Tucker, Singleton, Eustace, Lampitt, Greenwald & Wisniewski Bill to Allow Temporary Professional Licensure for Qualified Military Spouses Heads to Governor's Desk
Bill Would Help Professional Licensed Spouses Return to Work Sooner After Relocation
(TRENTON) - Legislation sponsored by Assembly Democrats Cleopatra Tucker, Troy Singleton, Timothy Eustace, Pamela Lampitt, Lou Greenwald and John Wisniewski that would allow nonresident military spouses to seek temporary licensure from certain professional and occupations licensing boards upon moving to New Jersey was approved in an afternoon Senate session on Monday.
The bill (A-3427) would provide a "nonresident military spouse" an opportunity to seek a one-year temporary licensure with option to apply for an extension at the end of the year. Under the bill, a "nonresident military spouse" is defined as a person who does not live in New Jersey, but is married to an active duty member of the Armed Forces who has been transferred here as part of their service, is legally domiciled in the state or has moved to the state on a permanent change-of-station basis.
"This is an opportunity for the state to help military families bridge the employment gap when transferred and see little disruption in earning an income for their family," said Tucker (D-Essex). "In a year or two-year time, if the individual has permanently relocated to New Jersey, this temporary license will give them time to seek permanent licensure while continuing to make a living."
"Frequent relocation is a part of military life. New Jersey understands that," said Singleton (D- Burlington). "The bill would help ease transitions for nonmilitary spouses with licensed professional careers by providing an opportunity to continue to do what they are trained for, earn an income and support their families.