What's happening
This bill creates the Purple Star School Program to recognize and support schools assisting military-connected students and their families.
Why it matters
Improves support for military-connected students. By requiring designated staff liaisons, transition programs, and targeted resources, the bill addresses the unique social and academic challenges faced by children in military families who often move and change schools frequently.
Promotes school and community awareness. The legislation encourages schools to publicly recognize and support military families through official statements, events, and partnerships, helping to foster a more inclusive and understanding school climate.
Increases access to information and services. Schools must maintain dedicated web pages with clear information on enrollment, academic planning, and counseling specific to military-connected students, making it easier for families to navigate school systems during transitions.
Encourages professional development. By offering training for staff on issues affecting military-connected students, the program aims to equip educators with the skills needed to identify and address these students’ unique needs, potentially improving educational outcomes and well-being.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Support Military Children in Schools
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to education
- Referred to education
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Support Schools for Military Kids
In Assembly Committee · Education · Sponsor Matthew Slater
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
835
2025-2026 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE (Prefiled)
January 8, 2025
Introduced by Sen. TEDISCO -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Education
AN ACT to amend the education law, in relation to establishing the "Purple Star School Program" to emphasize the importance of assisting military-connected students and to recognize the value of military service and civic responsibility
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Purple Star School Program Act".
§ 2. The education law is amended by adding a new article 66-A to read as follows:
ARTICLE 66-A
PURPLE STAR SCHOOL PROGRAM Section 3330. Purple star school program.
§ 3330. Purple star school program. 1. The commissioner, in consultation with the state council created pursuant to subdivision one of section thirty-three hundred eight of this title, shall establish the "Purple Star School Program" to recognize schools and school districts which demonstrate a commitment to assisting military-connected students and their families.
2. As used in this section, "military-connected student" means a school-aged child enrolled in kindergarten through twelfth grade in the household of an active duty military member as that term is defined in subdivision one of section thirty-three hundred two of this title, a school-aged child enrolled in kindergarten through twelfth grade in the household of a member of the military reserves, or national guard, or a school-aged child in the household of a recently discharged member of the military who is enrolling in kindergarten through twelfth grade within the state for the first time.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD02782-01-5
3. The commissioner, or the commissioner's designee, shall designate a school as a "Purple Star School" upon application of a school or school district which (a) has designated a staff member as a military liaison whose duties include (i) identifying military-connected students enrolled in the district and serving as the point of contact between the school and such students; (ii) determining appropriate campus services available to military-connected students; and (iii) assisting in coordinating campus programs relevant to military-connected students;
(b) maintains on its website an easily accessible page 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 campus; (ii) academic planning, course sequences, and advanced classes available at the campus; (iii) counseling and other support services available for military-connected students enrolled at the campus; and (iv) the military liaison designated under paragraph (a) of this subdivision, and the liaison's duties under such paragraph;
(c) maintains a transition program led by students, where appropriate, that assists military-connected students in transitioning into the campus;
(d) offers professional development for staff members on issues related to military-connected students; and
(e) the board of education or other person or entity authorized to act on behalf of the school or school district has either (i) issued a resolution, proclamation, or other official statement of support for military-connected students and their families; or (ii) issued a resolution, proclamation, or other official statement recognizing the month of April as the "Month of the Military Child" and/or the month of November as "Military Family Month" and has hosted events on campus celebrating either or both; or (iii) entered into a partnership with a local military installation that provides opportunities for active duty military members to volunteer at the campus, speak at an assembly, host a field trip, or participate in such other educational activities as the commissioner or the commissioner's designee deem appropriate.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the education law, in relation to establishing the "Purple Star School Program" to emphasize the importance of assisting military-connected students and to recognize the value of military service and civic responsibility
Purpose or general idea of bill
To emphasize the importance of assisting military-connected students and to recognize the value of military service and civic responsibility.
Summary of provisions
Section 1: The education law is amended by adding a new article 66-A to be known as the "Purple Star Schools Program Act"
Section 2: Provides the effective date
Justification
Military families, and children in particular give up a lot in sacrifice for our nation. According to the Department of Defense Education Activ- ity, on average a military child will move six to nine times during their school career. These moves often mean giving up their home, friends, teachers/mentors, and stability. These children face distinct challenges when it comes to their education or quality of education such as gaps or overlaps in curriculum, social and mental challenges, and many other stresses associated with being a "military brat."
It is our responsibility to properly support these children and recog- nize the sacrifices they make every day in honor of our nation. We must support them and prepare them with a solid foundation for life.
Prior legislative history
1/15/23: S.7750 REFERRED TO RULES
01/03/2: S.7750 REFERRED TO EDUCATION
Fiscal implications for state and local governments
None
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.