ASSEMBLY MILITARY AND VETERANS' AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 976

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  MARCH 16, 2026

      The Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 976.

      This bill amends current law on temporary courtesy licenses for nonresident military spouses.  Under the bill, a nonresident military spouse who seeks and is approved to be issued a temporary courtesy license in New Jersey from the State Board of Applied Behavior Analyst Examiners; the State Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Examiners, including the Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee; the New Jersey Board of Nursing; the Occupational Therapy Advisory Council; the State Board of Psychological Examiners; or the State Board of Social Work Examiners is to have the temporary courtesy license for two years, with the option, at the discretion of the specific board and submission of an application by the holder of the temporary courtesy license, for a one-year extension.  Currently, temporary courtesy licenses are granted for one year, with the option for a one-year extension.

      This bill was prefiled for introduction in the 2026-2027 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.