become temporary in-state licenses for military spouses so they can enter the work force without the delays associated with applying for a new license. I am honored to play a role in helping Oregon’s military bases strongly advocate for future missions”, said Rep. Reschke.
Press release provided from the Office of Representative E. Werner Reschke (R), District 56 .