Missouri House endorses plan to make it easier for military spouses to land jobs – By Kurt Erickson (St Louis Post-Dispatch) / Jan 28 2020
JEFFERSON CITY — The Missouri House gave preliminary approval to a package of legislation Tuesday that would recognize occupational licenses granted in other states.
One proposal, sponsored by Rep. Steve Lynch, R-Waynesville, would target military spouses who often must move to different states, but then wait for months for a new license.
“Imagine the stress on military spouses,” Lynch said. “It will allow military spouses to start on Day One… without jumping through a lot of hoops.”
The legislation applies to scores of occupations in Missouri requiring a license from a state regulatory board, ranging from nurses to hairdressers.
Another plan, sponsored by Rep. Derek Grier, R-Chesterfield, would apply to all occupations and not just military spouses, eliminating the need for additional and potentially unneeded training.
“Employers across the state are desperate for skilled workers,” Grier said.
