HB388 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Thad McClammy

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

Military Family Jobs Opportunity Act, professional licensing boards required to issue licenses and certificates to military spouses who hold licenses and certificates from other states, required to issue temporary licenses and certificates in certain instances when other state has lesser requirements, Sec. 31-1-6 am'd.

Summary

HB 388 creates the Military Family Jobs Opportunity Act to help military spouses obtain professional licenses in Alabama by recognizing out-of-state licenses, allowing temporary permits, and waiving certain fees.

What This Bill Does

Requires Alabama licensing boards to adopt rules to recognize licenses from other states when those states have licensing requirements that are greater than or substantially similar to Alabama's, and to issue temporary permits for up to 180 days while Alabama-specific requirements are completed. Defines eligible individuals as spouses of active duty, transitioning, or surviving military members who relocate to Alabama, and who meet background and other board requirements. Allows expedited processing and reciprocity with other states, and waives the initial licensing fee for eligible individuals. Excludes certain licenses and professions from these provisions.

Who It Affects

• Military spouses (including surviving spouses and transitioning service members) who relocate to Alabama and seek professional licensure, who may obtain licenses or temporary permits more easily and benefit from fee waivers.
• Alabama boards, agencies, and licensing regulators that issue professional licenses or certificates, which must adopt implementing rules, issue licenses or temporary permits, may establish reciprocity with other states, and process fee waivers.

Key Provisions

• Renames section 31-1-6 as the Military Family Jobs Opportunity Act and applies to boards/agencies issuing professional licenses or certificates for employment in Alabama.
• By January 1, 2019, boards must promulgate rules implementing two methods: (1) license issuance if out-of-state requirements are substantially equivalent to Alabama's; (2) a temporary permit for at least 180 days to allow work while completing Alabama-specific requirements.
• Eligible individuals are spouses of active duty, reserve, transitioning service members (including National Guard) relocated to Alabama, who meet background checks and other board requirements, and who have not been disciplined or denied a license.
• If a person has a valid out-of-state license with greater requirements, they may be approved to continue work in Alabama for a time and then complete Alabama requirements to obtain a license; processing may be expedited after documentation.
• Boards may establish reciprocity with other states for military spouse licensing and certification.
• New boards must adopt the required rules within one year of their initial organizational meeting.
• Initial licensing fees shall be waived for eligible individuals, with fee waiver processing within 30 days of application.
• Excludes: practice of law (attorneys), licenses from the Alabama Securities Commission, certifications from the Peace Officers' Standards and Training Commission, and the practice of professions regulated by the Pharmacy Board, Dental Examiners, Chiropractic Examiners, LPG Board, or Medical Examiners.
• The act becomes effective immediately after the Governor signs and approves it.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Military