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Bill would expand Maryland’s Purple Star recognition to colleges that serve military‑connected students
Summary
HB 623 would create a voluntary Purple Star Colleges program, administered by MHEC, to recognize institutions that provide designated liaisons and transition services for military‑connected students; supporters said implementation can be done with existing resources.
Delegate Edith Patterson presented HB 623 to extend Maryland’s Purple Star recognition from K–12 schools to colleges, aligning the definition of military‑connected students with existing state law and establishing a voluntary Purple Star Colleges program administered by the Maryland Higher Education Commission.
Lynn Nash of the Maryland Military Coalition described the program as a low‑cost way to standardize supports for service members, veterans and their families as they transition to higher education. Nash noted the state already has 31 Purple Star schools and said colleges would identify a staff liaison, publish clear enrollment and planning information, and offer transition services.
Megan Muzick of the Maryland Higher Education Commission told the committee the measure leverages existing resources and data, imposes minimal administrative burden and supports student success by making information on services and contacts visible to military‑connected students. Delegates asked practical questions about recommended staffing models and examples such as Towson University; sponsors said institutions could use existing positions and share best practices.
Supporters urged a favorable report; the committee concluded testimony and moved on without taking immediate action on the bill.
