MS HB1039

Expands the "Military Family Freedom Act" to include military veterans and their families in addition to active-duty military members and their families for occupational licensing purposes in Mississippi.

Allows applicants who are veterans or related to veterans to obtain occupational licenses if they meet conditions including: military training/experience, valid licenses in other states with similar scope of practice, good standing status, no disqualifying criminal record, and payment of applicable fees.

Requires occupational licensing boards to issue or deny licenses within 120 days of application and provide temporary practice permits within 30 days if applicants meet specified requirements, valid for up to 365 days.

Permits applicants to appeal licensing board decisions regarding denial, occupation determination, or scope of practice similarity to a court of general jurisdiction.

Effective July 1, 2023; applies to all occupational licensing boards in Mississippi except the practice of law.