[1] NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended only for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature. The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

Only the most recent FIR version (in HTML & Adobe PDF formats) is available on the Legislative Website. The Adobe PDF version includes all attachments, whereas the HTML version does not. Previously issued FIRs and attachments may be obtained from the LFC’s office in Suite 101 of the State Capitol Building North.

F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T

SPONSOR:	Romero		DATE TYPED:	01/25/02		HB
SHORT TITLE:		High School Diplomas for World War II Vets				SB	220
					ANALYST:		Chabot

APPROPRIATION

Appropriation Contained

Estimated Additional Impact

Recurring

or Non-Rec

Fund

Affected

FY02

FY03

FY02

FY03

NFI

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

LFC Files

New Mexico State Department of Education (SDE)

New Mexico Veterans’ Service Commission (VSC)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of Bill

Senate Bill 220 provides for issuing high school diplomas to veterans of World War II provide they meet the following criteria:

a. an honorable discharge from the armed forces of the United States;

b. would have graduated from high school between 1940 and 1951;

c. was a resident of New Mexico and attended a high school; and

d. left high school to serve in World War II.

Significant Issues

SDE reports that 26 states have enacted or are proposing enactment of similar legislation to provide diplomas to World War II veterans who were unable to complete high school because of their participation in the war. Local school boards would be the issuing authority for the diploma. There is no estimate of how many veterans would be eligible for this program.

ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS

SDE would have to develop policies and procedures for program implementation including developing forms, and documentation requirements. The program would need to be advertised, particularly within veterans’ organizations, so that eligible veterans can be made aware that they maybe eligible to receive high school diplomas.

POSSIBLE QUESTIONS

What proof would a World War II veteran need to apply for a diploma?
Should this program be extended to World War II veterans that currently reside in New Mexico but did not at the time of their entry into the war?

GAC/ar