Kansas 2025-2026 Regular Session

Kansas House Bill HB2280

Introduced

2/5/25

Refer

2/5/25

Report Pass

2/11/25

Engrossed

2/19/25

Refer

2/20/25

Report Pass

3/13/25

Enrolled

4/10/25

Passed

4/10/25

Caption

Adding a citation to the code of federal regulations to the definition of veteran and disabled veteran and removing the active requirement from military service members for occupational licensure.

Impact

The bill's provisions are expected to significantly impact state laws regarding the licensure of veterans and servicemembers. By aligning definitions with federal standards and eliminating the active requirement, the bill opens doors for many military personnel to obtain licenses more readily, potentially filling gaps in various professional fields that face personnel shortages. It may also serve to honor and support the contributions of veterans by enhancing their employability and integration into civilian life.

Summary

House Bill 2280 aims to modify the definition of 'veteran' and 'disabled veteran,' aligning state law with federal regulations by incorporating specific citations from the Code of Federal Regulations. Additionally, it seeks to remove the active-duty service requirement for military servicemembers when applying for occupational licensure in Kansas. This change is intended to streamline the licensure process for those who have served in the armed forces, making it easier for veterans and military personnel to enter the workforce in Kansas.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around HB 2280 has been supportive among veteran advocacy groups and those concerned with the integration of military personnel into the state's workforce. Proponents argue that the bill recognizes the sacrifices of servicemembers and provides them with the necessary tools to succeed in civilian occupations. However, some concerns have been raised about the potential implications of altering licensing requirements, suggesting that the bill should ensure rigorous standards are maintained for public safety.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between facilitating access to occupational licensure for veterans and ensuring that public safety is not compromised by relaxing requirements. Critics may express the need for caution, arguing that licensure standards should still reflect adequate training and qualifications. Moreover, discussions might also center on the implications of such changes on current professionals and how they might affect the job market within specific sectors.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KS HB2392

Providing for the 1st Infantry Division and the armed services occupation medal distinctive license plates and relating to the definition of veteran and disabled veteran in certain statutes.

KS HB2759

Modifying the definition of veteran and disabled veteran to create a common definition for each term and clarifying disability evaluations for benefits granted to disabled veterans.

KS HB2833

Modifying the definition of veteran and disabled veteran to create a common definition for each term and clarifying disability evaluations for benefits granted to disabled veterans.

KS HB2760

Prescribing documentation requirements to determine eligibility for any benefit derived from a service-connected disability, requiring that federal disability determinations for veterans be probative, establishing the Kansas office of veterans services, updating references and corresponding changes relating to the transfer of powers and duties from the Kansas commission on veterans affairs office to the Kansas office of veterans services, updating the veterans claims assistance program to include references to veterans affairs medical centers and cross-accreditation requirements, modifying the definition of veteran and disabled veteran, clarifying disability evaluations for benefits granted to disabled veterans and updating the definition of armed forces to include the space force.

KS HB2482

Providing for the 1st Infantry Division and the armed services occupation medal distinctive license plates.

KS HB2745

Providing that military spouses of active military servicemembers shall be exempted from all occupational licensing, registration and certification fees.

KS HB2039

Designating Lehigh Portland state park and exempting disabled veterans from certain requirements and fees relating to hunting and fishing licenses.

KS SB508

Permitting homeless veterans to use alternative forms of proof of identity and residency when applying for nondriver identification cards and eliminating fees for homeless veterans to obtain birth certificates and nondriver identification cards.

KS HB2826

Making amendments to the elevator safety act concerning the definition of elevator, licensure requirements, inspection and testing requirements and adoption of rules and regulations.

KS HB2558

Providing for the armed services occupation medal distinctive license plate.

Similar Bills

KS HB2760

KS HB2273

Adding a citation to the code of federal regulations to the definition of veteran and disabled veteran.

KS HB2759

Modifying the definition of veteran and disabled veteran to create a common definition for each term and clarifying disability evaluations for benefits granted to disabled veterans.

KS HB2833

Modifying the definition of veteran and disabled veteran to create a common definition for each term and clarifying disability evaluations for benefits granted to disabled veterans.

KS HB2274

Removing the active requirement from military servicemembers for occupational licensure.

KS HB2745

Providing that military spouses of active military servicemembers shall be exempted from all occupational licensing, registration and certification fees.

KS SB66

Enacting the interstate teacher mobility compact to recognize equivalent teacher licenses across member states, requiring that licensing bodies provide verified electronic credentials to all credential holders based on their credentials from other jurisdictions and requiring licensing bodies to use centralized electronic credential data management systems capable of providing instantaneous credential verification.

KS HB2388

Requiring that licensing bodies provide paper-based and verified electronic credentials to credential holders, including military servicemembers and others receiving Kansas credentials based on their credentials from other jurisdictions, that the secretary of administration develop and implement an electronic license verification system, that centralized electronic credential data management systems be established with instant verification systems operated by licensing bodies and excepting the certification of law enforcement officers from all provisions of the amended section.