Ohio House OKs easier access to professional licenses for military families

Ohio statehouse

Ohio statehouse

Ohio occupational licensing agencies would be directed to issue temporary licenses to members of the military and their spouses when the move to Ohio for active duty, under a bill that passed the Ohio House on a 82-0 vote Wednesday.

State Reps. Rick Perales, R-Beavercreek, and Jim Butler, R-Oakwood, sponsors of the bill, say it would ease the burden military families often face when they move to Ohio.

“They already sacrifice so much for our country. It’s the least we can do,” Butler said.

The bill now moves to the Ohio Senate for consideration.

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Butler said 35 percent of 3,600 military spouses in Ohio work in a profession that requires licensing — real estate, nursing, teaching, cosmetologists or other jobs.

The temporary licenses would only be issued to those who already hold current professional licenses issued by another state and who are married to an armed services member on active duty in Ohio.

Dayton Development Coalition President Jeff Hoagland backs the bill, saying it’ll improve the quality of life for military families and help military installations meet recruiting goals.

“In other words, in order for Ohio to remain competitive with other states to gain new military jobs, we need to enact legislation that supports military spouses and families,” Hoagland said in written testimony.

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