SB312 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald O. Dial

Republican

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

SB 312 creates the Military Family Jobs Opportunity Act to help military spouses obtain professional licenses in Alabama by recognizing out-of-state licenses and allowing temporary licenses when Alabama's requirements differ.

What This Bill Does

Professional licensing boards in Alabama would have to adopt rules recognizing licenses from other states for spouses of military members who relocate to Alabama, if the other state's licensing criteria are greater than or substantially similar to Alabama's. The act also requires boards to issue temporary licenses or certificates to eligible spouses from states with not substantially similar criteria, valid for at least 180 days while they complete Alabama-specific requirements. It requires expedited processing of applications once the spouse documents compliance, and it allows boards to establish reciprocity with other states. It also waives the initial licensing fee for eligible spouses; the act does not apply to the practice of law.

Who It Affects

• Military spouses (including surviving spouses and transitioning spouses) who relocate to Alabama with an active-duty service member and hold licenses from other states; they may have their licenses recognized or receive a temporary license while meeting Alabama requirements.
• Alabama professional licensing boards and agencies, which must adopt implementing rules, issue temporary licenses, expedite licensure, consider reciprocity with other states, and process fee waivers for eligible spouses.

Key Provisions

• Designates the act as Military Family Jobs Opportunity Act and requires boards to adopt rules implementing recognition of out-of-state licenses when those states' criteria are greater than or substantially similar to Alabama's.
• Requires a temporary license or certificate be available for eligible spouses when their original state's licensing criteria are not substantially similar to Alabama's, valid for at least 180 days.
• Defines eligible individuals as spouses of active duty or transitioning military members (including National Guard) relocating to Alabama under official orders, who meet background and disciplinary requirements and pay necessary fees.
• Requires expedited processing of Alabama licensure applications once the applicant documents compliance with Alabama's requirements.
• Allows boards to establish reciprocity with other states for military spouse licensing and certification.
• Waives the initial licensing fee for eligible spouses and requires processing of the fee waiver within 30 days; the act excludes the practice of law from its scope; rules must be issued by January 1, 2019; act takes effect immediately upon governor's approval.

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