The bill would apply to a wide variety of professions, including architects, contractors, real estate agents, cosmetologists, barbers, health care professionals or basically any profession for which the state requires a license.

“Most decisions to stay in the military are made around the kitchen table and not in the personnel office,” bill sponsor state Sen. Bill Ketron (R-Murfreesboro) said. “To retain our trained and experienced military we must retain the family. This bill helps spouses with some complications that arise as a result of military service and that is a delay in obtaining a professional license upon being transferred.”

The bill requires Tennessee’s licensing boards to establish a procedure to expedite the issuance of a license, certification or permit to perform professional services regulated by each board to the spouse.

It would apply to military spouses who are currently licensed in a profession in another state, as long as they relocate with their husband or wife and have been transferred in the line of duty. 

Ketron said professional-licensing requirements often differ among states, limiting career advancement or deterring re-entry into the work force for military families moving to new locations. 

Military spouses relocate on average of every two to four years.

More than 70 percent of those surveyed say they either want or need to work. However, delays of four to six months are commonly incurred in getting a license. Ketron said this has a detrimental impact on the military spouse’s ability to find employment due to the frequency of military moves.

“This bill is to support our troops and their families and ease a burden that presents a significant problem,” Ketron added. “Sometimes spouses become discouraged and give up their careers in health professions, law, finance and education to take lower paying jobs for which they are frequently over-qualified. We need to do everything we can to help expedite the licensing process so this does not happen.”

The bill now goes to Gov. Bill Haslam for his signature.