Delegate Eileen Filler-Corn presenting legislation during the 2014 General Assembly Session. Photo courtesy of the Office of Delegate Filler-Corn
House Bill 1247, aimed at reducing burdensome red tape for military spouses, has passed the House of Delegates and Senate with unanimous bipartisan support and now awaits signature from the Governor. Sponsored by Del. Eileen Filler-Corn (D-41) and supported by the Administration, HB 1247 would require the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation to expedite the review process for temporary licenses from 30 to 20 days for military spouses that already hold the equivalent license in another state.
"Our military servicemen and servicewomen sacrifice so much for their country every single day. Many military spouses are often forced to leave successful careers behind and face excessive red tape preventing them from resettling in their chosen profession upon relocation. This bill aims to ease that burden."
Virginia currently employs the second highest number of active-duty military out of the 50 states. A wide variety of professionals are required to have state-issued licenses in order to work in their field. This bill affects everyone from realtors, barbers, accountants, to construction workers.
"Every day that military spouses must wait to receive a license for a profession that they are already approved to practice in another state is another day that they are unable to earn income, support their family, and contribute to Virginia’s economy" said Filler-Corn. "This bill will reduce the time it takes for military spouses to receive temporary licenses for their professions, thereby dramatically reducing their financial and emotional burdens."