SB 654

This bill enables service members, former service members, and the spouses of

former service members who reside in this state to obtain reciprocal credentials to

practice a profession granted by the Department of Safety and Professional Services,

the boards attached to DSPS, and the Veterinary Examining Board. To obtain a

reciprocal credential under the bill, a person must hold an analogous credential in

another jurisdiction, and the bill applies to former service members discharged from

the armed forces under conditions other than dishonorable within four years of

applying for a reciprocal credential. Under current law, the spouse of a service

member may obtain a reciprocal credential granted by DSPS, the boards attached

to DSPS, and the Veterinary Examining Board.

The bill also provides that a reciprocal credential granted to a service member,

former service member, or the spouse of a service member or former service member

expires on the same renewal date as the credential that corresponds to the reciprocal

credential, and that the reciprocal credential may be renewed by paying the

applicable fee and satisfying the requirements that apply to renewing the

corresponding credential. Current law provides that a reciprocal credential granted

to the spouse of a service member expires after 180 days unless DSPS or the

applicable board extends the reciprocal credential. Also, under the bill, DSPS, the

boards attached to DSPS, and the Veterinary Examining Board may promulgate

rules necessary to implement the bill.