(a) Expedited and temporary certification for active duty military, returning military veterans, and spouses.

1. (1) The Arkansas Natural Resources Commission shall expedite the certification process for any individual applying for Arkansas accreditation who:

   1. (A) Holds a substantially equivalent certificate issued by another state, territory, or district who is in good standing with that state; and
   2. (B) Is one (1) of the following:

(i) An active duty military service member stationed in the State of Arkansas;

1. (ii) A returning military veteran applying within one (1) year of his or her discharge from active duty; or

   1. (iii) The spouse of a person described by subdivision (a)(1)(B)(i) or (ii) of this section.

2. (2)

   1. (A) The applicant will still need to demonstrate competence to drill wells or install pumps in Arkansas by passing the commission’s test.
   2. (B) However, an applicant may obtain temporary certification pursuant to 17 CAR § 11-312(d) until the applicant has met the commission’s testing requirement.

(b) Consideration of military training and experience.

1. (1) When considering an application for certification from a person described by subdivision (a)(1)(B) of this section who does not have certification from another state, territory, or district, the commission shall:

   1. (A) Consider whether the applicant’s military training and experience is substantially similar to experience or education required for the applicable permit or license; and
   2. (B) Accept documentation of the applicant’s military training and experience in lieu of experience or education required for the applicable permit if the commission determines the military training and experience is a satisfactory substitute for the experience or education required for the permit.

2. (2) The applicant will still need to demonstrate competence to drill wells or install pumps in Arkansas by passing the commission’s test.

   1. (c) License or permit expiration. A license or permit issued by the commission held by an active duty military service member or the spouse of an active duty military service member deployed outside Arkansas shall not expire until one hundred eighty (180) days following the active duty military service member’s or the spouse’s return from active deployment.

      1. (d) Continuing education exemption.

3. (1) The commission shall allow a full or partial exemption from continuing education requirements for the following individuals:

   1. (A) An active duty military service member deployed outside of the State of Arkansas;
   2. (B) A returning military veteran applying within one (1) year of his or her discharge from active duty; or
   3. (C) The spouse of a person under subdivision (d)(1)(A) or (B) of this section.
4. (2) The commission may require the completion of continuing education before issuing any subsequent renewals.