Laws Regarding Active Duty Military
As part of First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden’s Joining Forces initiative, a nationwide effort to mobilize all sectors of society to raise awareness of military families’ unique needs as pertaining to employment, education and wellness, the Board has implemented recently-passed California legislation designed to allow families an opportunity to gain skillful employment as they move from one US jurisdiction to another.
In September 2012, Governor Brown signed into law both Assembly Bill (AB) 1904 (Chapter 399, Statutes of 2012) and AB 1588 (Chapter 742, Statutes of 2012), which took effect January 1, 2013.
The first measure, AB 1904, allows a spouse or domestic partner of an active duty member of the Armed Forces of the United States who is assigned to a duty station in California under official "active duty" military orders to receive expedited reciprocity licensing. Applying is simple and requires supporting documentation (e.g., current license in another US jurisdiction, marriage certificate, etc.) along with the California Architect Reciprocity Application. Details are available on the Application under "Additional Information."
AB 1588 allows military personnel who are called to active duty and are also California architects to defer renewal requirements. Specific requirements for eligibility can be found on the Board’s website.