Congressman Jimmy Patronis introduced a bill to allow veterans and their spouses to transfer professional licenses across state lines for 36 months after discharge.
The bill requires licensing agencies to issue temporary licenses if they do not act on applications within 30 days.
The proposal is intended to reduce barriers for military families entering the civilian workforce.
Congressman Jimmy Patronis (R-FL), who represents Florida’s 1st Congressional District, has introduced legislation aimed at easing professional licensing requirements for veterans and their spouses as they transition to civilian life.
The measure, called the Veteran and Spouse Licensing Flexibility Act of 2025 (H.R. 5035), would allow service members and their spouses to transfer professional licenses across state lines for up to 36 months following an honorable discharge.
Patronis said the legislation is designed to help veterans and their families reenter the workforce without facing delays in securing new state licenses. “What better way to help our veterans transition back into society and the American job market than to allow them the portability necessary to use their skills to serve their local communities,” he said in a statement.
Currently, veterans and spouses must apply for new licenses with state or local authorities before practicing in fields such as medicine, engineering, or skilled trades. Under the proposed bill, licensing agencies would be required to issue a temporary license if they do not act on an application within 30 days.
Patronis said the measure is modeled in part on the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, which provides certain legal protections to active-duty military members. He added that the bill would provide “speed and flexibility” for families adjusting to civilian life.
The legislation now awaits consideration in the House of Representatives. Patronis serves on the House Committee on Small Business and the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
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