By Pacific Island Times News Staff
Sen. Dwayne Sani Nicolas has introduced a bill that would exempt military spouses from paying fees for Guam driver’s licenses.
Sen. San Nicolas said Bill 224-37, filed on Dec. 20, would Guam into compliance with the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, a federal law that seeks to legal and financial burdens on military personnel and their families brought on by the demands of active duty.
The SCRA also protects military personnel and their spouses from double taxation from states lived in during the tax year.
“Active duty service member spouses should have been exempted from fees when obtaining a motor vehicle driver’s license on the island a long time ago and that’s what this measure will authorize," said San Nicolas, chair of the legislative committee on emergency response, military and
veteran affairs and border safety.
If enacted into law, the measure would take effect immediately.
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Earlier this year, The Justice Department issued a letter to all state licensing authorities about new federal protections for military families, who have to relocate based on military orders.
Expanded federal protections are provided through congressional amendments to SCRA.
“Servicemembers and their families should not face unnecessary barriers to employment because of the sacrifices they make in service to our country,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland.
“Servicemembers bear great burdens to protect and advance our democracy, and families of these dedicated military professionals often make sacrifices on our behalf, including frequent moves, child-care challenges, and interruptions or barriers to employment,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.
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