Governor Jindal Signs Bill to Help Louisiana Service Members and Veterans Return Home

BATON ROUGE – May 24, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) — Today, Governor Bobby Jindal signed legislation that will assist and encourage Louisiana veterans, service members and their families to return to the Pelican State. This bill is part of the Governor’s 2013 Legislative Package.

HB 312—authored by Representative Nick Lorusso (R—New Orleans)—helps returning service members, veterans and their spouses who have relocated come back to Louisiana by extending the time periods for renewing their state or professional licenses.

Governor Jindal said, “Our service men and women are on the frontlines every day, making great sacrifices in defense of our freedom and our values. They have earned the right to return home and pursue their next venture, and we should do everything in our power to provide them with the opportunity to succeed. This legislation will go a long way toward helping some of our best and brightest continue on with their lives by returning home and entering the workforce, and I am proud to sign this bill into law.”

Currently, the requirements for payment of a license fee, reinstatement fee and continuing education are suspended just 90 days for service men and women after their release from service or discharge from active duty. In addition, the spouses of military service members who must relocate out of the country are not afforded any extension upon their return.

Under the bill, the 90-day limit is extended to 180 days for service members and veterans, and military spouses who relocated overseas with their loved ones will be afforded the same 180-day window for license renewal, reinstatement or continuing education.

HB 312 passed both the House and the Senate unanimously with no opposition.