SENATE BILL REPORT
EHB 1283


This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported By Senate Committee On:
Early Learning & K-12 Education, February 27, 2008

Title: An act relating to high school diplomas for persons who leave school before graduation to serve in the United States armed forces.

Brief Description: Authorizing high school diplomas to be issued to persons who left high school before graduation to serve in the United States armed forces.

Sponsors: Representatives Roach, McDonald, Morrell, Rolfes, Kelley, Skinner, Orcutt, Priest, Takko, Conway, Appleton, Newhouse, Haler, Moeller, VanDeWege, McCune, Roberts and Springer.

Brief History: Passed House: 2/16/07, 96-0.

Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 2/27/08 [DP].


SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION

Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators McAuliffe, Chair; Tom, Vice Chair; King, Ranking Minority Member; Brandland, Eide, Hobbs, Holmquist, Kauffman, McDermott, Oemig and Rasmussen.

Staff: Kimberly Cushing (786-7421)

Background: Under current law, school districts may issue high school diplomas to honorably discharged veterans who were scheduled to graduate from high school between 1940 and 1955 but left high school before graduation in order to serve in World War II or the Korean Conflict. The Superintendent of Public Instruction must specify the evidence necessary to prove eligibility for the diploma.

Summary of Bill: School districts may issue high school diplomas to all honorably discharged veterans who left high school before graduation to serve in the Vietnam era. The veterans of World War II or the Korean Conflict are no longer required to have been scheduled to graduate between 1940 and 1955 to receive a diploma.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Engrossed Bill: PRO: Allows Vietnam War veterans to get an honorary diploma.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Roach, prime sponsor.