LANSING - In honor of Veteran’s Day, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced legislation that reduces barriers to licensures for servicemembers, Veterans ad dependents.

The legislation was sponsored by Representative Andrea Schroeder of Independence Township, Rep. Sarah Anthony of Lansing, Sen. John Bizon of Battle Creek and Sen. Adam Hollier of Detroit.

The legislation will allow veterans, servicemembers and dependents to receive license reciprocity in Michigan. To be eligible, members must have a valid occupational license in another state, are in good standing with no pending disciplinary action and demonstrate competency in their profession through training or work experience.

“Our military members put our lives on the line for our families and we as leaders have a duty that those military families have the support they need especially when our military members return home,” Whitmer said.

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Director Orlene Hawks said it’s critical to honor our veterans not just on Veteran’s Day but everyday.

“What a great way to honor our military personnel and their families with this proposed package of bills,” LARA Director Orlene Hawks said. “The legislation today is a meaningful step we are taking to acknowledge those individuals and families who have served our country and recognize the talent they bring to our state.”

“With these bills, we are helping our veteran and military families by removing the government red tape preventing them from continuing their careers here in Michigan,” said Sen. John Bizon (R-Battle Creek). “Military spouses in professions that require licensure can be left jobless with a sudden move to a new state. These bills would help ease their transition and financial burdens by allowing military family members to pick up their careers in Michigan without unnecessary delay.

Examples of licensing resources include:
• Utilizing military experience towards licensing
• Providing an exemption for renewal fees while on active duty
• Providing an exemption for continuing education requirements while on active duty
• Granting temporary licenses for active duty military personnel's spouses
• Granting a waiver for the initial license or initial registration fee for veterans
• Granting a waiver for the initial application processing fee for veterans
• Providing a reimbursement from Federal Department of Veterans Affairs for required and paid for examination fees.