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, as required under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA).
The agreement aims to remove barriers for military families who move to Georgia due to military orders, ensuring they can continue working in their professions without unnecessary delays or costs. This is the first settlement of its kind and will provide compensation for those whose licensure applications were improperly denied or delayed.
“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.”
Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division said, “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.” U.S. Attorney William R. Keyes of the Middle District of Georgia added that he was grateful for strong partnerships with state officials in reaching this resolution, which helps ensure smooth career transitions for relocating military families.
An investigation led by federal attorneys uncovered complaints from servicemembers’ spouses who could not work in their fields after moving due to non-recognition of out-of-state licenses by some Georgia Boards—a requirement under federal law since January 2023 meant to support financial readiness among military families.
Upwards of 5,000 individuals may be eligible for compensation under this settlement across a wide range of licensed professions including teachers, nurses, electricians, cosmetologists, pharmacists, social workers and more.
Theodore S. Hertzberg served as United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia according to the official website. The office prioritizes prosecution against threats such as terrorism and civil rights violations while collaborating with law enforcement agencies nationwide and internationally according to its official website. It serves approximately 7.5 million residents across north Georgia mountains through Atlanta suburbs up toward borders with Alabama and Carolinas according to its official website.
Any affected individuals are encouraged by authorities involved in this case—including Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marissa Fallica and Aileen Bell Hughes—to contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office if they believe they were wrongfully denied licensure rights after January 2023.
