March 2013

By: Anthony J. Caruso, Esq.

On June 26, 2012, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed the Illinois Military Licensing Act which went into effect on January 1, 2013. This new law allows military service members (and their spouses) who relocate to Illinois and seek new employment to secure temporary expedited professional and educational licenses from state agencies.

In Illinois, state agencies including the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and the State Board of Education under this law will be able to grant these temporary licenses to these newly relocated employees who held such credentials in other states. This will affect more than 50 professions. For example, teachers, doctors, nurses, dentists, paramedics, social workers, dietitians, and therapists in the fields of education, child care services, and public health will be on the fast track for their state credentials.

There are approximately 23 states including Illinois (and approximately 7 states with pending legislation) to assist military families in this area of expedited employment.

If you are an employer in these areas of employment, you should be aware of this fast track for licensing of new hires.

If you have any questions or concerns about this topic or any other questions related to employment, please call attorney Anthony J. Caruso of Wessels Sherman’s St. Charles, IL office at (630) 377-1554 or e-mail ancaruso@wesselssherman.com.