AUGUSTA — A bill sponsored by Senator Chip Curry, D-Belfast, to support service members, veterans and their families who live in Maine received unanimous committee support Thursday in the State Legislature. 

LD 374, “An Act To Allow Veterans, Active Duty Service Members and Their Spouses To Apply for Temporary Occupational Licenses and Certifications,” was voted ought to pass as amended by the Legislature’s Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business (IDEA) Committee.

“Our military families have made such great sacrifices in the service to our nation. I am proud that my colleagues on IDEA Committee came together to support this legislation that will help active duty service members, veterans and their spouses and domestic partners,” said Sen. Curry, who serves as senate chair of the IDEA Committee. “Licensing barriers, courses, exams and fees hold this community back. I am confident that by decreasing these barriers, we can help alleviate some of the burden placed on military families.”

As amended, LD 374 would allow veterans or active duty members of the United States Armed Forces or spouses or domestic partners of veterans or active duty members of the United States Armed Forces who hold many types of occupational or professional licenses or certifications issued by other states or territories of United States to obtain a temporary license while completing any requirements for licensure or certification in Maine by an occupational or professional licensing board.

According to 2020 statistics, nearly 110,000 veterans live in Maine.

LD 374 faces further language review in committee before going to the Senate and House for further votes. 

The bill is co-sponsored by Representative Kyle Bailey of Gorham, Senator Stacy Brenner of Cumberland, Senator Ned Claxton of Androscoggin, Senator Louis Luchini of Hancock, Senator Joseph Rafferty of York, Senator Eloise Vitelli of Sagadahoc and Representative Stanley Paige Zeigler of Montville.