NEWS

Last month, Governor Brian P. Kemp, accompanied by First Lady Marty Kemp, members of the General Assembly, and state and local leaders, signed HB 880, sponsored by Representative Bethany Ballard. HB 880 allows spouses of military service members to start work under a license they hold in another state and the supervision of an existing Georgia entity after applying for expedited licensure by endorsement.

HB 880 presents a significant opportunity for military spouses relocating to Georgia, granting them the ability to apply their current occupational licenses from other states towards employment endeavors within our state. HB 880 was crafted to help alleviate the numerous employment hurdles encountered by military families upon receiving relocation orders to Georgia. The provisions outlined within HB 880 are poised to facilitate a seamless transition for military spouses into Georgia’s workforce, streamlining their path to meaningful employment opportunities.

“Our veterans and military families have dedicated their lives and undergo great sacrifice in service to our country,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “While we can never repay the debt we owe them, by signing this legislation, I am proud to say that we are living up to our promise of keeping Georgia the best state in the country for service members and their spouses to live, work, and raise a family.”

The Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, along with the HUB Chamber Council, diligently collaborated with the Chatham County legislative delegation to navigate the complex legislative journey of this crucial bill. We extend our gratitude to the members of the Georgia General Assembly for passing this significant legislation. A heartfelt appreciation is also extended to Governor Brian Kemp for his pivotal role in enacting this bill into law. This exemplifies the Savannah Chamber’s commitment to bolstering Georgia’s reputation as one of the foremost military-friendly states in the nation, ensuring the well-being of our service members and their families.