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SB 709

Education - Purple Star Schools Program and Purple Star Colleges Program

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ben Brooks and 5 co-sponsors

SB 709 creates Purple Star certification programs for Maryland schools and colleges that demonstrate military-connected student support, establishing formal recognition standards for institutions serving military families and veterans.

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 671
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Bill Summary · SB 709

Legislative bill overview

SB 709 establishes Maryland's Purple Star Schools Program and Purple Star Colleges Program, creating formal recognition and certification standards for educational institutions that demonstrate military-connected student support. The bill designates these institutions as "Purple Star" certified based on their commitments to serving military families, military-connected students, and veterans.

Why is this important

Military-connected students face unique challenges including frequent relocations, parental deployment, and service-related trauma. Official recognition programs create accountability for institutions to develop dedicated support services, improve transition processes, and acknowledge military affiliation as part of student identity. This affects approximately 1.5 million military-connected K-12 students nationally and thousands of military veterans pursuing higher education.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Establishing certification standards and ongoing program administration requires state resources; funding mechanisms are not detailed in available information
  • Certification criteria ambiguity: The specific standards institutions must meet to earn and maintain Purple Star designation could be vague, creating inconsistent application across schools
  • Equity concerns: If certification is voluntary and requires institutional investment, some under-resourced districts may struggle to participate, potentially creating disparities in support access for military families

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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