WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Recently, U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) co-sponsored the Military Spouse Licensing Relief Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) that would give military spouses with valid professional licenses in one state reciprocity in the state where their spouse is currently serving on military orders.

"Military spouses serve our country every day, and they deserve career opportunities wherever their families are stationed," said Senator Tillis. "I have always been an advocate for our servicemembers and their families, and this bill helps military spouses carry professional licensure wherever the country may need them."

In order to receive reciprocity, a license must be in good standing and the spouse must still comply with the state’s standards of practice, discipline, and fulfillment of any continuing education requirements. As a state function, protected under the Tenth Amendment, the bill does not preempt the states’ rightful authority to set their own licensing standards.

The bill is also co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), John Barrasso (R-WY), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Steve Daines (R-MT), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Jerry Moran (R-KS), John Boozman (R-AR), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Braun (R-IN), Rand Paul (R-KY), John Thune (R-SD), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), John Hoeven (R-ND), Mitt Romney (R-UT), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Joni Ernst (R-IA), and Jim Risch (R-ID).

Companion legislation was introduced in the house by U.S. Representative Mike Garcia (R-CA). 

Read the full text of the bill here.

###