This bill, titled "Military Member and Spouse License Issuance," seeks to amend Chapter 5-88 of the General Laws entitled "Military Spouse Licensure." The bill changes the title of the chapter to "Military Member and Spouse License Issuance." It also amends Section 5-88-1 to specify the requirements for the issuance of professional service licenses to military spouses. The bill establishes that each business/profession-related board must establish a procedure to expedite the issuance of a license, certification, or permit to perform professional services regulated by the board to a person who is certified or licensed in another state for at least one year, is a member of the armed forces or is the spouse of a member of the armed forces, is subject to military orders for a change of station to Rhode Island, and left employment to accompany their military member spouse to Rhode Island. The bill also adds several new sections to Chapter 5-88, including provisions regarding disqualification for license issuance, the decision-making process, appeals, limitations on the validity of licenses, and recognition of occupational credentials issued by other entities. The bill preempts rules, regulations, and ordinances of any city, town, municipality, and other subdivisions of the state that regulate occupational licenses, certificates, or permits. The bill would take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
148  SUB A as amended: 5-88-1
148  SUB A: 5-88-1
148: 5-88-1