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MD HB623

MD HB623
Education - Purple Star Schools Program and Purple Star Colleges Program


summary

Introduced
01/30/2026
In Committee
02/23/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Altering the definition of "military-connected student" under the Purple Star Schools Program to conform with certain terms defined under State law; and establishing the Purple Star Colleges Program to recognize certain colleges that provide strong services and support for military-connected students.

AI Summary

This bill modifies the definition of "military-connected student" within the existing Purple Star Schools Program to align with broader state law definitions, which now include any service member or a service member killed in the line of duty. Crucially, it establishes a new Purple Star Colleges Program, administered by the Maryland Higher Education Commission, to recognize colleges that offer robust support and services to military-connected students, defined as service members, veterans, or their spouses or dependents. To qualify as a Purple Star College, an institution must designate a staff member as a liaison to assist new military-connected students with their transition, maintain a dedicated webpage with resources, offer a student-led transition program, and provide staff training on issues related to military-connected students.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance

Sponsors (46)

Edith Patterson (D)* Nick Allen (D),  Steve Arentz (R),  Heather Bagnall (D),  Dylan Behler (D),  Adrian Boafo (D),  Jason Buckel (R),  Derrick Coley (D),  Charlotte Crutchfield (D),  Kris Fair (D),  Jessica Feldmark (D),  April Fleming Miller (R),  Mike Griffith (R),  Wayne Hartman (R),  Anne Healey (D),  Marvin Holmes (D),  Kevin Hornberger (R),  Seth Howard (R),  Julian Ivey (D),  Andre Johnson (D),  Steve Johnson (D),  Adrienne Jones (D),  Aaron Kaufman (D),  Jeff Long (D),  Susan McComas (R),  Todd Morgan (R),  Darrell Odom (D),  Cheryl Pasteur (D),  Andrew Pruski (D),  Pam Queen (D),  Teresa Reilly (R),  Denise Roberts (D),  Mike Rogers (D),  April Rose (R),  Sheree Sample-Hughes (D),  Stuart Schmidt (R),  Gary Simmons (D),  Karen Simpson (D),  Ryan Spiegel (D),  Sean Stinnett (D),  Deni Taveras (D),  Kym Taylor (D),  Veronica Turner (D),  Greg Wims (D),  Sarah Wolek (D),  Jamila Woods (D), 

Last Action

Favorable Report by Appropriations (on 02/23/2026)

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