Veterans, members of the military and their spouses face unique challenges to employment. Obtaining professional licenses can be a lengthy process that professionals must begin again each time they move to a new state. For veterans and members of the military, it can be difficult to apply military experience and education toward requirements for civilian occupations. States are aware of these challenges and many are taking steps to eliminate barriers for veterans and military families.
California
California Assembly Bill 107 expands options for military spouses by requiring the issuance of temporary licenses. Also in California, Assembly Bill 1002 requires colleges and universities to develop policies that award students credit for military education comparable to courses required on campus. Finally, California Assembly Joint Resolution 12 urges Congress to make more law students eligible for GI benefits by removing the requirements that to be eligible for GI benefits a student must attend a law school accredited by a specialized accreditor and graduates must be eligible to sit for a bar examination in any state.
Colorado
Colorado requires an institution of higher education with programs that allow people to audit courses for no credit to permit a veteran to participate. Colorado House Bill 22-1407 also encourages institutions without audit programs to permit veterans to audit classes for no credit.
Maryland
The Maryland General Assembly passed House Bill 1380 – the LGBTQ Veterans-Honorable Discharge Restoration Act – effective October 1, 2022, which will define “honorable discharge” to include discharge that is categorized as less than honorable solely due to the sexual orientation or gender identity of the individual being discharged. This will open up state benefits, rights and privileges to veterans who were previously excluded.
Michigan
Michigan Senate Bill 25 amends existing statutes related to the payment of taxes, interest and penalties and tax exemptions, credits and refunds. Senate Bill 25 allows a disabled veteran to deduct income attributable to the cancellation or discharge of a government student loan. An additional $250 exemption is allowed for each disabled veteran taxpayer and their dependents.
New York
New York Assembly Bill 7223 and New York Senate Bill 6276 require the president of the Civil Service Commission to conduct a study on employment of persons with disabilities. Specific to veterans, it requires the Commission to make recommendations about the need to hire more veterans with disabilities to fill positions created by the Veterans with Disabilities Employment Program.
In February 2020, New York enacted Senate Bill 7713 which establishes a task force on veteran employment opportunities.
Oklahoma
In May of 2022 Oklahoma enacted House Bill 1800. This bill relates to tuition status for a spouse and the dependent children of members of the military. This bill also provides for in-state tuition for military members and dependent children and spouses of military members for whom Oklahoma is the home of record or who are stationed or temporarily present in Oklahoma on military orders. This act becomes effective in Nov. of 2022.
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