ANCHOR for Military Families Act

The ANCHOR for Military Families Act would require the Department of Defense to provide expanded, proactive information to service members and their families when there are orders for a change of permanent station (PCS). The bill broadens what must be covered by relocation resources to include educational planning for dependents, school enrollment procedures, and state-specific provisions under the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children, as well as education resources for dependents, including school transition and special education services. It also adds a specific focus on coordinating with the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) for dependents with disabilities. In addition, the act requires DoD to deliver this information at least 45 days before PCS takes effect, ensure materials are accessible at installations and online, and implement a communications strategy. It also directs annual briefings to Congress for four years (one year after enactment, then annually for three years) detailing implementation, awareness, and recommendations for improving relocation-related assistance. Overall, the bill aims to improve the availability and use of relocation and family-support resources during PCS moves.