The Justice Department announced on Mar. 31 that it reached a $3 million settlement with 42 Georgia state licensing boards to resolve allegations of failing to recognize out-of-state professional licenses held by servicemembers and their spouses, in violation of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA).
This agreement is the first of its kind and aims to address employment barriers faced by military families relocating to Georgia due to military orders. The settlement will provide compensation for those whose applications were improperly denied or delayed, and requires new policies that streamline licensure for affected individuals.
“The agreement we are announcing today allows servicemembers and their spouses to focus on what is most important when military service sends them to Georgia,” said Theodore S. Hertzberg, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia. “Federal law requires every state to recognize hard-earned professional licenses when our warfighters must uproot their families in service to our country. This settlement ensures that servicemembers and military spouses can work in their chosen and trained professions free from bureaucratic hurdles, unnecessary costs, and burdensome waits. I am proud that my office, alongside the Justice Department and the two other U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in Georgia, worked together with our state partners in the Secretary of State’s office, the Attorney General’s office, and the Governor’s office to make it easier for our brave fighting men and women to call Georgia home.” Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon added: “Members of the military and their families already make great sacrifices to defend our nation – they should not have to sacrifice their professional careers or financial well-being because the military requires them to move.” William R. “Will” Keyes, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia said: “As a U.S. Army veteran and reservist, it is a particular honor…to announce that our servicemembers are guaranteed the full protections of the SCRA.” Margaret “Meg” Heap from Southern District stated: “This settlement will provide monetary relief…and clears a path now and in the future for military spouses…”
An investigation led by federal attorneys found multiple complaints about previous refusals by these boards; some individuals had been unable to work or forced into long commutes after moving due to non-recognition of valid out-of-state licenses as required under federal law.
Since January 2023, SCRA has mandated states recognize out-of-state professional licenses held by servicemembers or their spouses who relocate under official orders—a measure intended both as employment support for these families who often move every two or three years—and as an effort toward financial stability.
Upwards of 5,000 people may be eligible for compensation under this agreement; covered professions include teachers, nurses, electricians, plumbers among others.
Theodore S. Hertzberg served as United States Attorney for this district according to official sources. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prioritized prosecution against threats like terrorism or civil rights violations according to its website, enforced criminal laws while representing federal interests accordingly with law enforcement partners across north Georgia—serving approximately 7.5 million residents from Atlanta suburbs through mountain communities bordering Alabama/the Carolinas as reported officially. The office also coordinated cases nationwide/internationally per its site.
Broader implications may extend beyond Georgia: Dhillon urged other states’ licensing authorities take note so similar compliance occurs elsewhere.
