HR5035-119

What This Bill Does

The Veteran and Spouse Licensing Flexibility Act creates interstate professional license portability for veterans and spouses of veterans who relocate within 36 months of the veteran's discharge or release. If the veteran or spouse holds a covered license in good standing and submits required documentation to the new state's licensing authority, the license is treated as valid for the same scope of practice in the new state. If the licensing authority cannot carry out that recognition within 30 days, it must issue a temporary license with the same rights, privileges, and responsibilities as a permanent license. Required materials include the veteran's DD Form 214 or successor form, marriage certificate and discharge or release orders for spouses, and a notarized affidavit about identity, truthfulness, understanding of requirements and scope of practice, compliance, and good standing. Licensing authorities may conduct background checks. Covered licenses exclude revoked, disciplined, pending-investigation, or surrendered-under-investigation licenses.

Who Benefits and How

Veteran license holders benefit because professional licenses can remain valid after moving to another state within 36 months of discharge or release. Veteran spouses with licenses benefit from the same portability when they relocate after the veteran's discharge or release. Military families benefit from reduced employment disruption during post-service relocation. Employers hiring licensed veterans benefit from faster access to workers with portable professional credentials.

Who Bears the Burden and How

State licensing authorities must review applications and recognize covered licenses or issue temporary licenses within 30 days. Veteran applicants must provide DD Form 214 documentation, affidavits, and good-standing information. Spouse applicants must provide marriage documentation and discharge or release orders naming the spouse. Professional licensing boards must monitor background checks and scope-of-practice compliance for incoming licensees.

Key Provisions

• Requires covered licenses to be treated as valid when veterans or spouses relocate within 36 months of discharge or release.
• Requires temporary licenses if recognition cannot be completed within 30 days.
• Requires DD Form 214, spouse documentation, notarized affidavits, and good-standing certifications.
• Allows state licensing authorities to conduct background checks.
• Excludes licenses with revocation, discipline, pending investigation, or surrender under investigation.