Under a bill passed by the Legislature March 1, military spouses won’t have to reapply for a license — whether a dental assistant, land surveyor or professional in another field — when they return to Washington state. They may have their licenses suspended during their absences and reactivated when their family returns home.

“This bill essentially allows military spouses to press ‘pause,’ then reactivate when they return to our state,” said Sen. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, who sponsored Senate Bill 6290. “It’s an important issue- two thirds of military personnel report that their spouses’ ability to continue in their chosen profession factors into their own ability to stay in the service.”

Senate Bill 6290 passed the House and is now headed to Gov. Chris Gregoire’s desk for her signature.