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Bill would let spouses keep state residency

A bill that would allow military spouses to maintain residency in their home state regardless of where the military moves them has been introduced again in the House, and its twin has been introduced in the Senate.

Rep. John Carter, R-Texas, introduced the Military Spouse Residency Relief Act on Feb. 25, and senators Richard Burr, R-N.C., and Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., introduced the same bill in the Senate on the same day.

The bill would allow spouses to keep residency in their home state for tax and voting purposes, just as service members are allowed to do now, even if they are assigned elsewhere by the military.

“This provides recognition, equality and common sense treatment, and it can uncomplicate moving hassles for military families,” said Army wife Rebecca Poynter, who along with Navy wife Joanna Williamson has been working to get the law changed for military spouses.

Carter introduced the bill last year, but it was not brought up for consideration before the congressional session ended.

“We’re back on track. We’re excited that this time, we have support on the Senate side,” Williamson said.

The issue is much larger than simply being allowed to keep one state driver’s license, she said, noting that it will make it simpler to file taxes in one state and will make voting less complicated because spouses will have a consistent relationship with their home district’s representatives.

“This will have a profound effect on the lives of so many families,” Williamson said.

Poynter and Williamson are encouraging spouses to contact their congressional representatives and senators to encourage them to support the bill.

The fact that “spouses probably have four senators and two representatives to contact — from their service member’s home state and from their [current] state” — could help the legislation gather momentum, she said.