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SB 137

An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, in entertainment production tax credit, further providing for limitations.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Camera Bartolotta and 9 co-sponsors

Expands veteran high school diploma program to honorably discharged students who left school to enlist in any conflict authorized by the President or Congress, via local boards.

Referred to Finance
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Bill Summary · SB 137

SB 137 — Education: High School Diploma for Veterans of Armed Conflicts

Sponsor: Senator Simonaire (Maryland)
Code Section Amended: Education Article §7‑206.1
Introduced: Jan 8, 2025 (first reader Jan 27, 2025)
Hearing: 1/29 (committee)
Planned effective date (if enacted): October 1, 2025

Purpose / Intent

SB 137 expands an existing program that allows honorably discharged veterans who left high school to enlist in the U.S. armed forces to obtain a state‑issued high school diploma. The bill broadens eligibility from a set list of conflicts (World War II, Korea, Vietnam) to include any armed conflict that was authorized by the President of the United States or by Congress. The intent is to allow veterans who served in more recent or future authorized conflicts to access diplomas under the same process.

Key provisions

  • Eligibility: An individual honorably discharged from U.S. military service may apply for a high school diploma if they withdrew from a regular full‑time, State‑accredited public or private high school to enlist during an armed conflict authorized by the President or Congress. This replaces the prior, narrower list of specified conflicts.
  • Application process: Veterans apply to the county board of education either where they reside or where the school they left was located.
  • Local procedures: Each county board of education must adopt rules and procedures for awarding diplomas under this statute.
  • Private schools: Private high schools may issue such diplomas consistent with the statute and using existing resources.
  • Statutory mechanics: Repeals and reenacts §7‑206.1 with the amended eligibility language.
  • Effective date: October 1, 2025 (as drafted).

Who is affected

  • Eligible veterans: Honorably discharged veterans who left high school to enlist during any armed conflict authorized by the President or Congress (this adds conflicts beyond WWII/Korea/Vietnam).
  • County boards of education: Responsible for receiving applications, adopting procedures, and awarding diplomas.
  • Private high schools: May take part in issuing diplomas under the law.
  • No new state agencies or programs are created.

Fiscal and implementation impact

  • Fiscal note (Maryland DLS): No State fiscal effect. Local boards can issue diplomas using existing resources; no revenue effect. Private schools can likewise comply with current resources. (First reader fiscal note — Jan 27, 2025)
  • Procedural: County boards must adopt implementing rules; administrative burden is expected to be absorbed within existing staffing.

Related / Cross‑file

  • Cross‑file: HB 587 (Delegate Patterson et al.)

Summary: SB 137 modernizes and widens eligibility for the veteran diploma program so that honorably discharged veterans who left school to enlist in any President‑ or Congress‑authorized armed conflict can apply for a high school diploma through their local county board. The change is procedural/substantive in eligibility only and carries no anticipated state or significant local fiscal cost.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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