This bill establishes the Veteran Licensing Acceleration Program (VLAP) within the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) to provide accelerated licensing and certification processes for veterans seeking to enter licensed occupational professions. The program will be administered by the Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services in consultation with various stakeholders, including the OPLC, United States Department of Veterans Affairs, relevant licensing boards, educational institutions, and professional organizations. A VLAP administrator will be designated to provide resources and support to veterans, collaborate with agencies for employment counseling, conduct annual assessments of the program's impact, submit annual reports to legislative committees, and assist the OPLC in determining how military experience or training satisfies licensure requirements.

The bill also amends RSA 310:16 to facilitate temporary licensure for military service members, their spouses, and veterans. The OPLC is required to issue temporary licenses within specific timeframes, provided the applicants meet certain conditions and are in good standing. The bill outlines the process for obtaining and extending temporary licenses and subjects licensees to the jurisdiction of the state licensing body. Additionally, the executive director of the OPLC is tasked with facilitating the issuance of licenses or certifications for individuals licensed in other states who are spouses of military members transferred to New Hampshire. The bill includes an appropriation from the general fund to the New Hampshire Department of Military Affairs and Veterans Services for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, to implement and sustain the VLAP, with nonlapsing funds and future appropriations through the department's biennial operating budget. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
As Amended by the House: 310:16
As Amended by the Senate: 310:16
Version adopted by both bodies: 310:16
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 310:16