§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 of:

            (i)    A current member of:

                1.    The United States military serving in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, or Coast Guard on active duty;

                2.    The Maryland National Guard or the National Guard of any other state; or

                3.    A reserve force of the United States military; or

            (ii)    A member of a military or reserve force described in item (i) of this paragraph who was killed in the line of duty.

        (3)    “Program” means the Purple Star Schools Program.

    (b)    (1)    There is a Purple Star Schools Program.

        (2)    The purpose of the Program is to recognize public schools that provide strong services and support for military–connected students and their families when, as a result of military service, a military–connected student transfers schools.

    (c)    (1)    The Department shall administer the Program.

        (2)    Subject to subsection (d) of this section, the Department shall designate a public school as a Purple Star School if the school applies and meets the criteria adopted by the Department for a Purple Star School.

    (d)    At a minimum, the Department’s criteria for a Purple Star School shall require a public school to:

        (1)    Designate a staff member as a military liaison, whose duties shall include:

            (i)    Identifying military–connected students who are newly enrolled or soon to be enrolled at the school;

            (ii)    Serving as the point of contact between the school and newly enrolled or soon to be enrolled military–connected students and their families;

            (iii)    Determining appropriate school services available to newly enrolled or soon to be enrolled military–connected students;

            (iv)    Assisting in coordinating school programs for newly enrolled or soon to be enrolled military–connected students; and

            (v)    Generally aiding with a military–connected student’s transition to a new school;

        (2)    Establish on the school’s website an easily accessible webpage that includes resources for military–connected students and their families, including information regarding:

            (i)    Relocation to, enrollment at, registration at, and transferring records to the school;

            (ii)    Academic planning, course sequences, and advanced classes available at the school; and

            (iii)    Counseling and other support services available for military–connected students transitioning into the school;

        (3)    Maintain a transition program led by students, if appropriate, that assists military–connected students enrolled at the school; and

        (4)    Offer professional development for staff members on issues related to military–connected students transferring to new schools.

    (e)    A public school may partner with the county board to fulfill the Department’s criteria to qualify as a Purple Star School.

    (f)    The Department shall adopt regulations to carry out this section.