1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to education; establishing a Purple Star School designation;proposing 
1.3 	coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 127A.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. [127A.853] PURPLE STAR SCHOOL DESIGNATION.
1.6 		Subdivision 1.Definition. For purposes of this section, "military-connected student" 
1.7 	means a student who has an immediate family member, including a parent or sibling, who: 
1.8 	(1) is currently a member of the armed forces serving as either a reservist or on active duty 
1.9 	in the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard; (2) is currently 
1.10 	serving in the Minnesota National Guard; (3) has recently retired from the armed forces; or 
1.11 	(4) is the dependent of a member of the armed forces who was killed in the line of duty.
1.12 		Subd. 2.Purple Star School. (a) The commissioner of education may designate a school 
1.13 	as a Purple Star School if the school:
1.14 	(1) has a designated staff member serving as a military liaison whose duties include:
1.15 	(i) identifying military-connected students enrolled at the school;
1.16 	(ii) serving as the point of contact between the school and military-connected students 
1.17 	and families;
1.18 	(iii) determining appropriate school services available to military-connected students; 
1.19 	and
1.20 	(iv) assisting in coordinating school programs relevant to military-connected students;
2.1 	(2) maintains easily accessible information on the school website that includes resources 
2.2 	for military-connected students and families, including information regarding:
2.3 	(i) student relocation, student enrollment, student registration, and transfer of school 
2.4 	records;
2.5 	(ii) academic planning, course offerings, and advanced classes available at the school;
2.6 	(iii) counseling and other support services available for military-connected students 
2.7 	enrolled at the school; and
2.8 	(iv) the designated military liaison under clause (1);
2.9 	(3) offers a transition program led by students, where appropriate, that assists 
2.10 	military-connected students in transitioning into the school;
2.11 	(4) offers professional development opportunities for staff members on issues related 
2.12 	to military-connected students; and
2.13 	(5) offers at least one of the following:
2.14 	(i) a resolution showing support for military-connected students and families;
2.15 	(ii) recognition of the Month of the Military Child or Military Family Month with relevant 
2.16 	events hosted by the school; or
2.17 	(iii) a partnership with a local military installation that provides opportunities for active 
2.18 	duty military members to volunteer at the school, speak at an assembly, or host a field trip.
2.19 	(b) The commissioner must establish a process for schools to seek Purple Star School 
2.20 	designation by July 1, 2026. The commissioner may award Purple Star School designations 
2.21 	starting in the 2026-2027 school year, and on an ongoing basis as schools meet qualifications 
2.22 	for the designation.