Bill would let qualified 16‑ and 17‑year‑olds receive GED diplomas when earned

Sen. Margaux Juarez opened LB745 by telling the committee the bill removes a statutory rule that delays awarding a GED diploma to 16– and 17‑year‑olds until they turn 18. "This statutory delay creates unnecessary burdens on young people who have met all academic requirements and are ready to move on to the next stage of their lives," Juarez said.

Parents and former test takers gave emotional testimony about students who earned the credential but were denied the diploma until their 18th birthday. Brandon Sando described his daughter’s experience: she passed the GED at 16 but "she was excited and proud and anxiously awaited her diploma in the mail, but it never came," and the delay compounded trauma after severe bullying that led to her leaving school early.

Student witnesses said the rule discouraged some from completing a GED because the diploma's delayed receipt reduced immediate employment and enrollment options; one speaker described that obstacles and inconsistent information from the Department of Education led them to abandon timely pursuit of the credential.

Proponents included the Education Rights Council and school counselors; no opponents testified at the hearing. Senator Juarez closed by noting support from Omaha Public Schools and social‑work advocates and asked the committee to advance the bill to remove what she called an anomaly in statute.

The committee did not take a vote at the hearing; sponsors said they would work with the Department of Education on implementation details.