SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6430

As Passed Senate, February 13, 2002

Title:  An act relating to high school diplomas for World War II veterans.

Brief Description:  Authorizing issuance of high school diplomas to World War II veterans who were both honorably discharged and left high school before graduation to serve in World War II.

Sponsors:  Senators Zarelli, McAuliffe and Oke.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Education:  1/24/02, 1/31/02 [DP].

Passed Senate:  2/13/02, 45-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Majority Report:  Do pass.

Signed by Senators McAuliffe, Chair; Eide, Vice Chair; Carlson, Finkbeiner, Hewitt, Hochstatter, Johnson, Kastama, Kohl‑Welles, Rasmussen, Regala and Zarelli.

Staff:  Kelly Simpson (786‑7403)

Background:  Under current law, local school districts must issue high school diplomas to students who have successfully completed all state and local graduation requirements.

Summary of Bill:  Local school 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 Superintendent of Public Instruction must specify the evidence requirements necessary to prove eligibility for the diploma.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  WWII veterans are American heroes and should be entitled to a high school diploma.  They should not lose their opportunity to receive their diploma due to their service in WWII.  Additionally, the education WWII veterans received during the war should be more than enough to warrant receiving a diploma.  Finally, the bill would not cost the state or school districts money.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  PRO:  Senator Zarelli, prime sponsor; Caroline Ruhmshottel, Marine Corps League Auxiliary.