Ch. 404                                   1995 LAWS OF MARYLAND

Article - Education

7-205.

(a)     An individual may obtain a high school diploma by examination as provided in
this section if [he] THE INDIVIDUAL:

(1)     Has not obtained a high school certificate or diploma;

(2)     Has resided in this State or on a federal reservation in this State for at
least 3 months, except that the State Board may waive this residence requirement if [it]
THE STATE BOARD considers the waiver justified;

(3)     Is 16 years old or older; and

(4)     Has withdrawn from a regular full-time public or private school program
for at least 3 months, EXCEPT THAT THE STATE BOARD MAY WAIVE THE 3-MONTH
WITHDRAWAL REQUIREMENT FOR A STUDENT ENROLLED IN THE PAQUIN SCHOOL
IN BALTIMORE CITY IF THE STATE BOARD CONSIDERS THE WAIVER JUSTIFIED.

(b)     The State Board shall examine individuals for a high school diploma at least
twice each year at places throughout this State that are reasonably convenient for the
applicants.

(c)     The examination shall:

(1)     Be offered in appropriate high school subject areas; and

(2)     Be of a comprehensive nature as determined by the State Board.

(d)    An individual who fails an examination may take retests.

(e)     A member of the armed forces may earn the Maryland high school diploma by
taking the examinations furnished by the United States Armed Forces Institute and given
by the appropriate service officer.

(f)     The diploma shall be awarded in accordance with the rules and regulations
adopted by the State Board.

SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That the State Department of
Education shall, subject to § 2-1312 of the State Government Article, submit to the
General Assembly a report on the effect of exempting a Paquin School student from the
3-month withdrawal requirement on or before January 1, 1998. The report shall include
the number of students granted the exemption and the number of students passing the
test.

SECTION 3. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect
July 1, 1995. It shall remain effective for a period of 3 years, and at the end of June 30,
1998, with no further action required by the General Assembly, this Act shall be
abrogated and of no further force and effect.

Approved May 18, 1995.

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