AUGUSTA — The Maine Senate voted Wednesday in favor of a bill from Senator Chip Curry, D-Belfast, to help Maine veterans and service members and their families find employment.

LD 374, “An Act To Allow Veterans, Active Duty Service Members and Their Spouses To Apply for Temporary Occupational Licenses and Certifications,” received unanimous support.

“Maine is home to many veterans of our armed services, as well as men and women who are currently serving. When they come to Maine after transitioning to civilian life, or if they’re stationed here, it’s important that we do all we reasonably can to help them and their families find employment,” said Sen. Curry. “This bill makes smart adjustments to our laws to help those who have already given so much to our country, and I’m grateful to my colleagues in the Senate for supporting it.”

As amended, LD 374 would allow for a temporary license or certification in Maine by an occupational or professional licensing board for veterans, active duty members, or spouses and domestic partners of active duty members in the United States Armed Forces.

This would be only applicable for individuals who held an occupational or professional license issued in other states or territories of the United States. According to 2020 statistics, nearly 110,000 veterans live in Maine.

“Veterans, service members and their families are tremendous members of our communities,” said Sen. Joe Rafferty, D-Kennebunk, who sponsored a similar bill to help veterans in Maine. “I’m grateful to Sen. Curry for bringing forward this bill, which will help them find rewarding, good-paying jobs, right here in Maine.”

LD 374 faces further votes in the Legislature.