BILL NUMBER: S1660A

SPONSOR: SKOUFIS
 
TITLE OF BILL:  An act to amend the education law, in relation to
authorizing and directing the commissioner of education to develop a
program for certain veterans to receive high school diplomas

 
PURPOSE:

This legislation would extend the program Operation Recognition to
provide the opportunity to receive high school diplomas for certain
veterans not currently covered under current law.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section I amends Section 305 of the education law by adding a new subdi-
vision 29-c which directs the commissioner of education to develop a
program whereby any veteran who served on active duty in the armed forc-
es prior to graduation from high school would be eligible to receive a
high school diploma based on their military service.  The legislation
would require a veteran to produce a form DD-214 or other proof of
              

honorable discharge.

Section II sets forth the effective date.

 
EXISTING LAW:

Under Section 305 of the education law there is a provision known as
Operation Recognition, which recognizes the dedication and sacrifice of
WWII, Korea, and Vietnam veterans who joined military service prior to
graduation from high school by awarding them a high school diploma. The
applicant must be a resident of New York State and must have received an
honorable discharge.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

It was common practice for individuals enlist in the armed forces prior
to graduating from high school. This legislation seeks to also include
all veterans who enlisted in military service after the end of the Viet-
nam War - such as those deployed in operation Desert Storm, Iraq, and
Afghanistan -- to avail themselves of this opportunity.  With the veter-
an's unemployment approaching 20% in New York State, it is imperative
that veterans be given every opportunity to become eligible for college
or training programs or to seek employment.  The expansion of this
important program would honor their service and sacrifice while assist-
ing them to prepare to become economically self-sufficient as they
return to civilian life.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

2018: A03790 (Rozic) - Education
2017: A03790 (Rozic) - Education
2016: A03749 (Goldfeder) - Education
2015: A03749 (Goldfeder) - Education
2014: A02081 (Goldfeder) - Education
2013: A02081 (Goldfeder) - Education

2012: A09872 (Goldfeder) - Education

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

Minimal

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.