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Expands military recruiting and outreach in high schools, creates flexible JROTC "host" and "cross-town" affiliations to let students attend JROTC at nearby schools, starts a two-year pilot to recognize high-enlistment “HERO” high schools, and gives priority consideration for service academy admissions to graduates of eligible high schools. It also establishes an annual National Week of Military Recruitment and requires detailed reports to Congress on implementation and impacts.
The bill changes recruiter access rules (more frequent in-person visits, access to certain student lists), directs the Department of Defense to issue guidance and run the JROTC affiliation options, and sets criteria and procedures for identifying HERO schools and granting academy admission priority to graduates of qualifying schools.
Amends 10 U.S.C. 503(c)(1)(A) to replace the prior phrase granting 'the same access to secondary school students...' with a requirement for 'meaningful access' including monthly visits or at minimum no fewer than 4 times per academic year, held in high-traffic areas during peak school hours, lunch periods, between classes (not interfering with class attendance), with reasonable notice, and in auditoriums, meeting spaces, athletic functions and other group/social activities; also amends clause (iii) to replace '60 days' with 'the 60th day after the start of the school year, and thereafter, not later than 30 days.'
Amends 10 U.S.C. 983(b) to (A) require access that at minimum includes no fewer than 4 times per academic year during peak school hours while classes are in session in high-traffic areas and with reasonable notice (revising prior 'at least equal in quality and scope' language); (B) modify paragraph (2) subparagraph (A) punctuation and replace '60th day' with '60th day after the start of the school year and thereafter not later than 30 days,' and change subparagraph (B) ending punctuation to a semicolon; and (C) add new paragraphs (3) and (4) providing recruiter access to (3) information on students 17 or older not returning after a prior semester including reasons for failure to return if collected, and (4) lists of students 17 or older enrolled who have submitted a Free Application for Federal Student Aid along with listed information from subparagraphs (A) and (B) if collected by the institution.
Adds a new section 149 to chapter 1 of title 36 designating a "National Week of Military Recruitment" and requesting the President to issue an annual proclamation calling on the people to observe the week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, and Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Introduced April 30, 2025 by Jennifer Kiggans · Last progress April 30, 2025
SERVE Act
Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure, and Oversight and Government Reform, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Introduced in House