HBA-MPM S.B. 387 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisS.B. 387
By: Bivins
Public Education
3/12/2001
Engrossed



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Some World War II veterans were unable to receive a high school diploma
because they entered active military service.  Senate Bill 387 authorizes
school districts to issue high school diplomas to eligible World War II
veterans. 

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that rulemaking
authority is expressly delegated to the commissioner of education in
SECTION 1 (Section 28.0251, Education Code) of this bill. 

ANALYSIS

Senate Bill 387 amends the Education Code to authorize a school district to
issue a high school diploma to an honorably discharged member of the United
States armed forces (veteran) who was scheduled to graduate after 1940 and
before 1951 and who left high school before graduating to serve in World
War II.  The bill authorizes a school district to issue a diploma to a
veteran who meets the eligibility requirements and holds a high school
equivalency certificate, or posthumously to a deceased veteran who meets
eligibility requirements.   The bill requires the commissioner of
education, by rule, to adopt a form for a diploma application to be used by
a veteran or person acting on a deceased veteran's behalf.  The
commissioner is further required to specify acceptable evidence of
eligibility for a diploma. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, of if the Act does not receive the necessary vote, the Act
takes effect September 1, 2001. The Act applies beginning with the
2001-2002 school year.