Zwicker Introduces Legislation to Help Displaced Professionals from Puerto Rico Find Work on Mainland 

Bill Would Revise Law on Out-of-State Licenses to Include Professionals from Storm-Ravaged Island

(TRENTON) – Assemblyman Andrew Zwicker on Monday introduced legislation aimed at helping doctors, nurses, teachers and other licensed professionals from Puerto Rico find work after relocating to New Jersey following Hurricane Maria.

“New Jersey has one of the highest populations of Puerto Ricans on the mainland, and we can expect to see that population grow as our fellow Americans from the island seek safety with family and friends in the United States,” said Zwicker (D-Hunterdon/Mercer/Middlesex/Somerset). “As they settle into their new lives in New Jersey, we can help ease the transition by ensuring that men and women from Puerto Rico are able to continue in their professions and support their families here.”

The bill (A-52555) would revise state law regarding the reciprocity process for out-of-state professional and occupational licensing. Currently, licensed professionals from jurisdictions with standards that are substantially equivalent to New Jersey’s may work in their respective industries in New Jersey provided they supply the state with proof that an out-of-state license is valid, current and in good standing.

Zwicker’s legislation would clarify that the law applies not only to residents of the 50 states but also to individuals with licenses from Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia or any other territory or possession of the United States.

Under the bill, verification of licensure must be submitted to the appropriate state licensing board within six months or, in the cases of individuals relocating due to a natural disaster or other catastrophic event, as soon as practicable.

“After losing so much due to Hurricane Maria, people who are qualified to perform a job – and who may have been thriving doing that job in Puerto Rico – shouldn’t have to go through the additional stress of repeating coursework and training here in New Jersey,” said Zwicker. “Any American citizen who comes from Puerto Rico and can prove that he or she already did what’s required to earn a license to work in New Jersey should be eligible to work in his or her field and make positive contributions to our state’s economy.”

The measure was referred to the Assembly Regulated Professions Committee.