MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signed House Bill 2745 March 29, which exempts spouses of military servicemembers from all occupational licensing, registration, and certification fees, eliminating barriers to career opportunities for military spouses in Kansas.
“As the daughter of a career Army officer, I know the importance of supporting our military personnel and their spouses,” Gov. Kelly said. “I’m proud to sign this bipartisan bill that knocks down barriers and ensures military spouses have every opportunity to fill the jobs we’ve created in Kansas.”
In February 2023, Governor Kelly announced that Kansas was the first state in the nation to join the Alliance for States Providing Interoperable Reciprocity. This coalition advocates for the acceleration of military reciprocity by and between states, easing the process of obtaining an occupational license in a state to which military personnel and their families are deployed.
“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.”
Governor Kelly also signed a bipartisan bill in 2021 that expedites the issuance of occupational credentials to military servicemembers and military spouses seeking to establish residency in Kansas. The legislation makes it easier for military spouses to transition into the workforce and contribute to the Kansas economy.