Some people might think recent legislative action solved the issue of license portability for military spouses. Let’s clear things up – we still have a long way to go.

[ACT NOW: Ask Your Lawmakers to Co-Sponsor the Military Spouse Hiring Act]

In January, the president signed into law the Veterans Auto and Education Improvement Act, which included a provision to make it easier for military spouses to transfer a professional license when executing a military move. That provision, introduced in the 117th Congress by Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) in the Senate and Rep. Mike Garcia (R-Calif.) in the House as the Military Spouse Licensing Relief Act, provides licensing reciprocity between states for all professions except the practice of law.

While the law is well-intentioned, there is much work to be done to ensure both employers and military spouses are aware of, and understand the specifics of, the legislation. Last month, MOAA signed onto a letter penned by the ASPIRE (Alliance for States Providing Interoperable Reciprocity) Coalition and Blue Star Families urging members of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee to commit federal funding to states to allow the hiring of support personnel necessary to facilitate the provisions the Military Spouse Licensing Relief Act.

[READ THE LETTER]

Nearly a third of military spouses in the labor force work in occupations requiring a license or certification, according to DoD. For decades, each PCS move has resulted in hassles and setbacks for military spouses who need to transfer a professional license. The Defense-State Liaison Office, with input from stakeholders, continues to make strides in this area, easing the challenges of license transfer through the development of interstate compacts and improvements to state procedures and processes to expedite entry into the local workforce. Additionally, starting in 2019, DoD boosted spouse licensure reimbursement policies to provide up to $1,000 for relicensure and certification costs resulting from relocations across state lines.

“Federal appropriations will ensure the burden of implementing the provisions of the Military Spouse Licensing Relief Act will not be foisted onto military spouses, who are already juggling family requirements and their servicemembers’ job responsibilities.”

Getting this law passed was just the first step. MOAA will continue to engage with administration and DoD leaders, Congress, fellow military service organizations, and stakeholders to ensure the law is implemented in a clear and effective manner. We understand improving quality of life for military families has a direct impact on the nation’s all-volunteer force, and supporting career goals for spouses is an important component.