This bill revises the requirements and processes for issuing temporary courtesy licenses and certificates to nonresident military spouses in New Jersey. It amends existing law to extend the validity of temporary instructional certificates for teachers from 180 days to 365 days, with the possibility of extending it for an additional four years if the holder demonstrates progress towards obtaining a standard instructional certificate. The bill also simplifies the fee structure, allowing only a criminal history record check fee to be charged. Furthermore, it mandates the Department of Education to expedite the application process for nonresident military spouses seeking a New Jersey instructional certificate.

In addition to the changes for teachers, the bill modifies the criteria for the New Jersey Board of Nursing regarding temporary courtesy licenses for nursing practice. It removes the requirement for the board to determine if the out-of-state nursing license has equivalent requirements and clarifies that only fees related to criminal history checks can be charged. The bill also stipulates that temporary courtesy licenses for nonresident military spouses should be extended indefinitely as long as the spouse remains stationed in New Jersey, and it requires all professional and occupational boards to establish expedited licensing processes for these spouses.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:26-2.14, 45:1-15.5, 45:11-26.2