SF 3603

1st Engrossment - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)

Posted on 03/24/2026 10:28 a.m.

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.

new text begin [127A.135] HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA FOR VETERANS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Diploma. new text end

new text begin A school district or charter school must, upon a request under
subdivision 2, issue a high school diploma to a veteran as defined in section 197.447 who
was unable to complete their high school education for reasons related or unrelated to their
military service, and who served:
new text end

new text begin (1) during the Korean Conflict from June 27, 1950, to January 31, 1955; or
new text end

new text begin (2) during the Vietnam War, either in the country from November 1, 1955, to May 7,
1975, or outside of the country from August 5, 1964, to May 7, 1975.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Request. new text end

new text begin A veteran may request a diploma on their own behalf, or a family
member may make a posthumous request on behalf of a deceased veteran or service member.
The school district or charter school may award the diploma based on the veteran's knowledge
and experience gained while in service, or the veteran's other relevant lived experience. The
school district or charter school may require the veteran or veteran's requestor to provide
evidence that the veteran was a Minnesota public school student or is a current Minnesota
resident.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin No report required. new text end

new text begin Districts and charter schools are not required to report on
diplomas issued under this section.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Assistance. new text end

new text begin The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs and county veteran
service officers may provide assistance to districts and charter schools fulfilling these
requests, including but not limited to verification of discharge paperwork.
new text end