Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research		 BILL
ANALYSIS
Education Committee

HB 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.

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 Summary of Bill
  • Expands high school diploma eligibility for honorably discharged veterans who left high school before graduation to serve in the armed forces.

Hearing Date: 2/2/07

Staff: Andrew Colvin (786-7304).

Background:

Legislation was enacted in 2002 that allows school districts to issue high school diplomas to World War II veterans who left high school before graduation to serve in the armed forces. In 2003 this was expanded to include veterans of the Korean conflict. School districts may issue a high school diploma to a person who:

Eligible veterans who hold a high school equivalency certification may still receive a diploma, and diplomas may be issued posthumously.

To obtain a high school diploma, a veteran, or a person acting on behalf of a deceased veteran, must complete an application form and submit discharge papers that verify the veteran's military service and honorable discharge. Applications may be submitted to the high school the veteran would have graduated from, a high school in the veteran's local community, or a high school with which the veteran has substantial ties. High schools are not required to participate in the program.

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 armed forces. The provisions are removed that restrict eligibility to veterans of World War II and the Korean Conflict who were scheduled to graduate from high school from 1940 through 1955.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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