Messmer Column: Expediting occupational licensure for military families.

Local Sources- On this week's Messmer Column, State Senator Mark Messmer discusses expediting occupational licensure for military families. 

Many military families live in Indiana and more are considering the Hoosier state as a place to live. In order to attract these families to Indiana, it is important we make their transition into the workforce a simpler process.

Indiana law requires a person maintain an out-of-state occupational license for at least two out of the five preceding years in order for that license to be recognized by the state.

House Bill 1555 seeks to shorten that timeframe down to one year for those in military service and allows for the service member's children to apply for an occupational license under the same conditions set forth in Indiana Code for spouses.

This will allow these individuals to work in a field they have already been trained in, which would help open a talent pool up for employers.

The bill passed the Senate unanimously with no changes and will now go to the governor for further consideration.

The state of Indiana offers a wide variety of benefits to support our veterans and their families. To view a comprehensive list of existing state resources for veterans, visit IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/veterans.

As always, feel free to contact my office directly with your questions and concerns by email at [email protected] or by phone at 800-382-9467.