LICENSIN REQ.; VETERAN EXEMPTIONS                                                                             S.B. 157 & 312 &

                                                                                                                                                                                    H.B. 4376 & 4377:

                                                                                                                                                                      ANALYSIS AS ENACTED

Senate Bill 157 (as enacted)                                                                                     PUBLIC ACT 25 of 2021

Senate Bill 312 (as enacted)                                                                                     PUBLIC ACT 26 of 2021

House Bill 4376 (as enacted)                                                                                     PUBLIC ACT 23 of 2021

House Bill 4377 (as enacted)                                                                                     PUBLIC ACT 24 of 2021

Sponsor:   Senator John Bizon, M.D. (S.B. 157)

                            Senator Marshall Bullock (S.B. 312)

                            Representative Andrea Schroeder (H.B. 4376)

                            Representative Sarah Anthony (H.B. 4377)

Senate Committee:   Families, Seniors, and Veterans

                                                          Committee of the Whole

House Committee: Regulatory Reform

Date Completed:   8-17-22

RATIONALE

According to the United Service Organizations, a nonprofit organization supporting members of the military and their families, most military families relocate every two to three years. The frequency of relocation can create difficulties for members of military families who have occupations that require licensure because licensure requirements can cost time and money that the military family members cannot afford. Michigan's Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) waived fees and has modified requirements for spouses of members of the Armed Forces who relocate to the State and apply for certain licenses, registrations, and certificates that they held in another state. Some people believe that the fee waivers and modified requirements should be expanded for members of military families. Accordingly, it was suggested that LARA waive fees and modify requirements for more occupations that require licensure in the State and that the fee waivers and modified requirements apply to more dependents of members of the Armed Forces or uniformed services.

CONTENT

Senate Bill 157 amended the Public Health Code to do the following:

 --     Require LARA to waive the fee for an initial license or initial registration otherwise required under Article 15 (Occupations), or an application processing fee, if the applicant is actively serving in the Armed Forces or the uniformed services, served in the Armed Forces or the uniformed services and was discharged honorably, or is a dependent of a member of the Armed Forces, a member of the uniformed services, or a veteran.

 --     Require an applicant to be granted an initial license or registration, without