(1) Notwithstanding any rule, regulation or other law to the contrary, a high school diploma awarded by a school as defined by § 49-50-801 or § 49-6-3050 in recognition of completion of secondary educational requirements shall be considered by all departments, agencies, commissions or other such entities of state and local government as having all the rights and privileges of a high school diploma awarded by a public school system.
(2) This section shall not apply to state lottery proceeds as provided in title 49, chapter 4, part 9.