NMDP News:
SANTA FE — A House Democratic bill making it easier for New Mexico’s active military service members, military families and veterans, to obtain the professional licenses they need to be successful was signed Wednesday by Gov. Michelle Lujan-Grisham.
House Bill 30, the Expedited Licensure of Military Families Act, sponsored by Rep. Eliseo Lee Alcon (D-Gallup), Rep. Debra Sarinana (D-Albuquerque), Rep. Harry Garcia (D-Grants) and Rep. Patricia Roybal Caballero (D-Albuquerque), waives fees and expedites the process associated with obtaining occupational and public school licenses for New Mexico’s active military service members, military families, and honorably discharged veterans.
“It was a long but extremely worthwhile process to make sure that New Mexico stands strong in our support for our military service members, families, and veterans,” Rep. Alcon said. “I am proud to have been selected to lead this effort and get this bill through after years of trying to get it done. Thanks to all the legislators for their support, and to Governor Michelle Lujan-Grisham for signing this important piece of legislation.”
“Our military families make tremendous sacrifices, and when they move to a different location finding a job can be a real burden,” Rep. Garcia said. “This new law makes the process of getting a job easier and, in doing so, we’re making New Mexico military friendly.”
“We need to support our service men and women and their families who come to live and work in New Mexico,” Rep. Sariñana said. “We want our service members to feel welcome and supported at our New Mexico military bases.”
“I am a proud military-raised dependent and know firsthand how hard it is to serve and move from one location to another,” Rep. Caballero said. “Our military families face tremendous challenges and it’s important that they feel supported by the State of New Mexico, immerse themselves in our hospitality, and are able to share their much appreciated professional experience.”
Also included in the new law are active National Guard members as well as any dependent children of those eligible for expedited licenses and waived fees.
Almost 40 different occupations are covered under the act including: traditional and nontraditional medical providers, dentists and their assistants, veterinarians, barbers and cosmetologists, polygraphers, accountants and real estate appraisers, architects and engineers, funeral service providers, private investigators, and sign language interpreters.
Signed into law, House Bill 30 becomes effective May 20, 2020.