The hearing for HB2534 was opened.

Carly Choi, Revisor of Statutes, provided an overview of HB2534.

Michelle Richart, Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of War, Military Community and Family Policy Defense - State Liaison Office. Midwest Regional Liaison, provided testimony in support on HB2534 (Attachment 13). Licensure Issues for both our transitioning military members and their spouses have been a priority for the Department for several years. To address licensure portability for military spouses, states have turned to occupational licensure interstate compacts that streamline licensing between member states of a compact. Professional licensure has been an enduring problem for military spouses. Compacts can provide seamless reciprocity for military spouses in an occupation. Frequent moves and cumbersome licensing and certification requirements limit career options.

Lt. Col. Keith Marshall, Adjutant General's Office, provided testimony in support of HB2534 (Attachment 14). Military Spouses face significant employment challenges, with an unemployment rate consistently around 21%. This rate is notably higher that the national average. Compacts play a vital role in supporting military families by easing the transition for spouses and professionals who require state-specific licenses to work. These agreements streamline the process of transferring professional licenses across state lines.

Will Wilk on behalf of the Kansas Chamber, provided testimony in support of HB2534 (Attachment 15). The Kansas Chamber views this compact as a necessary step to increase access to professionals especially during a work force shortage.

Mr. Wilk responded to questions from the committee.

Wendy Doyle, President and CEO, United We, provided testimony in support of HB2534 (Attachment 16). The mission of United WE is to advance all women's economic and civic leadership. Data shows that work is needed to foster more economic growth for the women of Kansas.

Written only testimony provided by:

Dr. Alice Plemmons, Director, Knee Regulatory Research Center, West Virginia University (Attachment 17)

Katrina Abraham, Government Affairs-Kansas, The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce (Attachment 18)

Julia Downs, President, Kansas Respiratory Care Society (Attachment 19)

Nicole Milo, Regional Director government & Community Affairs, Mountain Region CommonSpirit Health (Attachment 20)

Tara Mays, Vice President, State legislative Relations, Kansas Hospital Association (Attachment 21)

The hearing on HB2534 was closed.

Without objection, the committee will work HB2534.

Representative Stiens motioned and Representative Ellis motioned to pass out HB2534 favorably.

There was discussion.

Representative Howell motioned and Representative Ruiz seconded to amend HB2534 as presented (Attachment 22). Motion carried.

Representative Stiens motioned and Representative Oropeza seconded to pass out HB2534 favorably as amended. Motion carried.

The meeting was adjourned at 2:16 PM.