Amends TCA Title 49, Chapter 7.

This bill requires the Tennessee higher education commission (THEC) to create a baccalaureate degree for veterans who retire with 20 years of service. Each state institution of higher education that offers a baccalaureate degree program must award the degree created by the commission under this bill. This bill defines "veteran" as a Tennessee resident who entered and served honorably in the U.S. armed forces.<br /> <br /> This bill exempts a veteran who retires with 20 years of service from the present law requirement to earn credit in American history in order for or a state institution of higher education to award the veteran the baccalaureate degree created by THEC. This bill specifies that it does not require a state institution of higher education to change the academic requirements for any other degree, credential, or certificate offered by the institution for a veteran who retires with 20 years of service.<br /> <br /> This bill authorizes THEC, each state university board of trustees, and the board of trustees for the University of Tennessee to promulgate rules to effectuate the purposes of this bill. For purposes of promulgating rules, this bill will take effect on the date, if any, on which the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) approves state institutions of higher education to award the baccalaureate degree created by the Tennessee higher education commission pursuant to this bill without losing the institutions' SACS accreditation. For all other purposes, this bill will take effect on July 1 of the year immediately following the date, if any, on which the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) approves state institutions of higher education to award the baccalaureate degree created by the Tennessee higher education commission pursuant to this bill without losing the institutions' SACS accreditation. <br /> <br />