Governor Martinez signs Executive Order easing transition of state to state licensure, reciprocity

  • Published
  • By Jessie Perkins
  • Kirtland Public Affairs
New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez visited Cannon Air Force Base, July 10, to sign Executive Order 2018-037. The order is designed to improve the licensing experience for military members and their families who move to the state.

The Governor’s directive to New Mexico’s boards and commissions is designed to increase opportunities by making transfers of professional licenses and qualifications easier when transferring to New Mexico.

The order specifically addresses several areas of concern. Each order will now be reviewed and will report all of the requirements, processes, and rules related to its issuance and oversight of each type of license issued by the board or commission including its fees and education requirements.

It will also announce the need to remove obstacles for military spouses and facility members moving to New Mexico, especially in the areas of professional credentialing.

“Research shows licensing requirements and fees limit economic mobility, entrepreneurship and innovation, disproportionately affecting low and middle income Americans.”

Among the groups of low- and middle-income people most affected are military spouses. The order stated that “despite their service to our nation, their educational attainment, and their unique experiences, the unemployment rate among military spouses is estimated to be four times higher than that of the national unemployment rate.”

The order further detailed that expedited licensure and reciprocity across state lines will benefit military members, and their family members in getting jobs and sustaining their careers.

“An internal review of all New Mexico boards and commissions that issue occupational licenses is necessary in determining opportunities for potential consolidation of functions, increased efficiency, cost-savings, and the elimination of unnecessary regulatory burdens and processes,” the order stated.

Governor Martinez said the changes will increase employment opportunities for those sacrificing in service to their nation.

“Our men and women in uniform serve our country while stationed abroad or on base in the United States, but their spouses also perform an important service by holding their families together through unique challenges,” Martinez said in a news release on the signing. “This executive order recognizes that service by increasing economic opportunities for those families, and for all New Mexicans who want to work.”

These changes are expected to improve all aspects of licensure in the state. Some requirements will be looking at the average time frame for approvals of licenses issued by the affiliated board or commission, reporting of proposed alternatives for streamlining the board or commission’s efficiency, increasing cost-savings, and reducing barriers to licensure and industry growth. This should help in identifying opportunities for expedited licensure specifically for military members, spouses, dependents and recent retirees.