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HOT TOPIC - May 2011 Engineer Inspires Colorado Law Engineer Inspires Colorado Law That Aids Licensed Military Personnel Denver – On April 13, 2011 Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper signed a bill into law that waives the professional licensee renewal fee and continuing education requirements of U.S. Armed Forces members holding a professional or occupation license administered by the Dept. of Regulatory Agency’s  (DORA) Division of Registrations. The law applies to military personnel who have served in a federal status at least 120 days during a particular renewal cycle in support of war, emergency, or contingency operation. The bill emerged at a grass-roots level in the spring of 2010, when Veteran and licensed professional engineer Michael Griffeth was in the process of rebuilding his engineering business following 6 1/2 years of military service that included a nine-month involuntary mobilization for a tour in Iraq. The former U.S. Air Force Captain and Civil Engineering Officer in the 140th Wing of the Colorado Air National Guard, and president of Griffeth Structural, LLC, is licensed in 13 states and as he was working to restart his business, he found that Idaho and several other states had laws in place to support professionally licensed military personnel during periods of active duty service, but Colorado was not among them. Griffeth decided to contact his local legislator, state Rep. Sue Schafer, to see if something could be done to address this issue in Colorado. “I had never been involved in the political process before and I was surprised when Rep. Schafer quickly called in response to my email. We met in April to discuss this and she thought it was a good idea and suggested we meet again following November elections.” Griffeth, a member of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Colorado (ACEC/CO), also contacted the Council’s Executive Director Marilen Reimer, where he found another ally in developing legislation.  Reimer gave him guidance on testifying and as well as sharing the Council’s support for the effort.  “Rep. Schafer asked that I draft language for the bill and then in December we met with representatives from DORA, the Dept. of Military & Veteran Affairs, attorneys from the state capitol and lobbyists from the United Veterans Committee and drafted language similar to the Idaho law,” Griffeth continued. Rep. Schafer introduced the bill in early January, the first week of the legislative session.  At a House hearing of the State, Veteran & Military Affairs Committee, both Griffeth and Reimer were among those who testified, and the bill was unanimously supported.   Sponsored by Rep. Sue Schafer and Sen. Bob Bacon, the bill unanimously passed both houses of the legislature, making it one of approximately 300 bills that are passed during the Colorado legislature’s 120-day session each year. Although led by a professional engineer, the law benefits a wide range of licensed professionals covered by DORA ranging from accountants, audiologists, architects, dentists, electricians, engineers and optometrists to physical therapists, pharmacists, physicians, plumbers, psychologists, registered nurses, social workers and veterinarians. There is not a significant monetary benefit, but it does help active duty military, reservists and members of the National Guard. “It’s really an emotional thank you and shows that Colorado recognizes and honors the commitment and sacrifice of our military personnel and their families,” said Griffeth. “Those serving in the National Guard already live dual lives and this is one less item our military personnel have to keep track of to maintain their civilian credentials,” he continued. “I never thought I could have this kind of access or impact,” said Griffeth.  “The process was rewarding and I would encourage veterans, members of my profession and others to get to know your legislator and engage in the process.  I learned that one person can make a difference and I would not hesitate to call upon my local representatives again,” he added.  “This is an excellent bill and I thank Michael for binging the idea to my attention and I thank the veterans and family members. We need to be as generous as possible to help military personnel, those who protect us,” Rep. Schafer said. Visit our "Ask the Expert" site for a listing of engineering experts in these areas.