Gov. Brian Kemp signed a raft of state bills Wednesday intended to aid military families, such as the thousands connected to Fort Eisenhower in Augusta.
“Our veterans and military families have dedicated their lives and undergo great sacrifice in service to our country,” Kemp said. “By signing these pieces of legislation I am proud to say that we are living up to our promise of keeping Georgia the best state in the country for service members and their spouses to live, work and raise a family.”
House Bill 880, co-sponsored by Rep. Brian Prince, D-Augusta, and others, allows military spouses to start work under licenses they hold in good standing in other states as they await licensing in Georgia.
The bill was backed by the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce, the Robins Regional Chamber and others.
Senate Bill 449, co-sponsored by Sen. Max Burns, R-Sylvania, and others, allows military personnel who pass a background check to obtain provisional qualification as a certified nurses aide, cardiac technician, emergency medical technician or licensed practical nurse for up to 12 months prior to obtaining state licensure.
The bill also creates a new advanced-practice registered nurse license.
House Bill 995, sponsored by Rep. Josh Bonner, R-Fayetteville and chairman of the House Defense and Veterans Affairs Committee, ensures all public school students in grades 11 and 12 have the opportunity to take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, or ASVAB, at least once.
The test, given during school hours, evaluates a student’s aptitude for military service. The bill also allows families to opt out.
Senate Bill 389, co-sponsored by Sen. Lee Anderson, R-Grovetown, removed a requirement to annually print and distribute the military code, according to a news release.
