Fields’ Bipartisan Bill to Support Military Families Clears Committee
HB24-1097 would expand the Occupational Credential Portability Program to support military families
DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee approved bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, to extend the Occupational Credential Portability Program to dependents and Gold Star spouses of military members.
“Military families make big sacrifices to support service members and their communities, and it’s critical that we support them as well,” Fields said. “This bill will help uplift members of military families by opening up new opportunities for them to quickly enter the workforce and thrive in Colorado. I’m proud to sponsor this bill that will help military family members get the support and resources they deserve.”
Co-sponsored by Senator Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs, HB24-1097 would allow dependents and Gold Star spouses of US Armed Forces members to participate in the Occupational Credential Portability Program, making it easier for them to get professional licenses in Colorado.
The bill also changes the Occupational Credential Portability Program by:
Increasing the duration of licenses from three to six years and making them renewable;
Requiring that regulators, when reviewing an application, focus on whether an applicant has a license in good standing;
Expanding eligibility to spouses and dependents of Armed Forces Reserve, Ready Reserve, and National Guard members in Colorado; and
Waiving the application and renewal fee for Colorado credentials issued to eligible individuals.
The Occupational Credential Portability Program was created by bipartisan 2020 legislation to streamline and centralize the credentialing of eligible individuals licensed in another state. The law applies to professions ranging from doctors and veterinarians to electricians and barbers.
HB24-1097 will now move to the Senate floor for further consideration. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.