BILL REQ. #:  S-3115.1 

Read first time 01/13/14.   Referred to Committee on Higher Education.

     AN ACT Relating to awarding academic credit for military training; and adding a new section to chapter 28B.10 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   A new section is added to chapter 28B.10 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) Before December 31, 2015, each institution of higher education must adopt a policy to award academic credit for military training. The policy shall apply to any individual who is enrolled in the institution of higher education and who has successfully completed a military training course or program as part of his or her military service that is:
     (a) Recommended for credit by a national higher education association that provides credit recommendations for military training courses and programs;
     (b) Included in the individual's military transcript issued by any branch of the armed services; or
     (c) Documented military training or experience that is substantially equivalent to any course or program offered by the institution of higher education.
     (2) Each institution of higher education must develop a procedure for receiving the necessary documentation to identify and verify the military training course or program that an individual is claiming for academic credit.
     (3) Each institution of higher education must provide a copy of its policy for awarding academic credit for military training to any enrolled student who listed prior or present military service in his or her application. Each institution of higher education must develop and maintain a list of military training courses and programs that have qualified for academic credit.
     (4) Each institution of higher education must submit its policy for awarding academic credit for military training to the prior learning assessment work group convened pursuant to RCW 28B.77.230. The work group must evaluate each policy and make recommendations to each institution.