Bill > S1504

This bill aims to streamline the licensing process for military members and veterans in Florida by allowing for credit for relevant military training and experience, and by creating specific pathways for licensure. For healthcare practitioners, it expands eligibility for licensure by allowing those with military training or experience substantially equivalent to state requirements, and who have passed a national standards exam if required, to be licensed even if their specific military profession didn't require state licensure. Similarly, for spouses of active-duty military members, it broadens the criteria for temporary professional licenses to include those with equivalent training or experience. The bill also mandates that licensing boards for construction and electrical contractors, as well as other professions regulated by the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), must establish methods for honorably discharged veterans to apply for licensure by giving credit for substantially similar military training and education, identifying any gaps in requirements, and assisting veterans in finding programs to meet those gaps. Furthermore, these boards and the DBPR are required to report annually on their efforts to assist veteran applicants, including statistics on approvals, denials, and processing times. Finally, a pilot program is established to offer commercial driver's license testing at National Guard facilities, with a report on its effectiveness due by June 30, 2018.