MD SB709

Establishes the Purple Star Colleges Program to recognize institutions of higher education and private career schools that provide strong services and support for military-connected students, administered by the Maryland Higher Education Commission

Defines "military-connected student" for the colleges program to include service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents

Requires Purple Star Colleges to designate a uniformed services liaison staff member responsible for identifying newly enrolled military-connected students, serving as their point of contact, and assisting with transitions

Mandates Purple Star Colleges maintain a dedicated webpage with resources on enrollment, academic planning, and counseling services, plus offer a student-led transition program and professional development for staff on military-connected student issues

Amends the existing Purple Star Schools Program definition of "military-connected student" to conform with standardized state law terminology for "service member"