N.C. governor signs bill to help military, vets, families work in state

  • Published
  • By Capt. Amber Millerchip
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
GOLDSBORO, N.C. (AFNS) --  Col. Jeannie Leavitt, 4th Fighter Wing commander, spoke at a ceremony here July 24, where North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue signed legislation making it easier for military members, spouses and veterans to obtain the necessary occupational licenses required to work in the state.

North Carolina House Bill 799 gives military spouses and veterans professionally licensed in other states the opportunity to apply for their North Carolina license without having to re-license.

During the ceremony, Leavitt addressed the significance of the legislation to the military community, specifically when pursuing required occupational state licenses.

"As our nation continues to field an all-volunteer force, it is critical to address the challenges that are inherent in military service, and North Carolina House Bill 799 does just that," Leavitt said. "This bill removes many of those obstacles and affords service members and their families opportunities to obtain North Carolina licensing in reduced time allowing them to more quickly enter the civilian work force."

Regardless of occupational specialty, all military or out-of-state qualifications must meet or exceed North Carolina's licensure standards. A licensing board will determine eligibility to qualify for licensing and certification based on training, experience and competency requirements. For example, applicants must have been actively practicing in their occupational specialty area for two of the last five years.

"This bill helps streamline the (licensing) procedures, so military spouses in North Carolina can get the certification they need to work," the governor said. "We owe it to them, to provide this kind of support. As one of the most military-friendly states in the nation, I am proud to sign this bill."

These same rules apply to military spouses interested in transferring certifications and licensing, such as teachers, nurses, and cosmetologists. They will also have to demonstrate competency in the occupation through means determined by the respective licensing board, such as continuing education credits.

When her husband was assigned to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base a year ago, Ashley Butler, an Air Force spouse, wasn't able to transfer her Florida cosmetology license to North Carolina. Her frustration with the licensing process finally led her to pursue a different career, one in which certification could be obtained with military assistance. .

"I think the bill is great because it's hard enough as it is moving state to state and picking up and starting over," added Butler, a family child care provider. "That's the whole reason I'm doing childcare; it took too long, with too many hoops to jump through, to use my cosmetology license here."

Leavitt thanked the governor and the legislators of North Carolina for bringing the bill to fruition and for their concern for the men and women of the Armed Forces.

"Whether it is a Soldier at Fort Bragg, a Marine at one of the seven camps or Marine Corps Air Stations, a Coast Guardsman at Elizabeth City or an Airman from right here at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, the state of North Carolina is truly a great friend to the Armed Forces," Leavitt said.

The colonel added that with this bill, the state of North Carolina continues the tradition of military support that makes this such a great state.

According to the governor's office, there are more than a 100 different occupational licensing agencies and each licensing board will be required to implement the new statute within one year from the date the act becomes law.

Tech. Sgt. Colette Graham and Airman 1st Class Mariah Tolbert contributed to this article