New Hampshire House Bill HB1385

New Hampshire 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/6/23
• Refer: 12/6/23
• Report Pass: 3/18/24
• Engrossed: 4/2/24
• Refer: 4/2/24
• Report Pass: 5/9/24
• Enrolled: 7/2/24
• Chaptered: 7/26/24
• Passed: 7/26/24

Caption

Relative to establishing the veteran licensing acceleration program and making an appropriation therefor.

Impact

The bill specifically amends existing regulations to allow for an accelerated process whereby veterans can obtain temporary licenses while fulfilling any remaining occupation-specific requirements. The initiative is designed to address the challenges faced by veterans entering the job market and aims to connect them with resources, including mentorship and employment counseling, providing a supportive framework for their integration into the workforce.

Summary

House Bill 1385-FN seeks to establish the Veterans Licensing Acceleration Program (VLAP) to facilitate and expedite the occupational licensure process for veterans. The proposed program is to be administered by the Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services in consultation with the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) and other relevant organizations. By streamlining the licensing requirements, the bill aims to help veterans transition more easily into civilian professional roles that require state licensure.

Contention

While the bill has generally received support as a crucial step in aiding veterans, some stakeholders have raised concerns regarding the capacity of existing state agencies to manage the new program without additional funding or staffing. Legislators worry that the proposed funding measures might be insufficient to sustain the program in the long term, particularly if demand from veterans increases. Overall, the bill has prompted discussions about the appropriate allocation of resources to veterans' services and how best to balance expedited processes with maintaining professional standards in various occupations.