A new proposal by Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont advocates to change the state’s professional licensing requirements, including expediting the process for recognizing licenses from other states, The Day reports.
In a public hearing of the General Assembly’s General Law Committee, Bob Ross, executive director of the state’s Office of Military Affairs and Association of Defense Communities vice president, explained that current state laws gives Connecticut has a poor score when it comes to providing employment accommodation for new residents, especially military families.
“Military installations could experience growth or reductions, even closures, based in part on how well the state promotes and expands economic opportunity for military spouses in licensed occupations,” said Ross.
The proposal would allow new residents to apply for a license from the state Department of Consumer Protection or state Department of Public Health, provided they have practiced in good standing for one year and hold a license from another state.
In 2018 Connecticut adopted a rule allowing military spouses of active-duty service members to apply for a temporary law license valid for up to three years without having to take the Connecticut bar exam, but has seen only five applications.
“Military spouse occupational license reciprocity has long been an initiative of the Department of Defense, as it contributes to service members’ quality of life and retention in the armed forces,” said Maj. Gen. Francis Evon, adjutant general of the Connecticut National Guard.
Photo by Lance Cpl. Jackeline M. Perez Rivera/Marine Corps
