- Truly Agreed To and Finally Passed -

CCS/HS/SB 961 - This act changes the law relating to veterans and National Guard Scholarships.

VETERANS - The act creates the World War II Veterans' Recognition Award. Any World War II veteran who was honorably discharged and resides in Missouri on August 28, 2000 may receive a medallion, medal and a certificate of appreciation. The Adjutant General shall determine those persons who are eligible for the award. Applications may be filed during calendar year 2001. The World War II Veterans' Recognition Award Fund is created and shall be used to fund the design, manufacture and distribution of the medallions, medals and certificates.

The act also provides that appropriations shall be made to provide every eligible Missouri World War II veteran of the "D-Day" invasion with a replica of the fiftieth anniversary "Jubilee of Liberty" medal.

The POW/MIA flag may be flown at all state buildings.

NATIONAL GUARD SCHOLARSHIPS - This act makes the following revisions to the National Guard Scholarship Program established pursuant to Section 173.239, RSMo:

1) Recipients may use the scholarship to attend all private institutions for which Advantage Missouri scholarship funds may be used; and

2) Available federal Department of Defense scholarship funds must be used before state National Guard Scholarship funds may be used.

This portion of the act is the same as the perfected HB 1923 (2000).

This act has an emergency clause for the National Guard Scholarship provisions.

OTTO FAJEN