CONGRESSMAN MO BROOKS APPLAUDS ALABAMA LEGISLATURE'S PASSAGE OF OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING REFORM BILLS, ENCOURAGES GOVERNOR IVEY TO SIGN BILLS

Statement

Congressman Mo Brooks (AL-05) today encouraged Alabama Governor Kay Ivey to sign a series of bills passed by the Alabama legislature aimed at easing the transferability of occupational licenses for people who relocate to Alabama.

Congressman Brooks said, "In January of last year, I had a phone conversation with then-Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett about her decision to stand up Space Command H.Q. at Redstone Arsenal. On the call, she explained the Air Force's analysis of both qualitative and quantitative factors that led to Redstone's selection. Secretary Barrett emphasized that locating U.S. Space Command at Redstone Arsenal was in the long-term best interest of national security."

Brooks continued, "When I discussed with Secretary Barrett where Alabama could improve for future competitions, Secretary Barrett said Alabama needs to improve the transferability of occupational licenses. It's important to the military that military spouses be able to easily resume their licensed occupations when relocating from one state to another. I encouraged the Alabama legislature to take action to ease occupational license transfers at the time. Alabama legislators listened."

Brooks concluded: "I'm pleased that they've taken steps to remedy the issue by passing SB 167, SB 141, and SB 99, all of which ease the transfer of occupational licenses to Alabama from other states. This is a stellar move by the legislature. Great job to Lt. Governor Ainsworth and Senators Butler, Shelnutt, and Jones. Alabama is better off thanks to your leadership on this important issue. These reforms will help Alabama continue to recruit top talent from across America and will support the transition of military families into Alabama from across the country. Thanks to these reforms, Alabama is ready to support standing up Space Command H.Q."

Background:

Senate Bill 99 by Sen. Andrew Jones (R- Centre): This bill would create the Interstate Counseling Compact which would establish requirements and authorize licensed professional counselors to practice in Alabama and will provide accommodations for active-duty military and their spouses.

Senate Bill 141 by Sen. Tom Butler (R- Madison): This bill revises and extends the timeframe for State Licensure Boards to grant various temporary permits for military spouses licensed to practice in other states.

Senate Bill 167 by Sen. Shay Shelnutt (R- Trussville): creates flexibility for practicing occupational therapists in other states to practice in the State of Alabama. The bill provides special accommodations for spouses of active-duty service members and their families. The bill also creates the Occupational Therapy Compact Commission.

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