Amends GS 93B-15.1, concerning the occupational licensure of individuals with military training and experience, and to military spouses, to require that a license, certification, registration, or temporary practice permit issued under the statute must be provided free of cost to the applicant. Makes conforming changes. Clarifies that nothing in the statute is to be construed to prohibit an occupational licensing board from charging its ordinary fee for applications for renewal. 

Requires an occupational licensing board to issue a temporary permit (previously, discretionary) to a military trained applicant or spouse that is licensed, certified, or registered in another jurisdiction while the applicant or spouse is satisfying the requirements for licensure under the statute. Removes qualifications that the license, certification, or registration from another jurisdiction have substantially equivalent standards of an occupational licensing board in the State. Establishes that the temporary permit is valid for the later of one year or the required renewal date for the occupation the temporary permit was issued for, or until a license, certification, or registration is granted by the occupational licensing board (previously, only valid until license granted or notice to deny license issued).

Effective July 1, 2017, and applies to applications submitted on or after that date.