2016 West Virginia Code
CHAPTER 30. PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONS
ARTICLE 1B. PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO MILITARY MEMBERS AND THEIR SPOUSES.
§30-1B-1. Legislative findings and declarations.

The Legislature finds that:

(1) In recognition of the enormous sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces of the United States of America and their families in voluntary service to this state and our nation, the citizens of West Virginia must endeavor to find new and innovative ways to improve the lives of military families and support their personal and professional growth;

(2) Many current and former members of the United States Armed Forces have acquired extensive academic, professional and occupational training and experience in various professions and occupations while serving in the Armed Forces, comparable to or exceeding that required in this state to register for examination or qualify for licensure, certification or registration for similar or related occupations and professions;

(3) Military families are ten times more likely to move from one state to another than their civilian counterparts, and 35% of military spouses work in professions that require state licenses, certifications or registrations;

(4) Armed forces members who return to this state after being called to active duty service, and spouses accompanying armed forces members outside of this state or to this state for active duty, are frequently delayed in beginning employment as professionals because of issues with obtaining licenses, certifications or registrations upon arrival or return to West Virginia;

(5) The boards in this chapter have the particular expertise necessary to evaluate and determine the adequacy of military education, training and experience for licensure, certification or registration and to adopt procedures that ease the burden of transition for military families through waivers, temporary licensing, or otherwise, while ensuring competency of professionals and protecting the citizens of the state from harm.