Military families relocating to Louisiana will now have greater access to jobs and opportunity thanks to the signing of Representative Chuck Owen’s HB 613. Previously, new Louisiana military families faced needless obstacles to work due to government red tape known as occupational licenses.

The new law will allow military spouses and dependents with an occupational license in another state to practice in Louisiana, as long as their license is currently in good standing. This both protects Louisianans and removes a significant barrier to jobs and opportunity for military families.

The following is a statement from Daniel Erspamer, chief executive officer of the Pelican Institute, regarding Gov. John Bel Edwards’ signing of HB 613 into law.

“For far too long, Louisiana’s government has placed countless unnecessary barriers on those who simply want access to jobs and opportunity to support their families. Now, thanks to Representative Chuck Owen’s leadership and Governor Edwards’ signature, this needless burden has been lifted from our military families, so we can Get Louisiana Working. We’d also like to thank our friends at the Goldwater Institute for their important contributions to this critical legislation.”