(a) Definitions. As used in this section:

1. (1) “Automatic licensure” means granting a license to practice optometry without an individual having met occupational licensure requirements provided under the Arkansas Code or by other provisions in this part;

2. (2) “Uniformed service member” means an:

   1. (A) Active or reserve component member of the:

(i) United States Air Force;

1. (ii) United States Army;

   1. (iii) United States Coast Guard;

      1. (iv) United States Marine Corps;
      2. (v) United States Navy;
      3. (vi) United States Space Force; or
      4. (vii) National Guard;
   2. (B) Active component member of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps; or
   3. (C) Active or reserve component member of the United States Commissioned Corps of the Public Health Service; and
2. (3) “Uniformed service veteran” means a former member of the uniformed services of the United States discharged under circumstances other than dishonorable.

(b) Licensure.

1. (1) Pursuant to the Arkansas Occupational Licensing of Uniformed Service Members, Veterans, and Spouses Act of 2021, Arkansas Code § 17-4-101 et seq., the State Board of Optometry shall allow the following individuals to secure employment with automatic licensure if the person is a holder in good standing of an optometry license with a similar scope of practice issued by another state, territory, or district of the United States and the person pays the licensure fee in 17 CAR § 380-105(b):

   1. (A) A uniformed member stationed in the State of Arkansas;
   2. (B) A uniformed service veteran who resides in or establishes residency in the State of Arkansas; or

   3. (C) The spouse of a:

      1. (i) Person under subdivision (b)(1)(A) or (b)(1)(B) of this section;
      2. (ii) Uniformed service member who is assigned a tour of duty that excludes the uniformed service member’s spouse from accompanying the uniformed service member and the spouse relocates to this state; or
      3. (iii) Uniformed service member who is killed or succumbs to his or her injuries or illness in the line of duty if the spouse establishes residency in the state.

2. (2) When considering an application for full licensure, certification, or permitting for a uniformed service member stationed in the State of Arkansas or a uniformed service veteran who resides in or establishes residency in the State of Arkansas, the board shall:

   1. (A) Consider whether or not the applicant’s uniformed service education, training, national certification, service-issued credential, and experience in the area of licensure, certification, or permitting is relevant and applicable to licensure, certification, or permitting; and
   2. (B) Accept the applicant’s relevant and applicable uniformed service education, training, national certification, service-issued credential, and experience in the area of licensure, certification, or permitting in lieu of experience or education required for licensure, certification, or permitting.
3. (3) A license required to enable the holder to lawfully engage in a profession, trade, or employment in this state held by a uniformed service member deployed outside the State of Arkansas or his or her spouse shall not expire until one hundred eighty (180) days following the uniformed service member’s or spouse’s return from deployment.

4. (4) Continuing education.

   1. (A) The board shall exempt from continuing education required as part of licensure, certification, or permitting for a profession, trade, or employment in this state for a deployed uniformed service member or spouse until one hundred eighty (180) days following the date of the uniformed service member’s return from deployment.
   2. (B) Any uniformed service member or spouse exercising the exemption under this subdivision (b)(4) shall provide evidence of completion of continuing education before the board renews his or her license, certificate, or permit or issues a subsequent license, certificate, or permit.