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 colleges to include service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents—broader than the K-12 definition which covers only dependents

Requires Purple Star Colleges to designate a Uniformed Services Liaison responsible for identifying military-connected students, serving as their point of contact, coordinating services, and assisting with transitions

Mandates participating colleges maintain a dedicated webpage with resources on enrollment, academic planning, and counseling services, plus offer staff professional development on military-connected student issues

Amends the existing Purple Star Schools Program definition of "military-connected student" to align with standardized State law terminology; effective July 1, 2026