Bill description: HB 248 would establish the Occupational Licensing Reform Act and would reduce barriers to licensure for military members, veterans, and their spouses.

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Does it increase barriers to entry into the market? Examples include occupational licensure, the minimum wage, and restrictions on home businesses. Conversely, does it remove barriers to entry into the market?

Under current law, licensing authorities are not required to recognize the training, education, and experience that members of the military receive. For example, if a veteran who has spent seven years in the army as a medic comes back to Idaho after being discharged from active duty, the state licensing boards do not have to recognize that person’s experience when they consider granting a license to practice as a nurse, doctor, or other health care professional.

HB 248 would require licensing boards and agencies to take veterans’ experience into account for relevant licenses. It would also provide for an expedited process for granting licenses to recently discharged military members, current military members, and their spouses.

By taking the steps to ensure that licensing boards recognize the training, education, and experience of military members and their spouses, HB 248 would lower the barrier to employment these persons face.

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