Northam signs legislation easing transitions for military families

Gov. Ralph Northam has signed legislation to ease transitions for military families relocating to the Commonwealth.

House Bill 2169, sponsored by Del. Robert “Bob” Thomas, authorizes the Board of Medicine to expedite physician assistant (PA) licenses for spouses of active duty service members who hold a current certification and have license in good standing in another state. House Bill 1623 and Senate Bill 1249, sponsored by Del. Mark Cole and Sen. Bryce Reeves, allow relocating students with service member parents to register for courses and academic programs prior to moving to their permanent residence in the school division.

“Virginia is home to the third-largest active duty and reserve population, and it is critical that we provide our service members and their families with the support they deserve,” said Northam. “These bills ease school and career transitions for our military families, so they can more easily relocate to the Commonwealth and thrive once here. I am proud to sign them into law.”

“Spouses of active duty service members struggle to maintain professional careers as they transition between locations every few years,” said Del. Thomas. “This legislation builds on Virginia’s military friendly status as it cuts the red tape and allows certified physician assistants who hold a license in other states to practice shortly after their arrival in Virginia.”

“Our military families are required to pick up and move frequently,” said Del. Cole. “This can disrupt the education and activities of their children. House Bill 1623 is our effort to make the moving a little easier by streamlining the enrollment of military children in school and associated programs.”

“Some of the bravest soldiers in the country are the littlest ones, the children of our military families,” said Sen. Bryce Reeves. “Military life is hard enough on these children, transitioning to a new school shouldn’t be. This bill makes it easier for military families to register and enroll before the family relocates to their new post in the Commonwealth. This legislation looks past occupational circumstances and, simply, does what is right by those who are committed to protecting Virginia.”