Twelve more states have adopted laws to make it easier for military spouses to have portable careers, more than doubling the number since February, when first lady Michelle Obama began to draw attention to the issue.

That means 23 states now have laws to address problems spouses can face when they try to bring one state’s license or certification to another state when they move with their service member. Those problems affect an estimated 100,000 spouses: teachers, child care workers, nurses, speech pathologists, physical therapists and counselors, to name a few.

“It’s a major headache and even a disincentive to work in a profession that a spouse sometimes trains to work [in] for years,” said Brad Cooper, executive director of Joining Forces.

“We’re just thrilled,” said Karen Golden, government relations deputy director for military family issues for the Military Officers Association of America. “The Joining Forces initiative, DoD state liaison office and all the partners are making great progress in securing legislation to help military spouses. Career portability is an issue for spouses. It can have an impact on retention.”WHERE LICENSES ARE MORE PORTABLE

States that have adopted laws to make it easier for military spouses to get or transfer professional licenses:

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida

Illinois

Indiana

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Massachusetts

Missouri

Montana

Nevada

Oklahoma

Tennessee

Texas

Utah

Virginia

Washington

WisconsinClick here to read more

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