H.R. 5035: Veteran and Spouse Licensing Flexibility Act of 2025

The Veteran and Spouse Licensing Flexibility Act of 2025 aims to make it easier for veterans and their spouses who have professional licenses to continue working in their fields when they move to a different state after the veteran's discharge. Here’s a breakdown of the main points of the bill:

1. Portability of Professional Licenses

If a veteran or their spouse has a valid professional license and moves to another state within 36 months after the veteran's discharge, that license will be recognized as valid in the new state. To do this, they must apply to the state licensing authority where they move.

2. Temporary Licenses

If the new state cannot process the application within 30 days, it is required to issue a temporary license that grants the same rights and responsibilities as the permanent license. This ensures the veteran or spouse can start working while waiting for the full approval.

3. Application Process

The application to recognize the license must include:

• A copy of the veteran’s discharge document (DD Form 214).
• If applying as a spouse, a marriage certificate and military orders mentioning the spouse.
• A notarized affidavit confirming their identity, the accuracy of the application, understanding of the new state's requirements, commitment to comply with those requirements, and assurance of good standing with any existing licenses in other states.

4. Background Checks

The licensing authority in the new state may conduct a background check on the veteran or the spouse before issuing a new license or temporary license.

5. Definitions

Several terms used in the bill are defined for clarity, including:

• Armed Forces: Military service as defined in existing law.
• Covered license: A professional license that is currently valid and in good standing, without pending investigations or disciplinary actions.
• Licensing authority: The state agency responsible for regulating and issuing professional licenses.
• Scope of practice: The specific activities that a licensed individual is authorized to perform.
• Veteran: A person who has served honorably in the military and has been discharged.

6. Additional Provisions

The bill does not alter the existing requirements for licensing in the new state but rather simplifies the process for recognizing licenses held by veterans and their spouses.

Relevant Companies

• None found