By Trish Svoboda

Today, Governor Laura Kelly signed into law House Bill 2745, which grants military spouses exemption from all fees related to occupational licensing, registration, and certification, thereby removing obstacles to career opportunities for them in Kansas.

In February 2023, Governor Kelly announced that Kansas was the pioneer state to join the Alliance for States Providing Interoperable Reciprocity (ASPIRE). This coalition encourages the acceleration of military reciprocity among states, simplifying the process of acquiring an occupational license in a state where military personnel and their families are stationed.

“Military spouses play a crucial role in contributing to Kansas’ workforce and economic success,” said Kansas State Senator Usha Reddi, District 22, and member of the Governor’s Military Council. “This bill will allow us to better support our servicemembers and their families by removing the hurdles military spouses face when seeking job opportunities.”

In 2021, Governor Kelly also endorsed a bipartisan bill that accelerates the process of issuing occupational credentials to military service members and their spouses who are looking to become residents of Kansas. This law simplifies the integration of military spouses into the workforce, thereby enhancing their contribution to the Kansas economy.