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Rep. Kick Applauds State Effort Supporting Military Members, Families

House bill promotes professional license reciprocity
November 28, 2018
Darrell Kick News

COLUMBUS—State Representative Darrell Kick (R-Loudonville) today applauded the Ohio House for passage of legislation that addresses a top concern for military families when relocating to Ohio.

House Bill 716 requires state occupational licensing agencies to issue temporary licenses or certificates to military members and spouses who are licensed in another state and move to Ohio for active duty. Under the legislation, the temporary license holder will be able to practice in Ohio if the license from another state is within the scope of practice allowable for an individual who holds that same license issued here. The license will be verified annually by the appropriate licensing agency, which can issue the temporary certificates for up to six years, giving individuals substantial time to become licensed under Ohio law while still enabling them to practice their profession upon relocation to the state.

“House Bill 716 is a bill that will relieve an undue burden many military families face when duty calls,” said Rep. Kick, who voted in support of the bill. “It will help alleviate economic hardships since licensed professionals will not have to wait months to be able to work in Ohio. This bill will also broaden the talent in our workforce since military families will know Ohio is job friendly for relocation.”

Committee testimony outlined the need for this kind of legislation on both a statewide and national level in order to solve a primary issue reported by servicemen and women when they transfer to a new location. In addition to addressing occupational licensing, the bill aims to improve Ohio's competitiveness in attracting new missions for military bases in Ohio.

House Bill 716 passed with bipartisan support and will now go to the Senate for further consideration.