Title: An act relating to high school diplomas for veterans of the Korean conflict.

Brief Description: Authorizing issuance of high school diplomas to veterans of the Korean conflict who were honorably discharged and left high school before graduation to serve in the Korean conflict.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Senators West, Shin, Sheahan, Honeyford, Hewitt, Roach, Finkbeiner, Hale, Kline, McAuliffe, Winsley, Mulliken, Rasmussen and Schmidt).

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill

• Permits school districts to issue high school diplomas to honorably discharged veterans who left school before graduation to fight in the Korean Conflict.

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 11 members: Representatives Quall, Chair; McDermott, Vice Chair; Talcott, Ranking Minority Member; Tom, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Anderson, Cox, Haigh, Hunter, McMahan, Rockefeller and Santos.

Under current law, local school districts must issue high school diplomas to students who have successfully completed all state and local graduation requirements. The districts may issue high school diplomas to honorably discharged World War II veterans who left high school before graduation in order to serve in the war. The diplomas may be awarded to veterans who were scheduled to graduate between 1941 and 1950. Eligible veterans include veterans who received high school equivalency certifications and those who are deceased.

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) must specify the evidence requirements necessary to prove eligibility for the diploma. Veterans and those working on behalf of deceased veterans must apply for the diplomas using forms prepared and provided by the OSPI.

Local school districts may issue high school diplomas to honorably discharged veterans of the Korean conflict who were scheduled to graduate from high school in the years 1940 through 1955, but were unable to graduate due to service in the Korean conflict.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For: Last year the Legislature approved a bill that allows school districts to grant diplomas to World War II veterans who left high school to serve in the war. Several heartwarming ceremonies were held in the state, including two in the state's soldier homes. The ceremonies were moving and meaningful to the veterans, their families, and all who attended. This legislation will provide the same opportunity for veterans of the Korean conflict. The application forms required of veterans are available on the OSPI website, so the agency has few if any expenses associated with the administration of its responsibility under this legislation.

Testified: Representative Haigh, Veteran Affairs Committee; and Greg Williamson, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.