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Bill

A 4150

Concerns professional licensing and application fees for spouse or dependent of active duty member of United States Armed Forces.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Carol Murphy and 2 co-sponsors

No licensing fees for military spouses/dependents and easier NJ licensure via endorsement or a temporary one-year license, with defined eligibility and safety checks.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee
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Bill Summary · A 4150

Summary of New Jersey Bill A-4150 (Session 222)

Purpose and Intent

This bill aims to support nonresident military spouses by removing licensure-related financial barriers and clarifying eligibility pathways for professional or occupational licenses in New Jersey. It seeks to ensure spouses or dependents of active-duty military members can pursue licensed professions in New Jersey without paying application fees, while also streamlining processes for temporary licensure.

Key Provisions

1) License Issuance for Nonresident Military Spouses (Section 1)

  • Each professional/occupational licensing board in New Jersey must issue a license to a nonresident military spouse who meets specified criteria, allowing them to practice in the state.
  • Licensure can occur via:
    • Endorsement/reciprocity under existing laws, or
    • A temporary courtesy license under the board’s rules.
  • The bill creates specific criteria for the temporary courtesy license, including:
    • Current license in another jurisdiction with equivalent licensure requirements.
    • Active practice in another jurisdiction for at least two of the five years immediately preceding the application, with military service credited toward years of experience.
    • No grounds for denial, suspension, or revocation in another jurisdiction.
    • No current disciplinary actions or investigations pending in another jurisdiction.
    • Payment and authorization for a criminal history background check if required.
    • (Removed provision) Waiver of any fees for the temporary courtesy license (see Section 2).
    • Satisfying continuing education requirements from the current jurisdiction, with possible additional time to complete board-mandated CE.
    • Possible Board-required New Jersey jurisprudence or other New Jersey law examinations.
    • Compliance with any other reasonable requirements to effectuate the purposes of the section.
  • A temporary license is valid for one year and may be extended for an additional year at the board’s discretion.
  • Authority for boards to adopt regulations immediately upon filing with the Office of Administrative Law for up to six months, with standard APA processes applicable thereafter.
  • If the nonresident military spouse loses their license in their state of residence or prior jurisdiction for criminal/competency issues, the New Jersey temporary license is automatically revoked or suspended.

2) Prohibition on License Application Fees for Spouses/Dependents (New Section)

  • No professional/occupational licensing board shall charge any license application fee to a spouse or dependent of an active-duty U.S. Armed Forces member.
  • Applications must include a box to indicate status as a spouse or dependent of an active-duty service member.

Affected Parties

  • Nonresident military spouses and dependents seeking professional or occupational licensure in New Jersey.
  • Professional and occupational licensing boards in New Jersey (designated under existing statute C.45:1-15 and P.L.1978, c.73).
  • Potential applicants seeking temporary courtesy licenses under the new provisions.

Timing and Implementation

  • Effective Date: The act takes effect on the 90th day after enactment.
  • Subsection 2 allows immediate regulatory action: boards may file interim rules with the Office of Administrative Law to implement these provisions for up to six months before full regulatory adoption following the standard Administrative Procedure Act process.

Practical Impact

  • Financial relief for military families: elimination of licensure application fees for spouses/dependents.
  • Expanded licensure pathways: easier entry through endorsement/reciprocity or temporary courtesy licenses, with defined requirements to ensure competence and public safety.
  • Administrative alignment: boards must collect a flag on licensure applications indicating military spouse/dependent status, improving data tracking and program evaluation.

Note: The bill preserves rigorous requirements for temporary licensing (education, background checks, possible exams) to maintain professional standards while accommodating military families.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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