What's happening
This bill expands eligibility for veterans to receive high school diplomas based on military service, beyond only World War II veterans.
Why it matters
Recognizes broader military service. The bill acknowledges the value of military experience for all veterans, not just those from World War II, by allowing them to receive high school diplomas—potentially increasing educational credentials for more veterans.
Removes era-based limitations. By eliminating the restriction to World War II service, the legislation updates the law to reflect the realities of modern veterans, including those who served in more recent conflicts or during peacetime.
May improve veteran reintegration. Expanding diploma eligibility could help veterans access better job opportunities, pursue higher education, or meet personal goals that require a high school diploma, aiding their transition to civilian life.
Honors service regardless of discharge timing. The change signals respect for all honorably discharged veterans, reinforcing the principle that military service can substitute for traditional educational pathways.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Diplomas for All Veterans
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to education
- Referred to education
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Diplomas for Military Veterans
In Senate Committee · Veterans, Homeland Security And Military Affairs · Sponsor Robert Ortt
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
3709
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 30, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. GUNTHER -- read once and referred to the Committee on Education
AN ACT to amend the education law, in relation to awarding high school diplomas to veterans; and repealing certain provisions of such law relating thereto
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Subdivisions 29-a and 29-b of section 305 of the education law are REPEALED, and subdivision 29, as added by chapter 40 of the laws of 2000, is amended to read as follows:
29. The commissioner shall develop a program whereby any veteran [of the armed forces who served in world war II and] who has served in the active military or naval service of the United States and who has been discharged from such service under honorable conditions, who was unable, for any reason, to complete a secondary education, may be awarded a high school diploma based on knowledge and experience gained while in service.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD01486-01-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.