1. (a) As used in this section, “returning military veteran” means a former member of the United States Armed Forces who was discharged from active duty under circumstances other than dishonorable.

2. (b) The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission shall grant automatic licensure to an individual who holds a substantially equivalent occupational license in good standing in another United States jurisdiction or through ARCPACS and is:

   1. (1) An active duty military service member stationed in Arkansas;
   2. (2) A returning military veteran applying for an occupational license within one (1) year of his or her discharge from active duty; or
   3. (3) The spouse of a person under subdivision (b)(1) or (2) of this section.

3. (c) The commission shall grant such automatic licensure upon receipt of all items listed below:

   1. (1) Payment of the initial license fee;
   2. (2) Evidence that the applicant is a holder in good standing of a substantially equivalent occupational license in another state or through ARCPACS; and
   3. (3) Evidence that the applicant is a qualified applicant under subsection (b) of this section.

Codification Notes: "ARCPACS" means American Registry of Certified Professionals in Agronomy Crops and Soils.