Revision: March 18, 2024, 2:41 p.m.
Rep. C. Brown, Graf. 10
March 12, 2024
2024-1090h
06/05
Amendment to HB 1385-FN
Amend the title of the bill by replacing it with the following:
AN ACT relative to establishing the veteran licensing acceleration program and making an appropriation therefor.
Amend the bill by replacing all after the enacting clause with the following:
1 New Section; Veterans Licensing Acceleration Program. Amend RSA 110-B by inserting after section 90 the following new section:
110-B:91 Veterans Licensing Acceleration Program.
I. For this section:
(a) "Board" means a regulatory body with jurisdiction over professions within the office of professional licensure and certification under RSA 310.
(b) "License" shall include licenses, certifications or registrations required to practice a regulated occupation, or commensurate training and experience in a military occupational specialty as determined by the OPLC.
(c) "OPLC" means the office of professional licensure and certification.
(d) "Scope of practice" means the procedures, actions, processes, and work that a person may perform under an occupational license issued in this state.
(e) "Written confirmation" means confirmation by any writing, including email or text message.
II. The veteran licensing acceleration program (VLAP) is hereby established to provide accelerated licensing and certification processes for veterans seeking to enter licensed occupational professions overseen by boards organized under the OPLC.
III. VLAP shall be administered by the department of military affairs and veterans services, in consultation with the OPLC, United States Department of Veterans Affairs, relevant licensing boards, relevant educational institutions, state and national veterans service organizations, and relevant professional organizations. The department of military affairs and veterans services shall designate a VLAP administrator within its office.
IV. The VLAP administrator shall:
(a) Provide veterans with comprehensive resources and support to assist them in navigating the licensing process, including, but not limited to, the requirements of this section, as well as educational materials and access to mentors or subject matter experts;
(b) Collaborate with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and other appropriate agencies to provide employment counseling and assistance to participating veterans.
(c) Conduct an annual assessment of VLAP's impact on licensure and employment outcomes of participating veterans; and
(d) Submit an annual report to the senate and house of representatives committees with jurisdiction over veterans affairs detailing program activities, participant outcomes, and recommendations for program improvements; and
(e) Assist the OPLC in determining what military experience or training satisfies licensure requirements under RSA 310:16.
2 Military Service Members and Spousal Temporary Licensure. Amend RSA 310:16 to read as follows:
310:16 Military Service Members, [and Spousal Temporary Licensure] Spouse and Veterans.
I. The office of professional licensure and certification shall issue temporary licenses to a member of the armed forces or their spouse, if the applicant holds a current, valid unencumbered occupational or professional license in good standing issued by a state or territory of the United States, in accordance with rules adopted under RSA 541-A by the executive director [of the office of professional licensure and certification under RSA 541-A, provided that the]. Provided an applicant meets the requirements of this section, the executive director shall issue the temporary license within 30 days of having received an application or, if the applicant is subject to a criminal records check, within 14 days of having received the results of a criminal records check. The rules shall contain the following provisions:
[I.] (a) The applicant shall obtain a temporary license for a period of not less than 180 days while completing any requirements for licensure in New Hampshire so long as no cause for denial of a license exists under this title, or under any other law.
[II.] (b) The [license] applicant must submit a notarized affidavit affirming, under penalty of law, that the applicant is the person described and identified in the application, that all statements made on the application are true and correct and complete, that the applicant has read and understands the requirements for licensure, [and] certifies that they meet those requirements, and that the applicant is in good standing in all jurisdictions in which the applicant holds or has held a license or was not subject to discipline in a jurisdiction where the applicant previously held a license that resulted in the loss of licensure.
[III.] (c) The applicant may request a one-time 180-day extension of the temporary license if necessary to complete the New Hampshire licensing requirements. The applicant must make this request within 15 days prior to the [temporary license's] expiration date of the temporary license.
[IV.] (d) All individuals licensed under this section shall be subject to the jurisdiction of the state licensing body for that profession.
II. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, the executive director shall facilitate the issuance of a license or certification for a person:
(a) Licensed in a state other than New Hampshire;
(b) Whose spouse is a member of the armed forces in the United States;
(c) Whose spouse is the subject of a military transfer to New Hampshire; and
(d) Who left employment to accompany a spouse to New Hampshire.
III. The executive director shall, in consultation with the boards, councils, and commissions, adopt rules, under RSA 541-A for what constitutes commensurate military education, training, or service acceptable for the specific regulated occupation or profession, as required pursuant to RSA 332-G:7, I.
3 Appropriation. For the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, or effective upon receipt of sufficient funding, funds to implement and sustain the VLAP shall be appropriated from the general fund to the New Hampshire department of military affairs and veterans services. For each biennium thereafter, appropriations of state general funds for such program shall be made through the New Hampshire department of military affairs and veterans services biennial operating budget. Such funds shall be nonlapsing. The governor is authorized to draw a warrant for said sum out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated.
4 Effective Date. This act shall take effect July 1, 2024.
2024-1090h
AMENDED ANALYSIS
This bill establishes the veteran licensing acceleration program for occupational licensure administered by the office of professional licensure and certification, and makes an appropriation therefor.