A bill, HB 2076, which will allow the Arizona Department of Transportation and the Arizona State Board of Nursing to issue licenses to military veterans who meet certain criteria, is currently making its way through the Senate. The bill, sponsored by Representative Sonny Borrelli (R-Dist. 5), has garnered widespread bicameral support and will soon receive a final vote in the Senate.
The bill also allows ADOT to waive the required driving tests for veterans or military members seeking a commercial driver’s license. Additionally, the legislation will grant nursing licenses to those who meet certain requirements and have relevant military experience. If signed by the Governor, HB 2076 will be effective December 31, 2013.
The measure also aims to fast track the process for licensing Commercial Drivers and Practical Nurses. Currently, those with relevant military experience and training do not receive credit for their services, often delaying their placement within the civilian sector. The bill will effectively streamline the application process for veterans and expedite their transition into the medical and transportation industries.
Convinced of the merits of the legislation, Rep. Borrelli stated, “This bill will save valuable time and resources while avoiding redundancies in the professional formation process of medical personnel. I am confident that, once enacted, we will have in place a much better process for a crucial sector of our military population.”