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Rep. Mary Murphy Bill to Expedite Licenses for Military and Spouses Passes Full House

Friday, April 25, 2014

ST. PAUL – Today, the Minnesota House unanimously (123-0) supported a bill to expedite license processing for military personnel and their spouses.  The bill (HF 2365) was authored by Rep. Mary Murphy (DFL- Hermantown).

“We are trying to help military families that are relocated in Minnesota get their licensures for work in a faster manner,” said Rep. Murphy. “We want to help if they require licensure for an occupation they’ve already been licensed for in another state.  We’re asking that they be put at the head of the line.”

The legislation would direct licensing boards to establish procedures to expedite the issuance of professional licenses and certificates for services regulated by each board to active duty military members, their spouses and veterans who left service within the past two years with an honorable discharge. 

The bill follows the release of a report from the federal Department of Defense and Treasury that suggested a number of changes states could make to better support military spouses working in professions that require state licensure and certification, such as dentistry, nursing, or psychology.

“So often, military life requires frequent moves, and occupational licenses do not always transfer from state to state,” said Rep. Murphy.  “Lieutenant Governor Prettner Solon has been a leader on implementing the recommendations of this report, and we are hopeful this bill will help reduce the unemployment or underemployment military personnel and spouses frequently face.”

The bill now awaits a hearing in the Minnesota Senate.

Rep. Mary Murphy can be reached at 651-296-2676 or rep.mary.murphy@house.mn