WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Austin Scott (GA-08), a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), today released the following statement upon introducing legislation to ease occupational relicensures or recertifications for military spouses and make it easier for them to re-register their small businesses when re-stationed in another state.

“Too often, our military spouses are required to seek new occupational licenses or certifications when moving across state lines for a new assignment. These relicensures and recertifications can cost hundreds of dollars each time a military family moves, creating an undue financial burden. I have long been a proponent of removing this burden on our military families. Military spouses are a key component of our national defense, and I will continue to press for policies that support the ‘forces behind our Armed Forces,’” said Rep. Austin Scott.

In May, the Air Force announced the Service will begin reimbursing Airmen up to $500 when their spouse must obtain state occupational relicensures or recertifications during a permanent change of station or assignment across state lines. Rep. Scott contends that similar provisions should be available to military spouses of each Service.

Rep. Scott’s legislation (H.R.3072) would potentially assist military spouses who are teachers, advance practice nurses, physician's assistants, occupational therapists, dentists, dental hygienists, nutritionists, counselors, social workers, veterinarians, cosmetologists and realtors, among other careers.

Similar legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate by U.S. Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Martha McSally (R-AZ) was recently included in the Chairman's mark of the Senate version of the Fiscal Year 2020 National Defense Authorization Act. Senator David Perdue (R-GA) is a co-sponsor of the legislation.

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