House bill aids military spouses

INDIANAPOLIS — State Representative Mike Andrade (D-Munster) applauds the unanimous passing of House Bill 1392 in both chambers of the Statehouse.

HB 1392, which Andrade co-authored, eliminates the requirement for a military spouse to submit a national criminal history background check when applying for a provisional occupational license. If the license normally requires a background check, such as healthcare-related professions, the appropriate professional board will determine whether to approve the license.

“While our military troops are overseas, they can rest easy knowing that their spouses back home are being looked after,” Andrade said. “This bill helps military spouses and families who are constantly moving because of their dedication to our country. An occupational license, something that the state can help with, should not be one of the sacrifices they make.”

The Indiana Professional Licensing Agency provides licenses to professionals to keep Hoosiers working under state standards. They offer 40 licenses for different professions ranging from architecture to nursing to plumbing.

HB 1392 now heads to the governor’s desk to be signed.