Legislation that will eliminate redundant employment training for veterans seeking civilian jobs was signed into law April 13 by Gov. Chris Gregoire.

Sponsored by state Sen. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, the bill proposes that veterans be evaluated for the skills they already have and apply that knowledge to educational licensing requirements in private-sector health care jobs, according to a statement.

State Rep. Christine Rolfes, D-Bainbridge Island, sponsored companion legislation that would allow veterans’ relevant military experience to satisfy licensing requirements in a range of other professional licenses, but as both bills progressed, the lawmakers agreed to go with the Senate version.