Education; institutions grant academic credit to active duty military or veteran students based on military service; maintain policies
Impact
By implementing HB1382, the state would modernize its approach to veterans' education, making institutions more accommodating for those who have served in the military. The bill is expected to streamline the process by which veterans receive credit for their prior learning and experiences related to their military service. This change is particularly important for enhancing the educational and career opportunities available to veterans, making it easier for them to pursue higher education or technical training that aligns with their skills gained during service.
Summary
House Bill 1382 aims to amend the Georgia Official Code related to education to facilitate the granting of academic credit to active duty military personnel and veterans based on their military service. The bill encourages the Board of Regents of the University System and the State Board of the Technical College System of Georgia to create policies that recognize and utilize the skills and experiences acquired from military training, allowing for credit transfer to educational institutions. This initiative is particularly significant as it addresses the educational barriers faced by service members transitioning to civilian life.
Contention
While the bill has garnered support for its intention to aid military personnel and veterans, there may be discussions regarding how effectively institutions will be able to evaluate and grant credit for military training. Some educators and administrators may raise concerns about the standards for determining 'substantial relation' between military training and academic coursework. Additionally, the reliance on joint service transcripts and third-party evaluations for credit recommendations may lead to further scrutiny and debate about the processes involved in implementing this policy.
Enacts the "military experience recognized for institutional transfer (MERIT) act"; grants academic credit for veterans with regard to SUNY and CUNY college credits for military learning, training, coursework and occupational experience.
Renames the veterans' services law the veterans and military families law; renames the department of veterans' services the department of veterans and military families; requires the department of veterans and military families to provide certain services to military families.
Prohibits school districts and public institutions of higher education from adopting policies that bar military members or veterans from addressing students.
Prohibits school districts and public institutions of higher education from adopting policies that bar military members or veterans from addressing students.
Providing for a sales tax exemption for non-profit organizations serving students of United States military academies, alumni of such academies and families of students and alumni of such academies.