Maryland SB709: Education - Purple Star Schools Program and Purple Star Colleges Program

What the bill says

An act concerning Education - Purple Star Schools Program and Purple Star Colleges Program FOR the purpose of altering the definition of "military-connected student" under the Purple Star Schools Program to conform with certain terms defined under State law; establishing the Purple Star Colleges Program to recognize certain colleges that provide strong services and support for military-connected students; and generally relating to the establishment of the Purple Star Colleges Program…

From the enrolled text, June 3, 2026:

AN ACT concerning Education - Purple Star Schools Program and Purple Star Colleges Program FOR the purpose of altering the definition of "military-connected student" under the Purple Star Schools Program to conform with certain terms defined under State law; establishing the Purple Star Colleges Program to recognize certain colleges that provide strong services and support for military-connected students; and generally relating to the establishment of the Purple Star Colleges Program. BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, Article - Education Section 7-129(a) Annotated Code of Maryland (2025 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement) BY repealing and reenacting, without amendments, Article - Education Section 10-101(a), (c), and (h) through (j) Annotated Code of Maryland (2022 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement) BY adding to Article - Education Section 11-2001 through 11-2003 to be under the new subtitle "Subtitle 20. Purple Star Colleges Program" Annotated Code of Maryland (2022 Replacement Volume and 2025 Supplement) SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: Article - Education 7-129. (a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. (2) "Military-connected student" means a student who is a dependent Ch. 671 2026 LAWS OF MARYLAND (ii) A member of a reserve component] A SERVICE MEMBER; or [(iii)] (II) A SERVICE member [described in item (i) …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Mary Carozza (R, SD-038) · primary sponsor
• Benjamin Brooks (D, 10)
• Johnny Salling (R, SD-006)
• Bryan Simonaire (R, SD-031)
• Watson (D)

Latest actions

1. May 26, 2026: Approved by the Governor - Chapter 671
2. April 8, 2026: Returned Passed
3. April 8, 2026: Third Reading Passed (135-0)
4. April 7, 2026: Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
5. April 7, 2026: Favorable Report by Appropriations
6. March 30, 2026: Hearing 4/02 at 1:00 p.m.
7. March 30, 2026: Hearing canceled
8. March 26, 2026: Hearing 4/01 at 1:00 p.m.
9. March 21, 2026: Referred Appropriations
10. March 20, 2026: Third Reading Passed (40-0)

Votes

• Third Reading Passed (135-0) (April 8, 2026): 135 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Third Reading Passed (40-0) (March 20, 2026): 40 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is SB709?

SB709 is a bill in the Maryland Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Education - Purple Star Schools Program and Purple Star Colleges Program.

What does SB709 do?

In its own words: An act concerning Education - Purple Star Schools Program and Purple Star Colleges Program FOR the purpose of altering the definition of "military-connected student" under the Purple Star Schools Program to conform with certain terms defined under State law; establishing the Purple Star Colleges Program to recognize certain colleges that provide strong services and support for military-connected students; and generally relating to the establishment of the Purple Star Colleges Program…

What is the status of SB709?

Signed into law as of May 26, 2026. Latest action: Approved by the Governor - Chapter 671 (May 26, 2026).

Who sponsored SB709?

Mary Carozza (R, SD-038), with 4 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for SB709?

On the Maryland Legislature website: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/sb0709?ys=2026RS