Juneau, Alaska – The Alaska House of Representatives Wednesday unanimously passed a bill to allow military personnel separating from service to apply the training, certification and education toward state licensing, college credit or vocational activities.

House Bill 84, sponsored by Representative Dan Saddler, directs the state’s Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing, and the University of Alaska and vocational education facilities, to examine separating service members’ military credentials and experience, and credit them toward any applicable licensing requirements or educational credits.

“Our nation’s military is one of the best-trained in the world,” Saddler, R-JBER/Eagle River, said. “These men and women make many sacrifices in the name of our defense and safety. We owe it to them to ensure that their distinctive set of skills do not go to waste once they separate from the military. These highly trained individuals deserve to bring their military experience into civilian careers to help them provide for themselves and their families.”

The bill was modeled on HB 282 sponsored by former Representative Bill Thomas, R-Haines, in the 27th Legislature.

HB 84 now moves to the Alaska Senate for consideration.