Love note from Jeff City

Bill Signed into Law to Allow License Reciprocity for Military Spouses (HBs 1511 & 1452)

This week the governor signed into law a piece of legislation meant to establish a system of reciprocity for military spouses that would recognize occupational licenses granted in other states.

The bill will cut the bureaucratic red tape for military spouses, who face considerable challenges when they move with their active duty partner. Due to state variance in licensing criteria such as education and training, spouses with occupational licenses struggle to practice their profession in states where they are not residents. Approximately 35 percent of military spouses work in a field that requires a license.

The bill that has been signed into law will remove the barriers that impede military spouse licensure and allow them to practice their occupation as long as they hold a valid current license issued by another state or territory of the United States. Specifically, the bill will allow permit military spouses to receive an equivalent license in Missouri providing that the requirements from their home state are substantially similar to, or more stringent than, Missouri’s requirements.

At the time the House passed the bill, its sponsor said, “Passing this bill says to military spouses, we understand your dedication, your service and your sacrifice. We say we welcome you to Missouri and that, even if you’re stationed here only for a short time, we hope that you will call this home.”

Upon signing the bill, Gov. Mike Parson said, “Military spouses face considerable challenges when they relocate with their active duty partner, and finding a job in their licensed profession should not be one of them. This legislation will now ease that burden and improve the quality of life for military families living and working in Missouri.”

Legislation Signed into Law to Provide Funding for Essential Health Care Services (HB 2456)

Before the legislature began its break in mid-March in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, House members approved an important piece of legislation that will provide vital funding for the state’s Medicaid program. The Senate then gave the bill final approval two weeks ago and this week the governor signed it into law. The legislation will generate close to $1 billion in revenue for the state operating budget.

The bill will extend until 2021 the Ground Ambulance, Nursing Facility, Medicaid Managed Care Organization, Hospital, Pharmacy, and Intermediate Care Facility for the Intellectually Disabled Reimbursement Allowance taxes. These taxes are part of the Federal Reimbursement Allowance (FRA) program that was first enacted into law in 1992. Under the program, hospitals and other medical providers provide funds to the state. Missouri’s Medicaid program then uses these funds to draw down matching federal dollars, and providers are reimbursed through appropriations from the federal funds.

“This is critical to making sure that our most essential health care programs are funded into the future, and I am thankful to the General Assembly for prioritizing this piece of legislation,” said Governor Mike Parson.