Senator Robert Singer’s legislation that would waive occupational licensing fees for active-duty military spouses was approved today by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee.

Sen. Robert Singer’s legislation that would waive occupational licensing fees for active-duty military spouses was approved today by the Senate Military and Veterans’ Affairs Committee. (Wikimedia Commons)

“The transient nature of military life creates many career-building obstacles for active-duty spouses,” said Singer (R-30). “Licensing costs alone can be a barrier to job entry, especially for spouses who are repeatedly relocated between duty stations across the nation and across the world. Waiving fees for occupational licensure will help spouses secure meaningful employment and make life a little easier for military families in New Jersey.”

Singer’s bill, S-1264, would ensure that neither a professional nor occupational board would charge a license application fee to a spouse or dependent of an active-duty military service member. The legislation also requires that the boards include a box on the application that would allow an applicant to signify that they are a military spouse or family dependent.

The unemployment rate for military spouses is 24%, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). 92% of military spouses are women.

“While Americans are proud to honor our veterans, we should also take a moment to thank military families for their support of our country,” added Singer. “With military spouses facing such a high rate of unemployment, this legislation is a small way to help them gain valuable work experience while being stationed in the Garden State.”