HF 3685
Introduction - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)
Posted on 04/16/2026 04:10 p.m.
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A bill for an act
relating to education; establishing a high school diploma for armed forces veterans;
proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 127A.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
Section 1.
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[127A.135] HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA FOR VETERANS.
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new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end
new text begin Establishment. new text end
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The commissioner must establish a high school diploma
for veterans and award a standard high school diploma to a qualifying veteran of the armed
forces who has not completed high school graduation requirements. The high school diploma
may be awarded to an armed forces veteran based on knowledge and experience gained
while in service.
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new text begin Subd. 2. new text end
new text begin Qualifying service; application. new text end
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(a) The commissioner may award a high
school diploma to an eligible veteran under subdivision 3 who has not completed high school
graduation requirements and who meets at least one of the following qualifying service
criteria:
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(1) served in the Korean Conflict;
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(2) served in the Vietnam War; or
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(3) left a public or nonpublic school located in any state prior to graduation to serve on
active duty in the United States armed forces.
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(b) A veteran, or a veteran's family posthumously, may apply for the veteran high school
diploma in the form and manner prescribed by the commissioner of education. The
Departments of Education and Veterans Affairs must work together to assist veterans with
the application process for obtaining a diploma.
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new text begin Subd. 3. new text end
new text begin Eligible veteran. new text end
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For purposes of this section, an eligible veteran is a veteran
who:
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(1) either: (i) is a current resident of the state of Minnesota; (ii) was previously enrolled
in a high school in this state; or (iii) was a resident of the state of Minnesota at the time of
death; and
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(2) was honorably discharged from the United States armed forces as verified by the
Department of Veterans Affairs.
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