PIERRE - The South Dakota House has passed a bill that would allow military training and experience to count toward getting state licenses or certifications in civilian occupations.

Representatives voted unanimously Wednesday to send the bill to the Senate for further debate.

The bill's main sponsor, Rep. Scott Parsley of Madison, says 36 state regulatory agencies require that people get a license or certification before entering a profession or occupation. His bill would allow state agencies to pass rules permitting people seeking licensing or certification to get credit for the training and experience they received in the military.

Parsley says military veterans still would have to pass any examination required for entry into a profession or occupation.

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