Northhampton News

The governor has signed legislation aimed at easing employment licensure for military service members, veterans, and their spouses. Authored by Representative Zach Mako (R-Lehigh/Northampton), the newly enacted Act 35 of 2022 seeks to address obstacles faced by these groups in obtaining and renewing state licenses.

"As a member of the National Guard, I understand the struggles and barriers members of the military and their families face due to frequent moves and reacclimating into society after service overseas," Mako stated. "This change will assist them in securing employment in order to help support themselves and their families. I appreciate the unanimous, bipartisan backing this legislation received in the General Assembly."

Key provisions of the law include expediting applications for service members, veterans, and military spouses, issuing expedited temporary licenses, updating military occupational codes as necessary, considering military experience for qualification determinations, allowing early submission for licensure renewals for deployed military members, and requiring annual reports on licensure data to Pennsylvania General Assembly oversight committees.

The legislation is set to take effect in 120 days. The 183rd District represented by Mako includes parts of South Whitehall Township, Washington Township, Whitehall Township, Slatington Borough in Lehigh County, Allen Township, Lehigh Township, Moore Township (part), North Catasauqua Borough, Northampton Borough, and Walnutport Borough in Northampton County.