(a) In recognition of and tribute to veterans who left high school before graduation to serve in World War II, a board of directors of any school district in Arkansas may grant a diploma of graduation to any veteran meeting the requirements of subsection (c) of this section.
(b) School districts are encouraged to present the diploma in conjunction with appropriate Veterans Day programs.
(c) To be eligible for a high school diploma under this section, a veteran shall:
(1) Have been honorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces;
(2) Be a resident of the State of Arkansas; and
(3) Have served between September 16, 1940, and December 31, 1946, and:
(A) Have served a minimum of eighteen (18) consecutive months' active duty; or
(B) Have been discharged with a service-connected disability.
(d)
(1) The State Board of Education shall adopt rules to implement the provisions of this section.
(2) The state board shall consult with the Department of Veterans Affairs in developing rules to implement the provisions of this section.