MarylandSB 07092026 Regular SessionSenate

Education - Purple Star Schools Program and Purple Star Colleges Program

Sponsored By: Mary Beth Carozza (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Primary and Secondary EducationHigher EducationArmed Forces and Uniformed ServicesAwareness and OutreachClassifications and DesignationsCommittees and CommissionsCommunications -see also- ElecComm; Intergov; etc.Continuing EducationDependents -see also- Minors; Vulnerable AdultsEducation -see also- ContEd; DrvEd; HigherEd; etc.Electronic CommunicationHigher Education -see also- Comm Colleges; Med Schools; etc.Higher Education CommissionJob Training -see also- Continuing Ed; Vocational RehabMilitary FamiliesPrivate Schools -see also- Primary Schools; Secondary SchRules and RegulationsSpousesStudentsVeterans

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Colleges must offer military student supports

Beginning July 1, 2026, colleges seeking the Purple Star label must name a uniformed services liaison to help military-connected students enroll, transfer records, and access services. They must keep an easy-to-find webpage with resources on moving, enrollment, records, course planning, and counseling. They must run a transition program, student-led when it fits. They must offer staff training on issues faced by military-connected transfer students.

K-12 definition of military-connected students

Beginning July 1, 2026, the K-12 Purple Star Schools Program defines a military-connected student as a dependent of a service member or of a service member killed in the line of duty. This sets who gets extra school supports under the program.

Purple Star colleges for military students

Beginning July 1, 2026, Maryland runs the Purple Star Colleges Program to recognize colleges that help military-connected students. The Maryland Higher Education Commission administers the program and sets the rules. Colleges must apply and meet the rules to get the Purple Star label, and may work with their governing body to qualify. Eligible colleges include institutions of higher education and private career schools. Military-connected students include service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Mary Beth Carozza
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Benjamin Brooks
Democratic • Senate
Kevin M. Harris
Democratic • Senate
Johnny Ray Salling
Republican • Senate
Bryan W. Simonaire
Republican • Senate
Ron Watson
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 175 • No: 0

House vote • 4/8/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 135 • No: 0 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 3/20/2026