HB 84-MILITARY TRAINING CREDIT/TEMP. LICENSE  5:03:36 PM CHAIR DUNLEAVY announced the consideration of HB 84 sponsored by Representative Dan Saddler. "An Act relating to applying military education, training, and service credit to occupational licensing and certain postsecondary education and employment training requirements; providing for a temporary occupational license for qualified military service members; and providing for an effective date." [CSHB 84(FIN) was before the committee.] He noted that this was a companion to SB 4 which the committee heard previously. 5:04:10 PM REPRESENTATIVE DAN SADDLER, sponsor of HB 84, stated that the goal of HB 84 is to help separating service members transition quickly and effectively into the civilian workforce. About 1,200 service members separate from service in Alaska each year, and they leave with world-class training, education, and experience. These assets shouldn't be disregarded. He said this bill asks the Division of Professional Licensing, the University of Alaska, and the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD) to evaluate military education and training and assign civilian credit where appropriate. There is no intention to compromise current professional and occupational licensing standards. Accelerating the licensing process in this manner will help veterans get jobs and advance their civilian careers. As of July 2012, 19 states have passed similar legislation and 30 states are considering it. He asked the committee for its support. 5:05:53 PM SENATOR MICCICHE asked for an explanation of temporary licenses. REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER explained that 13 different boards offer temporary licenses. He listed audiologists, speech language pathologists, hair dressers and barbers, dental examiners, guardians and conservators, nursing home administrators, veterinary examiners, and chiropractic examiners. The decision to offer two 6-month extensions as opposed to one yearlong extension came at the suggestion of the Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing. SENATOR MICCICHE inquired if the goal is permanent licensure. REPRESENTATIVE SADDLER answered yes. 5:07:18 PM MARK SAN SOUCI, Regional Liaison, Military Families for the Northwest and Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Family and Community Policy, U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), reminded the committee that last Tuesday he testified on the companion bill, SB 4. He said the Department of Defense supports HB 84 which will help alleviate the high unemployment rate among veterans. The DOD appreciates the consideration given to the 1,200 military that separated from service and returned to Alaska, many in Anchorage and Fairbanks. He highlighted that in the last 2 years, 28 states have enacted new laws to help veterans receive academic credit and/or occupational licensing. Thus far in 2013 at lease 7 states have enacted similar legislation. He reemphasized that the bill does not ask for direct licensure if the education or training is not equivalent. In cases that the regulatory agency or board determines partial credit, it will still save the veteran time and money. The bill only seeks credit where credit is due. MR. SAN SOUCI referenced Senator Olson's question last week about occupations that are not medically related, and suggested that the Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development was best equipped to answer the question. CHAIR DUNLEAVY found no further questions or public testimony. SENATOR MICCICHE thanked the sponsor for revising the effective date so the bill has no fiscal impact. CHAIR DUNLEAVY closed public testimony and solicited a motion. 5:11:43 PM SENATOR MICCICHE moved to report HB 84, labeled 28-LS0357\U, from committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal note(s). CHAIR DUNLEAVY announced that without objection CSHB 84(FIN) moved from the Senate Labor and Commerce Standing Committee.