Certain military veterans and military spouses would have an easier path to getting professional licenses in Georgia under a proposal that has cleared the House of Representatives.

House Bill 188 would let veterans who gained military certification as electricians, plumbers or other trade specialties to apply for an immediate Georgia license, bypassing the usual testing and application process. A board of government and licensing agency leaders would have the final say.

The bill would offer the same opportunity to Georgia military spouses who have a professional trade license from another state.

In both cases, the streamlined process would be only for getting an initial Georgia license. The license holder would have to follow the same path as everyone else for renewals.

The bill now moves to the Senate.

Tags: politics, professional licenses, military veterans