summary
Introduced
03/31/2025
03/31/2025
In Committee
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
AN ACT To amend Chapters 14 and 41 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to electrical contractors, plumbers, conditioned air contractors, low-voltage contractors, and utility contractors and residential and commercial general contractors, respectively, so as to revise provisions relating to the issuance of certain professional licenses based on specialties or certifications obtained during service in the military; to provide for the issuance of additional professional licenses based on such specialties or certifications; to streamline the process of identifying such specialties or certifications that qualify for the issuances of such licenses; to provide a short title; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
AI Summary
This bill, known as the Patriots in Trades Act, aims to simplify and expand professional licensing opportunities for military service members in Georgia, specifically for trades such as electrical contracting, plumbing, air conditioning, low-voltage work, utility contracting, and residential/commercial general contracting. The legislation requires each licensing board division to create and maintain a public list of military specialties and certifications that meet or exceed state licensing requirements by January 1, 2026, and to review and update this list annually starting in 2027. Current and former military members with qualifying specialties can now apply for professional licenses within four years of discharge (extended from previous shorter timeframes), and the licensing boards must expedite the license issuance process if the applicant meets the specified criteria. The bill broadens the previous approach by removing a complex committee-based review process and instead directs licensing boards to directly evaluate military training, experience, and testing. Importantly, applicants must still satisfy financial and insurance requirements, and after initial licensing, they will be subject to standard license renewal procedures. The legislation reflects a commitment to recognizing and facilitating career transitions for military veterans by reducing bureaucratic barriers to professional licensure.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
House Second Readers (on 04/04/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/71915 |
| BillText | https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20252026/238354 |
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