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Governor signs new law to help military spouses

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Daniel Brosam
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs

A Montana bill designed to help ease the licensing process for new Montana residents in their occupational fields was signed into law by Montana Governor Steve Bullock on March 20, 2019, making it law.

The community-at-large of military spouses and dependents, as well as military leadership, have voiced concerns over permanent changes of station to another state or region where their occupational license may not be honored.

Montana can now join the ranks of other states that have amended laws for helping to progress jobs for spouses and dependents.

The amendment to Montana Code Annotated Title 37, Chapter 1, Part 3, Section 37-1-304 now states a board shall issue a license to practice without examination to a person licensed in another state if the board determines the individual meets certain criteria from a state that is in a reciprocity agreement with the state of Montana.

Community, state and military leaders have worked diligently for years to help lawmakers make the change.

“Governor Steve Bullock, State Representative Katie Sullivan, Major General Matthew Quinn, Mr. David Weissman, and many others worked very hard to ensure the burdens our military family members feel as a result of moving to a new state are minimized,” said Col. Peter Bonetti, 341st Missile Wing vice commander.

“Their efforts are testimony to the incredible support Montana provides to all military members, regardless of active, guard or reserve status. I’m very excited to see this change pass and look forward to a smooth implementation,” he said.

With the law now changed, Montana can begin to negotiate license reciprocity agreements with other states.

States that have broadened licensure opportunities include Arkansas, Florida, North Carolina, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming, where job opportunities increased for military spouses and dependents after licensing agreements were broadened.