Military Families Licensing Recognition Act 

The process of transferring an occupational license from one state to another can be daunting, time-consuming, and frustrating. This is especially true for military service members, who frequently relocate due to deployments. It’s not just the service members who feel the impact; their family members working in licensed occupations also face challenges. 

The best approach is for state lawmakers to pass IJ’s Universal Recognition of Occupational Licenses Act. It establishes simple and clear procedures for licensing boards to recognize the qualifications and work experience of people who are licensed in other states, whether they come from military or civilian backgrounds. But if this comprehensive approach is not politically possible, IJ’s Military Families Licensing Recognition Act is an incremental solution to help service members and their families get licensed. 

What Can State Legislators Do? 

IJ’s Military Families Licensing Recognition Act enables service members and their families to swiftly secure an occupational license in their new state, easing their transition with a relocation or into civilian life. In turn, this lessens the risk of unemployment and financial hardship for them and their families. 

Military personnel possess specialized skills that can be applied to many civilian occupations. Acknowledging these skills through an expedited licensing procedure benefits states. Such skilled professionals, along with their family members, can make meaningful contributions to essential sectors like health care, engineering, and emergency services. 

For legislators, recognizing credentials from military service can also serve as a stepping stone towards achieving universal recognition. IJ’s legislative team is available to support subsequent reform efforts by state legislators.