Bill > A2569

Introduced Session

This bill directs the State Board of Education to authorize the issuance of a revised military science endorsement to the standard certificate. Current State board regulations permit the issuance of a military science endorsement, provided the candidate: 1) documents 20 years of military service; and 2) holds a valid certification authorizing employment as a military science instructor from the branch of service in which the candidate served. To retain the endorsement, the regulations require the holder to maintain a valid military employment authorization. This bill codifies the regulations, however, it permits a candidate to be eligible upon 10 years of military service instead of 20 years to comply with current practices of the United States Army's and Navy's Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) programs. The JROTC program is a federal program that prepares high school students for leadership roles while making them aware of their rights, responsibilities, and privileges as American citizens. JROTC has traditionally relied on retired military personnel to serve as instructors. In 2023, the federal National Defense Authorization Act was amended, broadening the eligibility to serve as a JROTC instructor to: 1) separated officers and noncommissioned officers who served honorably for at least eight years; and 2) service members in the reserve component, who meet the time in, service, grade, and education requirements. Both the United States Army's and Air Force's JROTC require a minimum of 10 years of military service to be eligible as a JROTC instructor.

AI Summary

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Rosaura Bagolie (D)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Military and Veterans' Affairs Committee (on 01/13/2026)

Official Document