CCUPATIONAL CODE EXEMPTIONS

FOR MILITARY IN COMBAT ZONES

House Bill 5432

Sponsor:  Rep. James Koetje

Committee:  Veterans Affairs and Homeland Security

Complete to 3-29-04

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5432 AS INTRODUCED 1-27-04

The bill would amend the Occupational Code to temporarily exempt (for up to 12 months) licensees or registrants who are on active duty in the armed forces in a “combat zone” from renewal license fees, continuing education requirements, and other related requirements.  The individual would have to fulfill the requirements within 90 days upon returning from active duty. 

In order to claim the exemption, the individual would have to inform the Department of Labor and Economic Growth by written or electronic mail of his or her intention to do so and provide proof verifying the active duty status. 

(Specifically, the bill states, “[u]pon the expiration of 12 months, the licensee or registrant shall pay the renewal fee, complete the continuing education requirements, and fulfill any other related requirement within 90 days after the return from active duty.”)

A “combat zone” is any area so designated by a presidential executive order as an area in which the U.S. Armed Forces are engaging or have engaged in combat.  Executive Order 13239 designated the Afghanistan area (and the above airspace) as a combat zone beginning September 19, 2001.  The Persian Gulf area (which includes the total land areas of Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates) was designated by Executive Order 12744, beginning January 17, 1991.

MCL 339.411

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Mark Wolf

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.