The Department of Justice reached a settlement with 42 Georgia professional licensing boards to pay $3 million to military spouses whose out-of-state qualifications weren’t being recognized. Fox 5 Atlanta reported that the licensing boards were failing to follow federal law that allows military families moving under PCS orders to maintain their careers with licenses from other states.  

The agreement requires Georgia to implement a new system to make sure the licenses are honored in accordance with the law. The case marks the first time the new spouse protection has been upheld in the courts. 

“Today’s settlement sends a clear and unmistakable message to state licensing boards outside Georgia that the department will protect servicemembers’ rights to the fullest extent provided by federal law,” DOJ Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon said. 

Army photo by Miranda Onorio