Ensuring Security for Military Spouses Act (HR 3371)

Summary

The Ensuring Security for Military Spouses Act is a bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on May 13, 2025. The main purpose of this legislation is to improve financial stability and security for the spouses of active-duty military personnel.

Key Provisions

The bill would make the following key changes:

1. Increased Eligibility for Unemployment Benefits: The bill would expand eligibility for unemployment benefits to include military spouses who voluntarily quit their jobs due to a permanent change of military station of the service member to whom they are married.

2. Access to Spouse Transition Assistance: The legislation would require the Department of Defense to provide transition assistance services, including employment counseling and skills training, to military spouses.

3. Improved Occupational License Portability: The bill would establish a grant program to help states create programs that allow military spouses to more easily transfer occupational licenses when relocating due to a permanent change of station.

4. Expanded Protections Against Eviction: The legislation would prohibit landlords from evicting military spouses and their families from rental housing for up to 1 year after the service member's deployment or permanent change of station.

Impact

This bill is intended to address the unique financial and career challenges faced by military spouses, who often have to relocate frequently and find it difficult to maintain steady employment. By providing increased access to benefits, transition assistance, and protections, the Ensuring Security for Military Spouses Act aims to improve the overall well-being and financial security of military families.

The bill would primarily affect active-duty military spouses, as well as state and local governments, rental property owners, and the Department of Defense, which would be responsible for implementing the new programs and policies.

Timeline

The Ensuring Security for Military Spouses Act was introduced in the House on May 13, 2025. It has been referred to the House Committee on Armed Services for further consideration. If passed by the House and Senate, and signed into law by the President, the various provisions of the bill would likely be implemented over the course of 6-12 months.