20-A M.R.S. § 6554 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 223 / Section 6554
20-A §6554. Prohibition on bullying in public schools
Status: in_force

1. Findings. All students have the right to attend public schools that are safe, secure and peaceful environments. The Legislature finds that bullying and cyberbullying have a negative effect on the school environment and student learning and well-being. These behaviors must be addressed to ensure student safety and an inclusive learning environment. Bullying may be motivated by a student's actual or perceived race; color; religion; national origin; ancestry or ethnicity; sexual orientation; socioeconomic status; age; physical, mental, emotional or learning disability; gender; gender identity and expression; physical appearance; weight; family status; or other distinguishing personal characteristics or may be based on association with another person identified with such a characteristic. Nothing in this section may be interpreted as inconsistent with the existing protection, in accordance with the First Amendment of the United States Constitution, for the expression of religious, political and philosophical views in a school setting. [PL 2011, c. 659, §3 (NEW).]

2. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Alternative discipline" means disciplinary action other than suspension or expulsion from school that is designed to correct and address the root causes of a student's specific misbehavior while retaining the student in class or school, or restorative school practices to repair the harm done to relationships and persons from the student's misbehavior. "Alternative discipline" includes, but is not limited to: (1) Meeting with the student and the student's parents; (2) Reflective activities, such as requiring the student to write an essay about the student's misbehavior; (3) Mediation when there is mutual conflict between peers, rather than one-way negative behavior, and when both parties freely choose to meet; (4) Counseling; (5) Anger management; (6) Health counseling or intervention; (7) Mental health counseling; (8) Participation in skills building and resolution activities, such as social-emotional cognitive skills building, resolution circles and restorative conferencing; (9) Community service; and (10) In-school detention or suspension, which may take place during lunchtime, after school or on weekends. [PL 2011, c. 659, §3 (NEW).] B. "Bullying" includes, but is not limited to, a written, oral or electronic expression or a physical act or gesture or any combination thereof directed at a student or students that: (1) Has, or a reasonable person would expect it to have, the effect of: (a) Physically harming a student or damaging a student's property; or (b) Placing a student in reasonable fear of physical harm or damage to the student's property; (2) Interferes with the rights of a student by: (a) Creating an intimidating or hostile educational environment for the student; or (b) Interfering with the student's academic performance or ability to participate in or benefit from the services, activities or privileges provided by a school; or (3) Is based on a student's actual or perceived characteristics identified in Title 5, section 4602 or 4684‑A , or is based on a student's association with a person with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics or any other distinguishing characteristics and that has the effect described in subparagraph (1) or (2). "Bullying" includes cyberbullying. [PL 2011, c. 659, §3 (NEW).] C. "Cyberbullying" means bullying through the use of technology or any electronic communication, including, but not limited to, a transfer of signs, signals, writing, images, sounds, data or intelligence of any nature transmitted by the use of any electronic device, including, but not limited to, a computer, telephone, cellular telephone, text messaging device and personal digital assistant. [PL 2011, c. 659, §3 (NEW).] D. "Retaliation" means an act or gesture against a student for asserting or alleging an act of bullying. "Retaliation" also includes reporting that is not made in good faith on an act of bullying. [PL 2011, c. 659, §3 (NEW).] E. "School grounds" means a school building; property on which a school building or facility is located; and property that is owned, leased or used by a school for a school-sponsored activity, function, program, instruction or training. "School grounds" also includes school-related transportation vehicles. [PL 2011, c. 659, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2011, c. 659, §3 (NEW).]

3. Prohibition. A person may not engage in bullying on school grounds. This section does not modify or eliminate a school's obligation to comply with state and federal constitutional protections and civil rights laws applicable to schools. [PL 2011, c. 659, §3 (NEW).]

4. Scope. This section applies to bullying that: A. Takes place at school or on school grounds, at any school-sponsored or school-related activity or event or while students are being transported to or from school or school-sponsored activities or events; or [PL 2011, c. 659, §3 (NEW).] B. Takes place elsewhere or through the use of technology, but only if the bullying also infringes on the rights of the student at school as set forth in subsection 2, paragraph B . [PL 2011, c. 659, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2011, c. 659, §3 (NEW).]

5. Adoption of policy. When revising the policies and procedures it has established to address bullying pursuant to section 1001, subsection 15, paragraph H , a school board shall ensure that its policies and procedures are consistent with the model policy developed or revised by the commissioner pursuant to section 254, subsection 11‑A . The policies and procedures must include, but are not limited to: A. A provision identifying the responsibility of students and others on school grounds to comply with the policies; [PL 2011, c. 659, §3 (NEW).] B. A clear statement that bullying, harassment and sexual harassment and retaliation for reporting incidents of such behavior are prohibited; [PL 2011, c. 659, §3 (NEW).] C. A provision outlining the responsibility of a superintendent to implement and enforce the bullying policies required by this section, including: (1) A requirement that the superintendent designate a school principal or other school personnel to administer the policies at the school level; and (2) A procedure for publicly identifying the superintendent's designee or designees for administering the policies at the school level; [PL 2011, c. 659, §3 (NEW).] D. A requirement that school staff members, coaches and advisors for extracurricular and cocurricular activities report incidents of bullying to the school principal or other school personnel designated by the superintendent pursuant to paragraph C ; [PL 2011, c. 659, §3 (NEW).] E. Procedures for students, school staff members, parents and others to report incidents of bullying. The procedures must permit reports of bullying to be made anonymously; [PL 2011, c. 659, §3 (NEW).] F. A procedure for promptly investigating and responding to incidents of bullying, including written documentation of reported incidents and the outcome of the investigations; [PL 2011, c. 659, §3 (NEW).] G. A clear statement that any person who engages in bullying, who is determined to have knowingly and falsely accused another of bullying or who engages in acts of retaliation against a person who reports a suspected incident of bullying is subject to disciplinary actions, which actions may include but are not limited to imposing a series of graduated consequences that include alternative discipline; [PL 2011, c. 659, §3 (NEW).] H. A procedure for a person to appeal a decision of a school principal or a superintendent's designee related to taking or not taking disciplinary action in accordance with the policies adopted pursuant to this subsection. The appeals procedure must be consistent with other appeals procedures established by the school board and may include an appeal to the superintendent; [PL 2011, c. 659, §3 (NEW).] I. A procedure to remediate any substantiated incident of bullying to counter the negative impact of the bullying and reduce the risk of future bullying incidents, which may include referring the victim, perpetrator or other involved persons to counseling or other appropriate services; [PL 2011, c. 659, §3 (NEW).] J. A process for the school to communicate to the parent of a student who has been bullied the measures being taken to ensure the safety of the student who has been bullied and to prevent further acts of bullying; and [PL 2011, c. 659, §3 (NEW).] K. A procedure for communicating with a local or state law enforcement agency if the school principal or the superintendent's designee believes that the pursuit of criminal charges or a civil action under the Maine Civil Rights Act is appropriate. [PL 2011, c. 659, §3 (NEW).] School boards may combine the policies and procedures required by this subsection with nondiscrimination, harassment and sexual harassment policies and grievance procedures. [PL 2011, c. 659, §3 (NEW).]

6. Dissemination of policy. Each school board shall annually provide the written policies and procedures adopted pursuant to subsection 5 to students, parents, volunteers, administrators, teachers and school staff. The policies and procedures must be posted on the school administrative unit's publicly accessible website. Each school board shall include in its student handbook a section that addresses in detail the policies and procedures adopted pursuant to subsection 5 . [PL 2011, c. 659, §3 (NEW).]

7. Application. A superintendent or the superintendent's designee shall ensure that every substantiated incident of bullying is addressed. A. The prohibition on bullying and retaliation and the attendant consequences apply to any student, school employee, contractor, visitor or volunteer who engages in conduct that constitutes bullying or retaliation. [PL 2011, c. 659, §3 (NEW).] B. Any contractor, visitor or volunteer who engages in bullying must be barred from school grounds until the superintendent is assured that the person will comply with this section and the policies of the school board. [PL 2011, c. 659, §3 (NEW).] C. Any organization affiliated with the school that authorizes or engages in bullying or retaliation forfeits permission for that organization to operate on school grounds or receive any other benefit of affiliation with the school. [PL 2011, c. 659, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2011, c. 659, §3 (NEW).]

8. Transparency and monitoring. Each school administrative unit shall file its policies to address bullying and cyberbullying with the department. [PL 2011, c. 659, §3 (NEW).]

9. Staff training. A school administrative unit shall provide professional development and staff training in the best approaches to implementing this section. [PL 2011, c. 659, §3 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6556 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 223 / Section 6556
20-A §6556. School resource officers
Status: in_force

A school resource officer shall complete diversity, equity and inclusion training or implicit bias training at least once during that officer's first year of employment as a school resource officer. For purposes of this section, "school resource officer" means a law enforcement officer as defined in Title 25, section 3701, subsection 3 who works in a public school. [PL 2021, c. 156, §1 (NEW).]

Revisor's Note: §6556. Maine School Safety Center (As enacted by PL 2021, c. 398, Pt. HH, §1 is REALLOCATED TO TITLE 20-A, SECTION 6557)
20-A M.R.S. § 9005 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 319 / Section 9005
20-A §9005. Regional Fire Service Training Fund
Status: in_force

1. Fund established. The Regional Fire Service Training Fund, referred to in this section as "the fund," is established under the Maine Fire Service Institute within the Maine Community College System as a nonlapsing fund to provide funds to municipalities for regional fire service training in the State. [PL 2021, c. 731, §4 (NEW).]

2. Grant program. The Maine Fire Protection Services Commission, referred to in this section as "the commission" and established pursuant to Title 5, section 12004‑J, subsection 12 , shall establish criteria to award grants to municipalities from the fund for the purpose of funding regional fire service training for municipal firefighters and public safety employees. The commission may adopt rules to implement this subsection. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2021, c. 731, §4 (NEW).]

3. Procedure. Municipalities may apply to the commission for grants. The commission shall evaluate each application pursuant to the criteria developed in subsection 2 and, to the extent funds are available, shall award grants from the fund to support regional fire service training programs. [PL 2021, c. 731, §4 (NEW).]

4. Payment of grants. Upon the award of a grant by the commission, the commission shall direct the Maine Fire Service Institute within the Maine Community College System to make the payment of the grant award to the municipality from the fund. [PL 2021, c. 731, §4 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12535 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 428-B / Section 12535
20-A §12535. Report
Status: in_force

The authority shall report on the program to the Department of Economic and Community Development, to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters and to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over business matters no later than January 15, 2007 and annually thereafter. [PL 2005, c. 427, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11054 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 413 / Section 11054
20-A §11054. Duties of board
Status: in_force

The board on the part of the State shall obtain accurate accounts of all the board's receipts and disbursements and shall report to the Governor and the Commissioner of Administrative and Financial Services annually on or before the 15th day of September, setting forth in such detail as the commissioner may require the transactions of the board for the fiscal year ending on the preceding June 30th. They shall include in such report recommendations for any legislation as may be necessary or desirable to carry out the intent and purposes of the New England Higher Education Compact among the states joining. [PL 1991, c. 780, Pt. Y, §117 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8306-B — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 313 / Section 8306-B
20-A §8306-B. Approval of programs and courses;  industry standards
Status: in_force

1. Rules. The commissioner may adopt rules to establish requirements for career and technical education programs and courses in alignment with the system of learning results established in section 6209 , to establish procedures for approving career and technical education programs and courses and to otherwise carry out the purposes of this chapter. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2011, c. 679, §10 (NEW).]

2. Approval required. A career and technical education program must be approved by the commissioner, in accordance with this chapter, in order to: A. Be offered by a career and technical education center, region or affiliated unit; [PL 2011, c. 679, §10 (NEW).] B. Receive state subsidy; or [PL 2011, c. 679, §10 (NEW).] C. Receive approval for federal funding, except that the commissioner may approve federal funding for new and emerging industry programs prior to granting approval for the career and technical education program. [PL 2011, c. 679, §10 (NEW).] [PL 2011, c. 679, §10 (NEW).]

3. Industry standards. An approved career and technical education program must be designed to enable a student to meet industry standards applicable to the program. A. The commissioner shall establish an industry stakeholder group to recommend industry standards to be met in each program offered by a career and technical education region, center or affiliated unit. [PL 2011, c. 679, §10 (NEW).] B. The industry stakeholder group under paragraph A shall recommend national industry standards for each program, unless there are no relevant, applicable national industry standards or the group determines that the national industry standards do not meet the needs of students and employers in this State. [PL 2011, c. 679, §10 (NEW).] C. If the industry stakeholder group under paragraph A does not recommend a national industry standard for a program, the commissioner shall convene one or more stakeholder groups to adopt or create state industry standards for that program. [PL 2011, c. 679, §10 (NEW).] D. The commissioner shall accept or reject the industry stakeholder group's recommendations under this subsection. If the commissioner accepts the recommendations, those industry standards become the applicable industry standards for the program. If the commissioner rejects the recommendations, the commissioner shall either designate alternative standards or ask the stakeholder group to make other recommendations. [PL 2011, c. 679, §10 (NEW).] [PL 2011, c. 679, §10 (NEW).]

4. Learning pathways and articulation agreements with postsecondary institutions; collaborative agreements. To the greatest extent possible, a career and technical education program offered at a center or region must provide students the opportunity to take advantage of any applicable learning pathways, including learning pathways set forth in an articulation agreement with a postsecondary institution or in a collaborative agreement with publicly supported secondary and postsecondary educational institutions that form a dual enrollment career and technical education program pursuant to chapter 229 . [PL 2013, c. 318, §4 (AMD).]

5. Application. A statewide career and technical education program seeking approval from the commissioner after the effective date of this section must meet the requirements of this section. A program approved by the commissioner prior to the effective date of this section must certify to the commissioner not later than July 1, 2013 that the program meets industry standards. [PL 2011, c. 679, §10 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 13001-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 6 / Chapter 501 / Section 13001-A
20-A §13001-A. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter and chapters 502 and 502‑A , unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 2017, c. 235, §2 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).]

1. Administrator. "Administrator" means an individual who provides leadership services to assist in the operation of schools, including, but not limited to, in the following capacities: superintendent, assistant superintendent, building administrator and principal. [PL 2017, c. 235, §2 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).]

2. Certificate. "Certificate" means the credential issued by the department to a qualified individual to serve as a teacher, educational specialist, educational technician or administrator. [PL 2017, c. 235, §2 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).]

3. Clearance. "Clearance" means the credential issued by the department to a qualified individual who has cleared a criminal history record check under section 6103 to serve as an employee in a position for which certification is not required or as an employee of a contracted service provider. [PL 2017, c. 235, §2 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).]

4. Conditional certificate. "Conditional certificate" means the credential issued to a teacher, educational specialist or administrator who has not met all of the requirements for a certificate or endorsement. [PL 2017, c. 235, §2 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).]

5. Credential. "Credential" means a document issued by the department indicating that a person has met the criteria to be certified, conditionally certified or cleared under this chapter or chapter 502 . [PL 2017, c. 235, §2 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).]

6. Criminal history record check. "Criminal history record check" means the fingerprint-based criminal history record check conducted by an entity designated by the department under section 6103 . [PL 2017, c. 235, §2 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).]

7. Educational specialist. "Educational specialist" means an individual who provides professional services to a school, including, but not limited to, an athletic director, school counselor, library-media specialist, literacy specialist, school psychologist, school nurse or career and technical education evaluator. [PL 2021, c. 228, §1 (AMD).]

8. Educational technician. "Educational technician" means an individual who provides supportive educational services in accordance with section 13019‑H . [PL 2017, c. 235, §2 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).]

9. Educator preparation program. "Educator preparation program" means a public or private baccalaureate-level or postbaccalaureate-level program approved by the state board to recommend graduates for certification pursuant to chapter 502 as prekindergarten to grade 12 teachers, educational specialists or school administrators. [PL 2017, c. 235, §2 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).]

10. Endorsement. "Endorsement" means a notation on a certificate that specifies the grades and subject area or work area for which the certificate is valid. A certificate may bear one or more endorsements. [PL 2017, c. 235, §2 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).]

11. Program completer. "Program completer" means a person who, by successfully completing all of the requirements of an educator preparation program, has qualified for a recommendation for certification as a teacher or an educational specialist or an administrator. [PL 2017, c. 235, §2 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).]

12. Semester hours. "Semester hours" means units of academic credit that each reasonably approximate one hour of classroom or direct faculty instruction and a minimum of 2 hours of out-of-class student work each week for approximately 15 weeks or an equivalent amount of academic work at an institution of higher education, including laboratory work, internships, practice studio work or other academic work leading toward the awarding of a credit hour of approved study. [PL 2017, c. 235, §2 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 20110 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 10 / Chapter 901 / Section 20110
20-A §20110. Powers of the interstate commission - Article 10
Status: in_force

The interstate commission may: [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

1. Dispute resolution. Provide for dispute resolution among member states; [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

2. Rules. Promulgate rules and take all necessary actions to effect the goals, purposes and obligations as enumerated in this compact. The rules have the force and effect of law and are binding in the member states to the extent and in the manner provided in this compact; [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

3. Advisory opinions. Issue, upon request of a member state, advisory opinions concerning the meaning or interpretation of the interstate compact and its bylaws, rules and actions; [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

4. Enforce compliance. Enforce compliance with the compact provisions, the rules promulgated by the interstate commission and the bylaws, using all necessary and proper means, including but not limited to the use of judicial process; [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

5. Offices. Establish and maintain offices located within one or more of the member states; [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

6. Insurance; bonds. Purchase and maintain insurance and bonds; [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

7. Personnel. Borrow, accept, hire or contract for services of personnel; [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

8. Committees. Establish and appoint committees, including, but not limited to, an executive committee as required by section 20109, subsection 5 , which may act on behalf of the interstate commission in carrying out the commission’s powers and duties; [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

9. Elect; appoint. Elect or appoint officers, attorneys, employees, agents or consultants, and fix their compensation, define their duties and determine their qualifications; and establish the interstate commission's personnel policies and programs relating to conflicts of interest, rates of compensation and qualifications of personnel; [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

10. Donations; grants. Accept, receive, use and dispose of donations and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials and services; [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

11. Acquire property. Lease, purchase or accept contributions or donations of or otherwise own, hold, improve or use any property, real, personal or mixed; [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

12. Dispose of property. Sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, abandon or otherwise dispose of any property, real, personal or mixed; [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

13. Budget. Establish a budget and make expenditures; [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

14. Seal. Adopt a seal and bylaws governing the management and operation of the interstate commission; [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

15. Report. Report annually to the legislatures, governors, judiciaries and state councils of the member states concerning the activities of the interstate commission during the preceding year. These reports must also include any recommendations that may have been adopted by the interstate commission; [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

16. Education. Coordinate education, training and public awareness regarding the compact and its implementation and operation for officials and parents and legal guardians affected by the compact; [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

17. Data. Establish uniform standards for the reporting, collecting and exchanging of data; [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

18. Corporate books and records. Maintain corporate books and records in accordance with the bylaws; [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

19. Additional functions. Perform such functions as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of the compact; and [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]

20. Information. Provide for the uniform collection and sharing of information between and among member states, schools and military families under the compact. [PL 2009, c. 409, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10902 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 411 / Section 10902
20-A §10902. Public policy on higher education
Status: in_force

The following shall be the fundamental policies adhered to in the state's public higher educational planning: [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

1. Recognition. To recognize higher education as an organized program of instruction, research and service: A. Primarily concerned with the field of organized knowledge, related theory and associated practice; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] B. Offered by a collegiate institution, not necessarily of 4 years, authorized to award academic degrees; and [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] C. Administered and systematically pursued on a full-time or part-time basis by persons who have completed secondary school or who demonstrate equivalent competence; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Principles. To support the principles that each higher educational institution in the State, public and private: A. Shall have control over its educational program and related activities, within its board of control; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] B. That its faculty shall enjoy the freedom traditionally accorded to the faculty of higher educational institutions in teaching, research and expression of opinions; and [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] C. That the faculty shall be consulted in the formulation of academic policies pertaining to it; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

3. Cohesive system. To develop, maintain and support a structure of public higher education in the State which will assure the most cohesive system possible for planning, action and service in providing higher educational opportunities, to which the highest priority for fiscal support shall be assigned; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

4. Programs. To provide in its public higher educational institutions, or through cooperative arrangements with private institutions or institutions outside the State, the programs of study, research or experimentation that its citizens may require; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

5. Encourage growth. To encourage the growth and development of existing or new private higher educational institutions within the State where studies justify their continuation or establishment; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

6. All citizens eligible. To recognize that all citizens shall be considered eligible for the benefits of appropriate higher education, whether they are high school graduates or the equivalent, or those seeking retraining or training for new careers; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

7. Public funds. To assign continually a high priority in the allocation of public funds to the development of services, programs and institutions designed to provide opportunities for those who do not now share equitably in the advantages of higher education, because of limiting economic, social, educational and cultural factors; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

8. Financial support. To support financially the programs of public higher educational institutions through appropriations, grants and loans, based on comprehensive plans and budgets, both short-term and long-term; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

9. Public accountability. To expect appropriate public accountability for this support; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

10. Federal funds. To encourage all institutions, public and private, to make maximum use of federal funds available for the support of higher educational programs and activities, the State to provide matching funds, where necessary, initially and on a continuing basis; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

11. Cooperative undertakings. To expect and request cooperative undertakings among the higher educational institutions, public and private, and between them and the business, industrial and labor interests, to further the development of quality and quantity in educational programs and services and the advancement of the state's economy; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

12. Evaluation and research. To encourage a continuing program of evaluation and research with respect to higher educational opportunities in the State through financial support and the expectation of annual reporting; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

13. Master plan. To give a high priority to the provisions of the master plan for higher education through legislative action and appropriate publicity; [PL 1983, c. 97, §1 (AMD).]

14. Commuter education. To make the most effective use possible of the financial resources allocated to public higher education by maximum emphasis on commuter facilities. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

15. Transfer of credits. To provide for a uniform system of transferring credits for equivalent courses between the various units of the University of Maine System; [PL 1985, c. 779, §47 (AMD).]

16. Uniform course numbering. To provide for a uniform system of the numbering of courses for equivalent courses between the various units of the University of Maine System; [PL 1985, c. 779, §48 (AMD).]

17. Uniform course descriptions. To provide for a uniform system of course descriptions for equivalent courses between the various units of the University of Maine System; [PL 1991, c. 407, §2 (AMD).]

18. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families recipients. To develop programs with the goal of enabling recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families to achieve educational and skill levels that will assist them to compete for employment; and [PL 1991, c. 407, §3 (AMD); PL 1997, c. 530, Pt. A, §34 (AMD).]

19. Public school restructuring. To encourage the public and private postsecondary education institutions in the State to cooperate with the commissioner, the state board and school administrative units to provide appropriate and timely professional development programs and other support services to educators in public schools engaged in school restructuring efforts. [PL 1991, c. 407, §4 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15917 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 609 / Section 15917
20-A §15917. School facilities inventory
Status: in_force

1. Inventory. [PL 2011, c. 171, §10 (RP).]

2. Data base established. The department shall establish and maintain a school facilities data base. The data base must be available for inclusion in the education information system maintained by the Education Research Institute and established in section 10 . [PL 1995, c. 632, §3 (NEW).]

3. Inventory updated. The department shall update information from the inventory at least every 3 years. [PL 1995, c. 632, §3 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3273 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 119 / Section 3273
20-A §3273. Enforcement
Status: in_force

1. Civil violations. A parent who has control of a person who is truant under section 3272, subsection 2 and who is primarily responsible for that person's truancy commits a civil violation under this chapter. A. [PL 1989, c. 415, §6 (RP).] B. [PL 1989, c. 415, §6 (RP).] C. [PL 1989, c. 415, §6 (RP).] [PL 2011, c. 614, §11 (AMD).]

2. Jurisdiction. The District Court shall have jurisdiction over these violations. [PL 1989, c. 415, §7 (AMD).]

3. Process. Service of the petition on the parent shall be in accordance with the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure. [PL 1989, c. 415, §8 (RPR).]

4. Penalties. [PL 1989, c. 415, §9 (RP).]

5. Disposition. The court may order injunctive relief of one or more of the following actions against any person who commits a civil violation under subsection 1 : A. Ordering the offender to comply with this chapter; [PL 1989, c. 415, §10 (NEW).] B. Ordering the offender to take specific action to ensure the student's attendance at school; [PL 1989, c. 415, §10 (NEW).] C. Enjoining the offender from engaging in specific conduct which interferes with or may interfere with the student's attendance at school; or [PL 1989, c. 415, §10 (NEW).] D. Ordering the offender to undergo counseling by a professional selected by the offender, with the court's approval, or by the court. The counselor shall submit a written evaluation to the court and to the offender. [PL 1989, c. 415, §10 (NEW).] [PL 1989, c. 415, §10 (NEW).]

6. Fine. For a civil violation under this section, the court may impose a fine not to exceed $250, all or part of which may be suspended upon the offender's compliance with a court order under this section. [PL 2007, c. 304, §4 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11001 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 413 / Section 11001
20-A §11001. Purposes - Article I
Status: in_force

The purposes of the New England Higher Education Compact shall be to provide greater educational opportunities and services through the establishment and maintenance of a coordinated educational program for the persons residing in the several states of New England parties to this compact, with the aim of furthering higher education in the fields of medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, public health and in professional, technical, scientific, literary and other fields. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 19251 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 9 / Chapter 803 / Section 19251
20-A §19251. Digital Literacy Fund
Status: in_force

1. Fund established. The Digital Literacy Fund, referred to in this section as "the fund," is established as an interest-bearing account administered by the department. [PL 2011, c. 354, §3 (NEW).]

2. Revenue. Any private or public funds appropriated, allocated or dedicated to the fund must be deposited into the fund as well as income from any other source directed to the fund. All interest earned by the fund becomes part of the fund. Any balance remaining in the fund at the end of the fiscal year does not lapse but is carried forward into subsequent fiscal years. [PL 2011, c. 354, §3 (NEW).]

3. Use of fund; technical assistance. Balances in the fund may be used for the necessary expenses of the department in the administration of the fund. Balances in the fund may be used to pay for the development of a program of technical assistance pursuant to section 254, subsection 15 that designs instructional materials that promote digital literacy, teacher professional development and training on the use of online learning resources, new administrative costs and other expenses not related to a learning through technology program funded under section 15689‑A, subsection 12‑A and for the implementation of a new clearinghouse for information on the use of online learning resources, including best practices in the use of open educational resources and open-source textbooks for elementary schools, middle schools and high schools. [RR 2011, c. 1, §30 (COR).]
20-A M.R.S. § 201 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 1 / Chapter 3 / Section 201
20-A §201. Purpose of the department
Status: in_force

The Department of Education is established to: [PL 1989, c. 700, Pt. B, §5 (AMD).]

1. Supervise public education. Supervise, guide and plan for a coordinated system of public education for all citizens of the State based on the system of learning results as established in section 6209 ; [PL 2001, c. 454, §1 (AMD).]

2. Interrelation with other programs. Interrelate public education with other social, economic, physical and governmental activities, programs and services; and [PL 1989, c. 700, Pt. B, §6 (AMD).]

3. Cultural services. [PL 1989, c. 700, Pt. B, §7 (RP).]

4. Advancement of education. Encourage and stimulate public interest in the advancement of education. [PL 1989, c. 700, Pt. B, §8 (AMD).]

5. Cultural and historical heritage. [PL 1989, c. 700, Pt. B, §9 (RP).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15683-C — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 606-B / Section 15683-C
20-A §15683-C. Education service center members; calculation of education service center administration allocation and state contribution
Status: in_force

This section applies to school administrative units that are members of education service centers pursuant to chapter 123 . [PL 2019, c. 219, §7 (AMD).]

1. Education service center per-pupil rate. Beginning in fiscal year 2020-21, the commissioner shall set a per-pupil rate for education service center administration of $94 per pupil. The per-pupil amount set in fiscal year 2020-21 may be annually adjusted by appropriate trends in the Consumer Price Index or other comparable index. [PL 2019, c. 616, Pt. C, §4 (AMD).]

2. Categories of services of education service center. The following are the categories of services that a school administrative unit that is a member of an education service center pursuant to chapter 123 may purchase for funding purposes under section 3806 . A. Category 1, appropriate instructional services in the least restrictive settings that comply with federal regulations and state rules, including: (1) Special education programs and administration; (2) Gifted and talented programs and administration; (3) Alternative education programs and administration; (4) Shared educational programs or staff; and (5) Educational programs such as summer school, extended school year, tutoring, advanced placement and other programs that serve students and improve student achievement. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. VVVVV, §10 (NEW).] B. Category 2, education support services, including the following services: (1) Substitute teachers and staff augmentation; (2) Technology and technology support; (3) Staff training and professional development; (5) Shared support services programs; and (6) Shared extracurricular or cocurricular programs. [PL 2019, c. 70, §6 (AMD).] C. Category 3, central office services, including the following services: (1) Accounting, payroll, financial management services and procurement; (2) Reporting functions; (3) Food service planning and purchasing; and (4) Superintendent services. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. VVVVV, §10 (NEW).] D. Category 4, facilities and transportation system services, including the following services: (1) Transportation, transportation routing and vehicle maintenance; and (2) Energy management and facilities maintenance. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. VVVVV, §10 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 219, §7 (AMD).]

3. Eligibility for education service center allocation. The commissioner shall determine that a school administrative unit is eligible for an education service center allocation if according to its education service center interlocal agreement pursuant to section 3801, subsection 3 , the school administrative unit purchases at least 2 different services covering a total of at least 2 different categories from the education service center as specified in subsection 2 . [PL 2019, c. 219, §7 (AMD).]

4. Total allocation and state contribution. The commissioner shall determine an eligible school administrative unit's total education service center allocation under subsection 3 as the education service center per-pupil rate in subsection 1 multiplied by the school administrative unit's subsidizable pupil count for October 1st of the most recent calendar year prior to the year of funding. The state contribution for each school administrative unit's education service center allocation is the allocation multiplied by the school administrative unit's state share percentage pursuant to section 15672, subsection 31 , not to exceed 70% and not less than 30%. [PL 2019, c. 219, §7 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8803 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 317 / Section 8803
20-A §8803. Report
Status: in_force

The department shall report by November 15, 2021 and annually thereafter to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education and cultural affairs on school administrative unit summer educational programs, including but not limited to summer school and extended school year programs. The report must include the number of school administrative units administering such programs, the nature of the programs, the number of participants in the programs, any partnerships with community-based organizations to provide the programs and the sources of funding for the programs. The report must also include recommendations, and any suggested legislation, on improving summer educational programs and identification of any additional funding needed to ensure the success of summer educational programs. [PL 2021, c. 32, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3621 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3621
20-A §3621. Special meetings
Status: in_force

A special meeting of the district shall be held whenever, in the opinion of the directors, there is occasion therefor, or whenever written application shall have been made by 5% or more of the voters based on the checklists as prepared for the last preceding meeting, setting forth the subject matter upon which such action is desired. A special meeting may appropriate money without compliance with RSA 338 or RSA 197.3 which would otherwise require the approval of the New Hampshire Superior Court. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15676-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 606-B / Section 15676-A
20-A §15676-A. EPS per-pupil rate for units that do not operate schools
Status: in_force

1. Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Receiving unit" means the school administrative unit to which students are sent by the sending unit. [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §40 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).] B. "Receiving unit cost" means the amount arrived at by multiplying the receiving unit's EPS rate by the number of students sent to that unit by the sending unit. [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §40 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).] C. "Sending unit" means the school administrative unit sending students to other school administrative units. [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §40 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).] [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §40 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).]

2. Calculation of EPS per-pupil rate. For school administrative units that do not operate certain types of schools, the commissioner shall calculate that unit's EPS per-pupil rate for each year as follows. A. For units that do not operate elementary grade schools, the EPS per-pupil rate for elementary grades is calculated by multiplying the number of students sent by the sending unit to an elementary grade receiving unit multiplied by the receiving unit's EPS per-pupil rate for elementary grades and the result divided by the number of students sent by the sending unit to that elementary grade receiving unit. If the sending unit sends students to more than one elementary grade receiving unit, then the elementary grade receiving unit cost for each student sent by the sending unit is added and the result divided by the total number of students sent to elementary grade receiving units by the sending unit. The result is the average elementary grade EPS per-pupil rate for the sending unit. The EPS per-pupil rate for private schools approved for tuition purposes under chapter 117 is the statewide average EPS per-pupil rate for elementary grades. The elementary attending student count is the most recent October 1st count prior to the allocation year. [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §40 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).] B. For units that do not operate secondary grade schools, the EPS per-pupil rate for secondary grades is calculated by multiplying the number of students sent by the sending unit to a secondary grade receiving unit multiplied by the receiving unit's EPS per-pupil rate for secondary grades and the result divided by the number of students sent by the sending unit to that secondary grade receiving unit. If the sending unit sends students to more than one secondary grade receiving unit, then the secondary grade receiving unit cost for each student sent by the sending unit is added and the result divided by the total number of students sent to secondary grade receiving units by the sending unit. The result is the average secondary grade EPS per-pupil rate for the sending unit. The EPS per-pupil rate for private schools approved for tuition purposes under chapter 117 is the statewide average EPS per-pupil rate for secondary grades. The secondary attending student count is the most recent October 1st count prior to the allocation year. [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §40 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).] [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §40 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 13019-H — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 6 / Chapter 502 / Section 13019-H
20-A §13019-H. Educational technician certificate
Status: in_force

1. Requirement. An educational technician certificate is required for employment as an educational technician at a public school or a private school approved for attendance purposes pursuant to section 2901, subsection 2, paragraph B , if the employed individual will: A. Introduce new learning plans developed in consultation with the classroom teacher or appropriate content specialist; and [PL 2017, c. 235, §25 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).] B. Supervise small groups of students in community-based programs. [PL 2017, c. 235, §25 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).] [PL 2017, c. 235, §25 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).]

2. Qualifications. The state board shall adopt rules establishing the qualifications and supervision for an educational technician certificate. [PL 2017, c. 235, §25 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).]

3. Certificate renewal. An educational technician certificate is issued for a 5-year period and may be renewed in accordance with state board rules, which must require, at a minimum, that the educational technician, whether employed or unemployed, complete at least 3 semester hours of professional or academic study or the equivalent or in-service training designed to improve the performance of the educational technician in the field. [PL 2017, c. 235, §25 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).]

4. Emergency educational technician certificate. The commissioner may issue an emergency certificate pursuant to this section to an applicant who has submitted to a criminal history background check and has successfully completed a program in this State approved for targeting essential skills and knowledge for performing permitted responsibilities. A certificate issued pursuant to this subsection is issued for a 5-year period. [PL 2021, c. 228, §5 (NEW).]

5. Approved educational technician III training programs; certification. The commissioner may approve training programs for educational technician III certification, as defined by rule, offered by an accredited postsecondary institution in this State. Programs approved under this subsection may include, but are not limited to, learning facilitator programs offered through the Maine Community College System. An applicant who successfully completes a training program approved under this subsection may receive an educational technician III certificate if the applicant meets all other certification requirements established by rule, except that the applicant is not required to meet the minimum 90 credits of approved study in an educationally related field. An education technician III certified under this subsection is eligible for certificate renewal in accordance with subsection 3 . [PL 2023, c. 200, §2 (NEW).] Revisor's Note: (Subsection 5 as enacted by PL 2023, c. 442, §2 is REALLOCATED TO TITLE 20-A, SECTION 13019-H, SUBSECTION 6)

6. (REALLOCATED FROM T. 20-A, §13019-H, sub-§5) Reissuance; retired educational technician. The commissioner may issue an educational technician certificate to a person who has been receiving a retirement benefit from the State Employee and Teacher Retirement Program established under Title 5, section 17602 for no more than 5 years until July 31, 2026 and for no more than 3 years beginning August 1, 2026 and who, immediately prior to receiving that benefit, possessed an active educational technician certificate in good standing that has subsequently lapsed. An educational technician certificate issued under this subsection is for the same period and subject to the same renewal standards as specified in subsection 3 . State board rules may further govern qualifications for an educational technician certificate issued under this subsection. [PL 2025, c. 423, §3 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6402-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 223 / Section 6402-A
20-A §6402-A. School health advisor
Status: in_force

Each school board shall appoint one or more physicians or family or pediatric nurse practitioners to act as school health advisor. [PL 2013, c. 78, §1 (AMD).]

1. Duties. The school health advisor shall advise the administrative unit on school health issues, policies and practices and may also perform any other health-related functions assigned by the board. [PL 2013, c. 78, §1 (AMD).]

2. Other functions. A school health advisor may perform other medical and health-related duties assigned by the school board, which may include all or some of the following: A. Examine and diagnose students referred by teachers and other school employees to protect against the outbreak of contagious diseases in the schools; [PL 1985, c. 258, §2 (NEW).] B. Examine students for participation in physical education and athletic activities; [PL 1985, c. 258, §2 (NEW).] C. Advise and serve as medical consultant to the school nurse; or [PL 1985, c. 258, §2 (NEW).] D. Examine school employees and property if the school health advisor believes it is necessary to protect the health of students. [PL 2013, c. 78, §1 (AMD).] [PL 2013, c. 78, §1 (AMD).]

3. Prohibition. A school health advisor may not treat any student examined under this subchapter unless the school health advisor is also the student's personal health care provider. A school health advisor that advises a school board pursuant to subsection 1 or performs other functions under subsection 2 may not act outside the scope of practice of the physician or nurse practitioner who functions as a school health advisor as established by law or rule of the applicable licensing board. [PL 2013, c. 78, §1 (AMD).]

4. Appointment. Appointment is on a yearly basis. [PL 2013, c. 78, §1 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 13019-I — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 6 / Chapter 502 / Section 13019-I
20-A §13019-I. Administrator certificate
Status: in_force

1. Requirement. An administrator's certificate is required for employment as an administrator at a school administrative unit in the State, at a public school or at a private school approved for attendance purposes pursuant to section 2901, subsection 2, paragraph B . [PL 2017, c. 235, §25 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).]

2. Qualifications. State board rules governing the qualifications for an administrator certificate must require that the certificate may be issued only to an applicant who at a minimum: A. Has at least 3 years of satisfactory teaching experience or the equivalent; [PL 2017, c. 235, §25 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).] B. Has academic and professional knowledge as demonstrated through the completion of required graduate or undergraduate courses or programs, performance in examinations or completion of specialized programs approved for this purpose; [PL 2017, c. 235, §25 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).] C. Has a basic level of knowledge in competency areas determined by the state board; and [PL 2017, c. 235, §25 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).] D. Has satisfactorily completed an approved internship or practicum relating to the duties of an administrator. [PL 2017, c. 235, §25 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).] [PL 2017, c. 235, §25 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).]

3. Certificate renewal. An administrator's certificate is issued for a 5-year period and may be renewed in accordance with state board rules, which must require, at a minimum, that the administrator, whether employed or unemployed, complete at least 6 semester hours of professional or academic study or the equivalent or in-service training designed to improve the performance of the administrator in the field. [PL 2017, c. 235, §25 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).]

4. Endorsements. The administrator certificate must be issued with an endorsement that specifies the work area for which the individual is determined to be qualified. A holder of an administrator certificate may not work outside the holder's area of endorsement unless permitted under rules established by the state board. This includes the following areas: A. Employment as a superintendent of a school administrative unit in the State; [PL 2017, c. 235, §25 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).] B. Employment as a building administrator or principal of a public school or as chief administrator of a private school approved for attendance purposes pursuant to section 2901, subsection 2, paragraph B ; and [PL 2017, c. 235, §25 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).] C. Employment as any other administrator as may be determined by the state board to be necessary and beneficial for the efficient operation of the schools. [PL 2017, c. 235, §25 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).] [PL 2017, c. 235, §25 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12742 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 432-A / Section 12742
20-A §12742. Health Workforce Retraining Program
Status: in_force

The president of the system shall establish the Health Workforce Retraining Program for the purpose of making these education and training programs available to eligible businesses and organizations, including, but not limited to, hospitals, long-term care facilities and other health care facilities, to support the training and retraining of health care employees to address changes in the health care workforce. The education and training programs must be established on the basis of need for workers in a particular area of health care. [PL 2001, c. 439, Pt. HHHH, §1 (NEW).]

1. Rules established. The president of the system shall adopt rules to establish: A. Criteria for eligible health care businesses and organizations; [PL 2001, c. 439, Pt. HHHH, §1 (NEW).] B. Guidelines for the establishment of education and training programs through a request-for-proposal procedure; and [PL 2001, c. 439, Pt. HHHH, §1 (NEW).] C. Procedures for establishing a matching grant program allowing state funds to match contributions from the private sector. [PL 2001, c. 439, Pt. HHHH, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2001, c. 439, Pt. HHHH, §1 (NEW).]

2. Program lapses. The Health Workforce Retraining Program under subsection 1 is based on a 50-50 partnership between the State and the private sector. If, by June 30, 2003, there are no funds from the private sector to be matched by state funds, the program expires and all state funds lapse to the General Fund. [PL 2001, c. 439, Pt. HHHH, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 7254 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 303 / Section 7254
20-A §7254. Contractual programs for nonresident children
Status: in_force

Another state, subdivision or private person, firm or agency may contract with a private school in this State to provide special education for children who are not residents of this State. A program for these nonresident children shall be subject to approval by the commissioner only with respect to the requirements of section 7204, subsection 4 . [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15686-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 606-B / Section 15686-A
20-A §15686-A. Review of essential programs and services components
Status: in_force

1. Components to be reviewed beginning in fiscal year 2017-18. Beginning in fiscal year 2017-18, and at least every 3 years thereafter, the commissioner, using information provided by a statewide education policy research institute, shall review the essential programs and services student-to-staff ratios, salary and benefits matrices, small schools adjustments, labor markets and gifted and talented components and components related to implementation of reporting and graduation requirements under this chapter and shall submit to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters any recommended changes for legislative action. [PL 2017, c. 466, §14 (AMD).]

2. Components to be reviewed beginning in fiscal year 2018-19. Beginning in fiscal year 2018-19, and at least every 3 years thereafter, the commissioner, using information provided by a statewide education policy research institute, shall review the essential programs and services career and technical education, special education, specialized student populations, system administration and operations and maintenance components under this chapter and shall submit to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters any recommended changes for legislative action. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. C, §44 (AMD).]

3. Components to be reviewed beginning in fiscal year 2019-20. Beginning in fiscal year 2019-20, and at least every 3 years thereafter, the commissioner, using information provided by a statewide education policy research institute, shall review the essential programs and services professional development, student assessment, technology, transportation, leadership support, cocurricular and extra-curricular activities, supplies and equipment and, beginning in fiscal year 2016-17, charter school components under this chapter and shall submit to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over education matters any recommended changes for legislative action. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. C, §44 (AMD).]

4. Components to be reviewed beginning in fiscal year 2017-18. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. C, §44 (RP).]

The commissioner may adjust the schedule by replacing one component in one year with another component in another year if information on a specific component is needed in an earlier time frame. This replacement may not result in a component's being reviewed beyond a 4-year period. The commissioner may include a review of one or more of the components from sections 15688‑A , 15689 and 15689‑A to the schedule in addition to the components listed in this section. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. C, §44 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11481 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 417-E / Section 11481
20-A §11481. Release of information
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, including, without limitation, Title 1, chapter 13, subchapter I and Title 10, section 975‑A , the authority may provide information regarding individual participation accounts as required by federal law and laws of the state of residence of any participant or beneficiary. [PL 1997, c. 732, §4 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12507 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 428 / Section 12507
20-A §12507. Repayment and return service provisions
Status: in_force

Each student who receives a loan may cancel the total amount of the loan by completing one year of return service in a public school, publicly supported secondary school, special education facility as defined in section 7001, subsection 6 or private school approved for tuition purposes in the State for each year the individual receives a loan. An individual who received that individual's first program loan after January 1, 2000 may also cancel the total amount of the loan by completing one year of return service by working in a child care facility. The return service requirement is one year for every 2 years or less that the individual receives a loan if return service is performed in an underserved subject area or an underserved geographic area. Return service for this purpose must be performed within 10 years of graduation from the institution of higher education. If the chief executive officer grants a deferment, the time period for performance of return service may be extended for the same period as the deferment. Return service may not be credited for the same semester for which an individual receives a loan pursuant to this chapter. Pro rata loan forgiveness may be granted for part-time return service as determined by rule of the authority. Failure to fulfill the return service option necessitates repayment to the authority as follows. [PL 2019, c. 303, §8 (AMD).]

1. Debt calculation. The debt must include the total amount of the loan and interest at the rate established by rule of the authority, less the amount, if any, that has been cancelled by return service. [PL 1997, c. 489, §8 (AMD).]

2. Time for repayment. The total debt must be repaid to the authority within 11 years of graduation from the institution of higher education according to a schedule established by the chief executive officer. Due dates for repayments are set by the chief executive officer and may be extended for the same period of any deferment granted by the chief executive officer. [PL 2003, c. 427, §10 (AMD).]

3. Deferment. A recipient of a loan may seek a deferment of the annual payments for a period or periods as established by rule of the authority. A request for deferment must be made to the chief executive officer who shall make a determination on a case-by-case basis. The chief executive officer may grant a deferment in the event that a recipient of a loan evidences intent to work as a teacher, school counselor or speech pathologist and inability to secure employment necessary to obtain forgiveness of the loan at the time the deferment is sought. The chief executive officer shall require certification of the intent annually and grant a deferment for each successful request for deferment for a period not to exceed one year. The chief executive officer may establish limits to the number of deferments that may be granted to any recipient by rule of the authority. [PL 2025, c. 58, §7 (AMD).]

4. Child development students. [PL 2003, c. 427, §10 (RP).]

5. Death or disability. The authority may forgive loans of loan recipients who have died or who have become permanently disabled, as determined by the chief executive officer. [PL 2003, c. 427, §10 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15902 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 609 / Section 15902
20-A §15902. Administrative units
Status: in_force

1. Building committee. The legislative body of a school administrative unit may establish a special building committee at a regular or specially called meeting held prior to a school construction project receiving the concept approval provided in section 15901 . If the legislative body does not establish a special building committee, the school board shall act as the building committee and may delegate the powers and duties of the building committee to the superintendent. If a vacancy occurs in the membership of a special building committee established under this subsection by the legislative body, the legislative body may fill that vacancy. The powers and duties of the building committee must be determined at the time of its establishment by the legislative body of the school administrative unit, or by the school board when it acts as the building committee and delegates those powers and duties to the superintendent. Powers and duties not assigned to the building committee that are not specifically delegated to other entities in this section remain with the school board. [PL 1993, c. 197, §1 (AMD).]

2. School board approval. A plan for a school construction project voted for by a school administrative unit shall be approved by the school board. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

3. Authority to sell bonds. A school administrative unit may sell bonds to raise the local share of project costs. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

4. Final report to commissioner. On the completion of a school construction project or a permanent space lease-purchase project, the building committee shall certify to the commissioner that the construction project has been completed in conformity with the approved plans and specifications. [PL 1999, c. 81, §8 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1307 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 103 / Section 1307
20-A §1307. Specific line budgets
Status: in_force

If the school budget format requires specific line categories, then in preparing the warrant and conducting the budget meeting, the following shall apply. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

1. Separate articles. Each category shall be included in a separate warrant article. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Transfer. Unless authorized by the voters, the board of directors may not transfer funds between line item categories. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

3. Summary action. To summarize the action taken on the school budget for the purposes of determining state and local cost sharing, the articles prescribed in chapter 606-B must also be voted upon. [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §5 (AMD); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).]

4. Budget explanation. The warrant may include an explanation of the relationship between warrant articles authorizing specific line item expenditures as provided in subsection 1 and the articles prescribed in chapter 606-B summarizing the budget proposal. [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §6 (AMD); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 15681 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 606-B / Section 15681
20-A §15681. Targeted funds
Status: in_force

1. Eligibility. In order for a school administrative unit to receive targeted funds under this section, the school administrative unit must meet the following eligibility criteria. A. To receive targeted student assessment funds calculated pursuant to subsection 2 , a school administrative unit must be in compliance with applicable state statutes and department rules regarding local assessment systems for the system of learning results established in section 6209 and be in compliance with applicable federal statutes and regulations pertaining to student assessment as required by the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, 20 United States Code, Chapter 70. [PL 2003, c. 504, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] B. To receive targeted technology resource funds calculated pursuant to subsection 3 , a school administrative unit must be in compliance with the technology components of the unit's comprehensive education plan as required under section 4502, subsection 1 . [PL 2003, c. 504, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] C. To receive targeted public preschool program to grade 2 funds calculated pursuant to subsection 4 , the school administrative unit must be in compliance with any applicable reporting requirements for local early childhood programs. Any program must be in compliance with chapter 203, subchapter 2 or 3 . [PL 2013, c. 581, §9 (AMD).] D. To receive targeted educator evaluation funds, a school administrative unit must have or be in the process of developing a performance evaluation and professional growth system pursuant to chapter 508 and the rules adopted pursuant to that chapter. [PL 2011, c. 635, Pt. A, §4 (NEW).] [PL 2013, c. 581, §9 (AMD).]

2. Targeted student assessment funds. [PL 2005, c. 519, Pt. LL, §2 (RP).]

2-A. Targeted funds to implement a standards-based system. For targeted funds to implement a standards-based system, the commissioner shall: A. [PL 2013, c. 506, §16 (RP).] B. For fiscal year 2007-08 and every subsequent year, calculate an amount to be made available to address the components of a standards-based system. [PL 2005, c. 635, §7 (NEW).] [PL 2013, c. 506, §16 (AMD).]

3. Targeted technology resource funds. For targeted technology resource funds, the commissioner shall calculate one amount that may be made available to the elementary school level and middle school level and another amount that may be made available to the high school level in accordance with the following. A. For fiscal year 2005-06, the commissioner shall establish a per-pupil amount for targeted technology resource funds. [PL 2003, c. 504, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] B. For fiscal year 2006-07 and each subsequent year, the commissioner shall recalculate the per-pupil amount by using the amount calculated under paragraph A as a base and appropriate trends in the Consumer Price Index or other comparable index. [PL 2003, c. 504, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] [PL 2003, c. 504, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).]

4. Public preschool program to grade 2 funds. For targeted public preschool program to grade 2 funds, the commissioner shall calculate the amount that may be made available to eligible school administrative units as follows. A. For fiscal year 2005-06, the amount equals the product of the per-pupil guarantee calculated pursuant to section 15676 multiplied by the additional weight calculated pursuant to section 15675, subsection 3 . [PL 2003, c. 504, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] B. For fiscal year 2006-07 and each subsequent year, the commissioner shall recalculate the amount by using the amount calculated under paragraph A as a base and appropriate trends in the Consumer Price Index or other comparable index. [PL 2003, c. 504, Pt. A, §6 (NEW).] [PL 2007, c. 141, §17 (AMD).]

5. Review; approval. [PL 2005, c. 519, Pt. AAAA, §7 (RP).]

6. Targeted funds for educator evaluation. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. C, §36 (RP).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1054 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 101 / Section 1054
20-A §1054. Office and salary
Status: in_force

1. Office. The school board or union committee shall provide for an office for the superintendent, office assistants, supplies, utilities and other office expenses. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Salary. The school board or union committee shall fix the superintendent's salary. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 2651 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 114-A / Section 2651
20-A §2651. Fund for the Efficient Delivery of Educational Services
Status: in_force

1. Fund created. The Fund for the Efficient Delivery of Educational Services, referred to in this chapter as "the fund" is created to assist in financing the cost of local and regional initiatives to improve educational opportunity and student achievement through more efficient delivery of educational programs and services. The fund is a dedicated, nonlapsing account within the department. [PL 2015, c. 251, §3 (AMD).]

2. Use of fund. The department shall award grants from the fund to school administrative units, municipalities, counties and groups of 2 or more such entities to fund the costs of implementing changes in governance, administrative structures or policies that result in the creation of consolidated school administrative units; purchasing alliances; innovative, autonomous public schools, teacher-led schools, innovative public school districts or innovative public school zones; regional delivery of collaborative programs and educational services; regional school leadership academies; or collaborations of municipal-school service delivery or support systems, with the purpose of improving educational opportunity and student achievement. Grants must be used to implement changes that will be sustained by the school administrative unit, municipality or county without the need for additional grants from the fund or other sources. [PL 2019, c. 70, §2 (AMD); PL 2019, c. 70, §9 (AFF).]

3. Grant criteria. Grants must be awarded on a competitive basis, in accordance with procedures and criteria set forth in rules adopted by the department. The rules must give priority to projects that: A. Involve 2 or more school administrative units, municipalities, counties or a combination of these entities; [PL 2011, c. 446, §1 (NEW).] B. Are sufficiently developed to be implemented in a short period of time after the award of the grant; [PL 2011, c. 446, §1 (NEW).] B-1. Facilitate the transformation of the public education system to one in which standards are used to guide curriculum and instruction and in which student advancement and graduation are based on student demonstration of achievement in meeting educational standards; [PL 2017, c. 466, §3 (AMD).] C. Expand access to high-quality professional development initiatives aligned with evidence-based best practices that can be linked to improvements in student learning and expansion of opportunities for professional growth for teachers and principals pursuant to chapter 508 ; more fully integrate educational technology and expand access to online and digital learning opportunities; improve management and use of data to enhance instruction and increase student achievement; broaden access to opportunities for career and technical education; expand access to early college opportunities for high school students; or increase student choice; or [PL 2015, c. 251, §6 (AMD).] D. Implement projects that have demonstrated significant and sustainable savings in the cost of delivering educational services and improving student achievement. [PL 2011, c. 446, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2017, c. 466, §3 (AMD).]

4. Sources of money. The fund consists of amounts appropriated or allocated by the State and any gifts or grants made to the department for the purpose of deposit in the fund. [PL 2011, c. 446, §1 (NEW).]

5. Rules. Rules adopted or amended by the department to implement this section are major substantive rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A . [PL 2015, c. 251, §7 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 16105 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 611 / Section 16105
20-A §16105. School lots; erroneous description
Status: in_force

1. Reappraisal. If a school administrative unit has designated, located and described a lot upon which to construct or enlarge a school and by mistake or omission has failed to comply with the law whereby the location has been rendered invalid, 3 legal voters and taxpayers of that unit may apply in writing to the school board and have the lot, so designated or described, reappraised by them. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Notice. The school board to whom an application has been made shall give not less than 7 nor more than 20 days' notice to the municipal clerks and to the person owning or having charge of the real estate. The notice shall contain the time and place for the hearing. After examination and hearing of all interested, the school board shall appraise and affix a fair value to the lot as set out, exclusive of improvements made by the school administrative unit. As soon as practicable, the school board shall notify the municipal clerks and the person owning or having charge of the real estate of the appraisal. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

3. Assessment and collection. The sum fixed as the value of the lot shall be assessed, collected and paid over as other school money. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

4. Tender. A sum which has been tendered and is in the hands or under the control of the persons owning or having charge of the land shall be allowed in payment of the appraisal. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

5. Appeal by either party. The school board or the person owning or having charge of the land reappraised may appeal within 10 days if they are dissatisfied with the reappraisal. A. The claim for appeal shall be submitted to the county commissioners of the county in which the land lies, and shall include a copy of the proceedings. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] B. The determination of the appeal shall be by a majority of the commissioners who are not residents of the school administrative unit. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] C. The determination may be appealed by an aggrieved party to the Superior Court as provided under section 16104 . [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

6. Improvements inure to units. If a school administrative unit has erected or moved a building on or improved a lot, the improvement shall inure to the benefit of the school administrative unit. The building or improvements may be as completely occupied and controlled by the school administrative unit as it would have been if the location had been in strict conformity to law. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

7. Tax not affected. The legality of a tax assessed to build, repair or remove a school building and to pay for a lot shall not be affected by a mistake or error in designation or location of a lot. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12502 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 428 / Section 12502
20-A §12502. Educators for Maine Program
Status: in_force

There is established the Educators for Maine Program to provide financial assistance for postsecondary education to undergraduate students and students pursuing postbaccalaureate certification who demonstrate academic achievement and an interest in pursuing a career in teaching, school counseling, speech pathology or child care in this State. The chief executive officer shall administer the program and shall establish pursuant to rules of the authority the rates of interest or fees to be charged. [PL 2025, c. 58, §5 (AMD).]

Under the program, the authority may annually award a certain number of loan repayments to selected educators and other school personnel under this section in underserved geographic areas as funds permit. A selected loan repayment recipient must enter into a loan repayment agreement with the authority and may receive payment from the authority on the recipient's outstanding student debt for each year of service as long as the recipient is employed in a certified instructional or student support role, specifically as a teacher, school counselor or licensed speech pathologist, in a school in an underserved geographic area. [PL 2025, c. 58, §5 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 16102 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 7 / Chapter 611 / Section 16102
20-A §16102. Procedures
Status: in_force

1. Authority to condemn. When the location of a school lot has been legally determined by a school administrative unit, the land may be condemned: A. In a municipality by the municipal officer; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] B. In a school administrative district or a regional school unit by a school board; and [PL 2017, c. 475, Pt. C, §5 (AMD).] C. In a community school district by the district board of trustees. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] [PL 2017, c. 475, Pt. C, §5 (AMD).]

2. Appraisal. Damages for condemnation shall be determined: A. As provided for laying out town ways for municipalities; or [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] B. As provided for laying out county ways in Title 23, sections 2052 and 2054 , for school administrative districts, regional school units and community school districts, except that notice need not be given to the Department of Transportation. [PL 2017, c. 475, Pt. C, §6 (AMD).] [PL 2017, c. 475, Pt. C, §6 (AMD).]

3. Payment of damages. The school board may take lots for school construction after payment of these damages. If the owner of the condemned property resides outside the State the damages shall be deposited in the municipal treasury for municipalities and in the county treasury for other school administrative units. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

4. Description. The school board shall cause a plan and description of the lots, as they have laid them out, to be recorded in the registry of deeds where the land lies, within 30 days of payment or deposit of damages. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

5. Notice. The school board shall serve on the owner a certified copy of the vote directing the condemnation. This notice shall be served according to the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12986 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 445 / Section 12986
20-A §12986. Confidential resource advisors
Status: in_force

1. Confidential resource advisor designated. Each institution shall designate at least one confidential resource advisor to provide emergency and ongoing support to survivors of sexual violence, intimate partner violence and stalking. The confidential resource advisor must be designated based on the confidential resource advisor's experience in advocating on behalf of victims of sexual assault or domestic violence and a demonstrated ability to effectively provide victim services related to sexual violence, intimate partner violence or stalking. The confidential resource advisor may have another role at the institution of higher education, but may not be a student or a Title IX coordinator and may not have any other job responsibilities that may create a conflict of interest, including but not limited to being general counsel, director of athletics, dean of students or any employee who serves on a judicial or hearing board overseeing reports of sexual violence, intimate partner violence or stalking or to whom an appeal of such a proceeding might be made. The confidential resource advisor shall maintain a physical presence on campus that provides the confidential resource advisor a place to meet discreetly and privately with students or employees in-person or remotely. An institution may contract or partner with a local, state or national victim advocacy organization to provide a confidential resource advisor under this subsection. [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).]

2. Additional designation; partnership. Each institution of higher education shall designate existing categories of employees who may also serve as confidential resource advisors. This subsection may not be construed to limit an institution of higher education from designating a new or existing employee as a confidential resource advisor. An institution of higher education that enrolls fewer than 1,000 residential students may partner with another institution of higher education or local sexual assault support center within the State to provide the services under this section. Any partnership entered into under this subsection must ensure that the confidential resource advisor is available to a student within a reasonable distance from the student's institution of higher education. [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).]

3. Training. A confidential resource advisor must receive the following training: A. Prior to designation as a confidential resource advisor, 40 hours of training on sexual violence, intimate partner violence and stalking; [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] B. Training regarding unconscious biases related to race, gender and sexuality; [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] C. Training regarding awareness and prevention of sexual violence, intimate partner violence or stalking, relevant federal policies, the institution's policy under section 12982 and trauma-informed response; and [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] D. Twenty hours of educational training annually on issues related to sexual violence, intimate partner violence and stalking, including but not limited to awareness and prevention of sexual violence, intimate partner violence and stalking and a trauma-informed response. [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).]

4. Coordination. A confidential resource advisor shall coordinate with on-campus, if any, and off-campus sexual assault support centers and domestic violence resource centers within a reasonable time after being designated as a confidential resource advisor. [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).]

5. Information and resources. A confidential resource advisor is responsible for providing the following information and resources regarding incidents of sexual violence, intimate partner violence or stalking to students and employees: A. Reporting options and the probable effects of each option; [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] B. Counseling services available on campus and through a local sexual assault support center or domestic violence resource center; [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] C. Medical and mental health services available on campus and off campus; [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] D. When requested, campus escort services for security; [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] E. Available supportive measures, including academic and residential life accommodations; [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] F. For students considering temporary or permanent withdrawal or reduced enrollment, student loan counseling including but not limited to information regarding loan deferment, forbearance or other applicable student loan programs; [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] G. The institution's investigative, disciplinary and nondisciplinary processes; [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] H. The legal process of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies; [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] I. That the institution of higher education's disciplinary process is not to be considered a substitute for the criminal justice process; and [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] J. Any limits on the ability of the confidential resource advisor to keep private or confidential the information of the student. [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).]

6. Direct assistance. If requested by the reporting party, the confidential resource advisor, using only the student or employee's identifying information, shall coordinate with the campus resources to arrange possible school-provided supportive measures, including those available through any memoranda of understanding with sexual assault support centers and domestic violence resource centers, and including but not limited to: A. Changes in academic status, dining, housing, transportation or campus employment; [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] B. Access to counseling and other mental health services; [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] C. Excused absences, academic counseling and tutoring; [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] D. Academic course work accommodations; and [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] E. Financial resources that are under the control of the institution, including if a student has to withdraw from a class or the institution entirely, such as tuition credit, opportunities to withdraw or reenroll in a course without academic or financial penalty and continued eligibility for scholarships and honors. [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] Supportive measures may also be obtained, when appropriate, through disability services and the Title IX coordinator at the institution of higher education. [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).]

7. Additional actions. A confidential resource advisor, regarding an alleged incident of sexual violence, intimate partner violence or stalking reported to the advisor: A. Shall notify all campus resources that are involved in providing or enforcing supportive measures or accommodations of their duties; [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] B. May, if appropriate and directed by a student, assist the student in contacting or reporting to campus or local law enforcement agencies; [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] C. Shall notify a student of the student's rights and the institution's responsibility regarding a protection order, no-contact order or any other lawful order issued by the institution or by a criminal, civil or tribal court; [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] D. May not be required to report the incident to the institution or a law enforcement agency unless otherwise required to do so by state or federal law and shall provide confidential services to students or employees; [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] E. May attend an administrative adjudication proceeding or the institution's disciplinary proceeding as an advisor or support person of a student's or employee's choice; [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] F. May disclose confidential information with the prior written consent of the reporting party or if required by state or federal law; [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] G. May not provide services to both the reporting party and the responding party to the incident of sexual violence, intimate partner violence or stalking; and [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] H. May not act as a counselor or therapist unless the confidential resource advisor is a licensed counselor in this State and the student engages the confidential resource advisor in that capacity. [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).]

8. Notice. A report to a confidential resource advisor of an alleged incident of sexual violence, intimate partner violence or stalking or a confidential resource advisor's performance of a service under this section may not be considered actual or constructive notice of such an alleged incident to the institution of higher education at which the confidential resource advisor is employed or provides contracted services. [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).]

9. Retaliation. If a conflict of interest arises for an institution in which a confidential resource advisor is advocating for a reporting party's need for sexual assault support services or campus or local law enforcement agency services, the institution may not discipline, penalize or otherwise retaliate against the confidential resource advisor for representing the interest of the reporting party. [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).]

10. Privileged communications. Communications between a reporting party and a confidential resource advisor are privileged from disclosure as follows. A. A reporting party may refuse to disclose and may deny permission to a confidential resource advisor to disclose confidential written or oral communications between the reporting party and the confidential resource advisor and any written records, notes, memoranda or reports concerning the reporting party. [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] B. Except as provided in paragraph C , a confidential resource advisor may not be required through oral or written testimony or through production of documents to disclose to a court in criminal or civil proceedings or to any agency or person any privileged communications between the reporting party and the confidential resource advisor. [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] C. Privileged communications may be disclosed in the following circumstances: (1) When disclosure is required under Title 22, chapter 958‑A or 1071 and that disclosure is in accordance with provisions of either chapter; (2) When a court in the exercise of its discretion determines the disclosure of the information necessary to proper administration of justice, an inspection of records may be held in camera by the judge to determine whether those records contain relevant information. This proceeding does not entitle an opposing party to examine the records unless those records are made available by the court; or (3) When a reporting party dies or is incapable of giving consent and disclosure is required for an official law enforcement agency investigation or criminal proceeding regarding the cause of the victim's death or incapacitation. [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).]

11. Confidential criminal history record information. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, a criminal justice agency, whether directly or through any intermediary, may disseminate confidential criminal history record information to a confidential resource advisor for the purpose of planning for the safety of the party the confidential resource advisor is advising. A confidential resource advisor who receives confidential criminal history record information pursuant to this subsection shall use it solely for the purpose authorized by this subsection and may not further disseminate the information. [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).]

12. Cross-examination. Nothing in this section may be construed to limit either party's right of cross-examination of the confidential resource advisor in a civil or criminal proceeding if the confidential resource advisor testifies after written consent has been given or in accordance with subsection 10 . [PL 2021, c. 733, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 7402 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 304 / Section 7402
20-A §7402. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 1995, c. 676, §5 (NEW); PL 1995, c. 676, §13 (AFF).]

1. Center. "Center" means the Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the Governor Baxter School for the Deaf established under section 7401 that is responsible for operating the Mackworth Island preschool, early intervention services and statewide education and family services. [PL 2021, c. 646, §2 (AMD).]

2. Center board or board. "Center board" or "board" means the Board of the Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the Governor Baxter School for the Deaf. [PL 2021, c. 646, §2 (AMD).]

2-A. Early intervention and family services program. "Early intervention and family services program" means a program that assists in providing early intervention services to children from birth to under 3 years of age who are deaf or hard of hearing within the State in accordance with a memorandum of understanding with the department and in collaboration with the State's intermediate educational unit. [PL 2021, c. 646, §2 (NEW).]

3. Sending school. "Sending school" means any school administrative unit that has a student in attendance at the Mackworth Island preschool or a site-based program. [PL 2021, c. 646, §2 (AMD).]

4. Executive director. "Executive director" means the Executive Director of the Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the Governor Baxter School for the Deaf. [PL 2011, c. 683, §1 (AMD).]

5. Center school. [PL 2021, c. 646, §2 (RP).]

5-A. 504 plan. "504 plan" means a program developed pursuant to Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Public Law 93-112. [PL 2021, c. 646, §2 (NEW).]

5-B. Host school. "Host school" means the school administrative unit at which a site-based program is located. [PL 2021, c. 646, §2 (NEW).]

5-C. Room and board. "Room and board" means food and residence provided to a student. [PL 2021, c. 646, §2 (NEW).]

6. Satellite school. [PL 2021, c. 646, §2 (RP).]

6-A. Site-based program. "Site-based program" means an inclusive deaf education classroom or classrooms embedded in a general education setting, operating through a memorandum of understanding between the center and a host school. [PL 2021, c. 646, §2 (NEW).]

7. Statewide education and family services. "Statewide education and family services" means educational outreach services, resources and information that are provided by staff employed through the center to children who are deaf or hard of hearing, from 3 through 22 years of age, their families and schools throughout the State, including students at site-based programs. These services may include, but are not limited to, specially designed instruction, consultation, evaluation, speech therapy, social-emotional programming, site-based programs and involvement with a 504 plan or an individualized education program plan, family programming and interpreting referral services. [PL 2021, c. 646, §2 (AMD).]

8. Statewide resource center. [PL 2021, c. 646, §2 (RP).]

9. Mackworth Island preschool. "Mackworth Island preschool" means the preschool program located at Mackworth Island and operated by the Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the Governor Baxter School for the Deaf. [PL 2021, c. 646, §2 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11494 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 417-F / Section 11494
20-A §11494. Records confidential
Status: in_force

1. Confidential information. Records containing any information acquired by the authority or a member, employee or agent of the authority from borrowers whose loans are financed by the authority are confidential for purposes of Title 1, section 402, subsection 3, paragraph A . [PL 2003, c. 455, §2 (NEW).]

2. Wrongful disclosure prohibited. A member, employee, agent, other representative of the authority or other person may not knowingly divulge or disclose records declared confidential by this section, except that the authority may, in its discretion, make or authorize any disclosure of information of the following types: A. Impersonal, statistical or general information; [PL 2003, c. 455, §2 (NEW).] B. Information to an eligible lender or credit reporting service; [PL 2003, c. 455, §2 (NEW).] C. Information necessary to comply with the federal Higher Education Act of 1965, Public Law 89-329, 79 Stat. 1219, Title IV, as amended, or the federal Health Professions Educational Assistance Act of 1976, Public Law 94-484, 90 Stat. 2243, as amended, in each case along with any successor provision, or any administrative requirement under either of those Acts or of any other federal or state law or rule or with any agreement pertaining to financial assistance; [PL 2003, c. 455, §2 (NEW).] D. Information, the disclosure of which the authority determines is necessary or convenient to the sale or transfer of its bonds or loans; [PL 2003, c. 455, §2 (NEW).] E. Information necessary to ensure collection of any obligation in which the authority has or may have an interest; [PL 2003, c. 455, §2 (NEW).] F. In any litigation or proceeding in which the authority has appeared, any information obtained from records declared confidential by this section; and [PL 2003, c. 455, §2 (NEW).] G. Information required pursuant to a subpoena, request for production of documents, warrant or other order by competent authority, provided that any such order appears to have first been served on the person to whom confidential information sought pertains or belongs and provided that any such order appears on its face or otherwise to have been issued or made upon lawful authority. [PL 2003, c. 455, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2003, c. 455, §2 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10957 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 412 / Section 10957
20-A §10957. Trust funds
Status: in_force

All money received pursuant to the authority of this chapter shall be deemed to be trust funds, to be held and applied solely as provided in this chapter and in the resolution of the trustees authorizing the financing transaction. Any officer to whom, or any bank, trust company or other fiscal agent or trustee to which that money shall be paid shall act as trustee of that money and shall hold and apply the money for that purpose, subject to such regulations as this chapter and the resolution or trust agreement may provide. [PL 1987, c. 735, §14 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12729 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 431-A / Section 12729
20-A §12729. Report
Status: in_force

The President of the Maine Community College System shall provide to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over economic development matters an annual report that must include the following for each business assisted under this chapter: the name and location of the business; the number of employees trained or retrained; the dollar amount expended; and, where applicable, the number of new jobs created. [PL 1993, c. 707, Pt. CC, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §4 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 5053-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 211 / Section 5053-A
20-A §5053-A. Enforcement
Status: in_force

1. Civil violation. If a parent has control of a student who is truant under section 5051‑A, subsection 1 and that parent is primarily responsible for that truancy, that parent commits a civil violation for which a fine of not more than $250 may be adjudged, all or part of which may be suspended upon the parent's compliance with a court order under subsection 2 . [PL 2011, c. 614, §15 (AMD).]

2. Dispositions. The court may also order a parent adjudicated as violating subsection 1 to take specific action to ensure the child's attendance at school; comply with the intervention plan developed in accordance with section 5051‑A, subsection 2, paragraph A‑2 ; participate in a parent-training class; attend school with the child; perform community service hours at the school; or participate in counseling or other services as appropriate. [PL 2011, c. 614, §16 (AMD).]

3. Notice required. Notice must be provided to the parent pursuant to section 5051‑A, subsection 2, paragraph C before a prosecution for violating subsection 1 may be brought against the parent. [PL 2003, c. 533, §5 (NEW).]

4. Prima facie proof. Evidence that shows that the parent received the notice under section 5051‑A, subsection 2 and that the child has accumulated 10 cumulative full days of absences or 5 consecutive school days of absences that are not justified under the established attendance policies of the school administrative unit is prima facie proof that the parent is primarily responsible for the child's truancy or the parent failed to take corrective measures for the child's truancy. [PL 2011, c. 614, §17 (AMD).]

5. Defense. It is a defense to a prosecution under subsection 1 that the parent has exercised reasonable diligence in attempting to cause a child in the parent's custody to attend school or that the administrators of the child's school did not perform their duties as required by law. [PL 2003, c. 533, §5 (NEW).]

6. Process. Service of a summons on the parent pursuant to subsection 1 must be in accordance with the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure. [PL 2003, c. 533, §5 (NEW).]

7. Jurisdiction. The District Court has jurisdiction over violations under subsection 1 . [PL 2003, c. 533, §5 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 13402 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 6 / Chapter 505 / Section 13402
20-A §13402. Minimum salaries
Status: in_force

1. Minimum salary schedule. [PL 1985, c. 505, §2 (RP).]

2. Increase. [PL 2005, c. 635, §3 (RP).]

3. Substitute teachers. Substitute teachers must be compensated at the rate of not less than $30 for each day of service. Any substitute teacher under contract with the Maine Educational Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the Governor Baxter School for the Deaf is deemed for the purposes of civil liability to be an employee of a governmental entity under the Maine Tort Claims Act. [PL 2005, c. 279, §12 (AMD).]

4. Annuity contract premiums. Money paid by a school administrative unit as a premium for an annuity contract for the benefit of an employee shall, for purposes of minimum salaries for teachers, be considered part of that employee's salary. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

5. Reimbursement for additional professional training. When a certified teacher completes, within any 2-year period, 6 credit hours of additional professional work approved by the superintendent, the school administrative unit shall pay that teacher not less than $100. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

6. Permits or special licenses. If the employment of teachers under permit or other special license is authorized by the commissioner, the commissioner may prescribe minimum salaries and other rules for this class of teachers. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 13022 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 6 / Chapter 502 / Section 13022
20-A §13022. School psychologists
Status: in_force

1. Definitions. For purposes of this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "School psychologist" means a professional certified by the department as a school psychologist who provides school psychological services consistent with the national standards articulated in current federal and state education regulations and rules and under the domains of practice in the current Model for Comprehensive and Integrated School Psychological Services developed and published by the National Association of School Psychologists. "School psychologist" includes a school psychologist - doctoral and a school psychologist - specialist. [PL 2021, c. 228, §6 (AMD).] B. "School psychologist - doctoral" means a professional who meets the qualifications established in subsection 3 and holds a doctoral degree in psychology or a related field as determined by the advisory committee established in subsection 7 . [PL 2011, c. 386, §2 (NEW).] C. "School psychologist - specialist" means a professional who meets the qualifications established in subsection 3 and holds a master's degree or specialist-level degree. [PL 2011, c. 386, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 228, §6 (AMD).]

1-A. Scope of services. A school psychologist delivers services to children from birth to grade 12 who are eligible to be enrolled in educational and intermediate educational units, special education programs and approved private schools. The services delivered are the services articulated under the domains of practice in the current Model for Comprehensive and Integrated School Psychological Services developed and published by the National Association of School Psychologists. [PL 2011, c. 386, §2 (NEW).]

2. Certification by commissioner. The commissioner shall certify school psychologists pursuant to rules adopted by the state board. The rules must include practice standards for certified school psychologists that follow national standards set forth by the National Association of School Psychologists or a successor organization and ethics standards set forth by the National Association of School Psychologists or a successor organization and the American Psychological Association or a successor organization, violation of which constitutes grounds for suspension or revocation of the certification. [PL 2011, c. 386, §2 (AMD).]

3. Qualifications. State board rules governing the qualifications for a school psychologist certificate must require that a certificate be issued only to an applicant who has met the academic and preprofessional requirements established by the state board for the provision of school psychological services and who, at a minimum: A. Holds a graduate degree from an accredited program in school psychology that was approved by the National Association of School Psychologists, the American Psychological Association in School Psychology or the department at the time the degree was awarded; [PL 2021, c. 228, §7 (AMD).] B. Has completed graduate work that is determined by the commissioner to be substantially similar to the programs referred to in paragraph A ; or [PL 1993, c. 207, §3 (NEW).] C. Holds a valid license from the State Board of Examiners of Psychologists with demonstrated competency in the area of school psychology through training and experience. [PL 2021, c. 228, §7 (AMD).] [PL 2021, c. 228, §7 (AMD).]

4. Term of issuance. The commissioner shall issue a school psychologist certificate for a term of years consistent with rules adopted by the state board. The school psychologist certificate may be renewed in accordance with academic and professional requirements established by the state board. A certificate holder must be supervised for the first year following initial certification at no additional cost to the school administrative unit or the department. Supervision of the first-year school psychologist must be in accordance with supervision standards established by the National Association of School Psychologists or a successor organization and provided by a person who is certified as a school psychologist. A. [PL 2021, c. 228, §8 (RP).] B. [PL 2021, c. 228, §8 (RP).] [PL 2021, c. 228, §8 (AMD).]

5. Exclusive regulatory authority. The provisions of Title 32, chapter 56 do not apply to persons certified as school psychologists under this section except to the extent that the persons are also licensed or seek licensure under that chapter, engage in the practice of psychology beyond the scope of this section or hold themselves out as psychologists or psychological examiners. [PL 2011, c. 386, §2 (AMD).]

6. Designation. Persons certified under this section may hold themselves out as school psychologists but must include the word "school" in the designation, or as nationally certified school psychologists if they hold the credentials as designated by the National Association of School Psychologists or a successor organization. Persons certified under this section may not hold themselves out as psychologists, psychological examiners or any business name incorporating variations of those titles other than school psychologists or nationally certified school psychologists unless they are appropriately licensed under Title 32, chapter 56 . [PL 2011, c. 386, §2 (AMD).]

7. Advisory committee. There is established within the department, in accordance with Title 5, section 12004‑I , the Advisory Committee on School Psychologists, referred to in this subsection as "the committee." A. The duties of the committee are: (1) To advise the state board in the adoption of rules and a code of ethics and practice standards for school psychologists; and (2) To assist the commissioner in: (i) Certifying school psychologists; (ii) Investigating alleged violations of the code of ethics and practice standards adopted by the state board; and (iii) Investigating alleged violations of section 13020 and certification rules governing school psychologists. [PL 2011, c. 386, §2 (AMD).] B. The committee consists of 9 members appointed by the commissioner. The membership consists of 2 certified school psychologists, 2 licensed psychologists, one faculty member from a graduate program in school psychology, one educator from a public school or approved private school and 3 parents or guardians of students. [PL 2011, c. 386, §2 (AMD).] C. Three members of the committee must be initially appointed for a term of one year, 3 for a term of 2 years and 3 for a term of 3 years. All appointments must be for a term of 3 years thereafter. Any member may serve beyond the expiration date of that member's term until a successor has been appointed and qualified. Any vacancy on the committee must be filled for the unexpired portion of the term. The committee shall elect its own chair. [PL 1993, c. 207, §3 (NEW).] D. Members of the committee are entitled to receive compensation according to the provisions of Title 5, chapter 379 . [PL 1993, c. 207, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2011, c. 386, §2 (AMD).]

8. Transition. Persons certified as school psychological service providers and school psychological examiners on or after October 13, 1993 may continue to provide the services authorized by their respective certificates until the scheduled expiration of those certificates. [PL 2021, c. 228, §9 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11810 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 421 / Section 11810
20-A §11810. Rules
Status: in_force

The authority shall establish all rules necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter, except that the Commissioner of Health and Human Services shall develop rules for determining underserved areas for the practice of allopathic medicine, dentistry and optometry and the Commissioner of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources shall develop rules for the determination of underserved areas for the practice of veterinary medicine. The rules authorized by this section are adopted in accordance with the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II . [PL 1991, c. 612, §8 (RPR); PL 2003, c. 689, Pt. B, §7 (REV).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3656 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3656
20-A §3656. Employment
Status: in_force

Each employee of an interstate district assigned to a school located in New Hampshire shall be considered an employee of a New Hampshire school district for the purpose of the New Hampshire teachers retirement system, the New Hampshire state employees retirement system, the New Hampshire workers' compensation law and any other law relating to the regulation of employment or the provision of benefits for employees of New Hampshire school districts except as follows: [PL 1987, c. 769, Pt. A, §59 (AMD).]

1. Teachers in New Hampshire member district. A teacher in a New Hampshire member district may elect to remain a member of the New Hampshire teachers retirement system, even though assigned to teach in an interstate school in Maine. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Professional or instructional staff members. Employees of interstate districts designated as professional or instructional staff members, as defined in article I , may elect to participate in the teachers retirement system of either the State of New Hampshire or the State of Maine but in no case will they participate in both retirement systems simultaneously. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).]

3. Duties of superintendent. It shall be the duty of the superintendent in an interstate district to: A. Advise teachers and other professional staff employees contracted for the district about the terms of the contract and the policies and procedures of the retirement systems; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] B. See that each teacher or professional staff employee selects the retirement system of that teacher's or employee's choice at the time that teacher's or employee's contract is signed; [RR 2019, c. 2, Pt. B, §13 (COR).] C. Provide the commissioners of education in New Hampshire and in Maine with the names and other pertinent information regarding each staff member under that commissioner's jurisdiction so that each may be enrolled in the retirement system of that staff member's preference. [RR 2019, c. 2, Pt. B, §14 (COR).] [RR 2019, c. 2, Pt. B, §§13, 14 (COR).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1502 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 103-A / Section 1502
20-A §1502. Method of calling a regional school unit referendum
Status: in_force

A regional school unit referendum must be initiated by a warrant prepared and signed by a majority of the regional school unit board directors. The warrant must be countersigned by the municipal officers in the municipality where the warrants are posted. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]

1. Municipal officers. The warrant must direct the municipal officers within the regional school unit to call a referendum on a date and time determined by the regional school unit board. A warrant must be prepared and distributed at least 30 days prior to the date of the referendum, except that a warrant for a regional school unit budget referendum held in accordance with this chapter must be prepared and distributed at least 14 days prior to the date of the referendum. A. The warrant must be directed to a resident of the regional school unit by name, ordering the resident to notify the municipal officers of each of the municipalities within the regional school unit to call a town meeting or city election on the date specified by the regional school unit board. No other date may be used. The person who serves the warrant shall make a return on the warrant stating the manner of services and the time when it was given. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] B. The warrant must be served on the municipal clerk of each of the municipalities within the regional school unit by delivery of an attested copy of the warrant in hand within 3 days of the date of the warrant. The municipal clerk, on receipt of the warrant, shall immediately notify the municipal officers within the municipality. The municipal officers shall forthwith meet, countersign and have the warrant posted. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] C. The warrants and other notices for the referendum must be in the same manner as provided in Title 21-A , except that the regional school unit board shall hold a public hearing at least 7 days before the referendum vote. At least 7 days before the public hearing, the regional school unit board shall give notice of the public hearing by having a copy of the proposed referendum, together with the time and place of hearing, posted in the same manner required for posting a warrant under this section. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]

2. Content of the warrant. The warrant must set forth the articles to be acted on in each municipal referendum. The articles must have the following form. A. On or after July 1, 2008, when a referendum is called for the purpose of authorizing the issuance of bonds or notes for capital outlay purposes, the articles must be substantially as set out in this paragraph. (1) "Do you favor authorizing the board of directors of (name of regional school unit) to issue bonds or notes in the name of this regional school unit for school construction purposes in an amount not to exceed $.......... to construct a ....................................................... (elementary or secondary school) to be located at......................... (specifically defined lot where school is to be erected)? Yes No" (2) "Do you favor authorizing the board of directors of (name of regional school unit) to issue bonds or notes in the name of this regional school unit for school construction or minor capital projects in an amount not to exceed $.......... for the purpose of ..................................................... (purpose of school construction project)? Yes No" (3) "Do you favor authorizing the board of directors of (name of regional school unit) to use the bond issue or notes in an amount not to exceed $........., which was voted by the regional school unit on ................... (date), to construct a ........................... (elementary or secondary school) to be located at ............................................................................... (specifically defined lot where school is to be located)? Yes No" (4) "Do you favor authorizing the board of directors of (name of regional school unit) to construct a .......................................................... (elementary or secondary school) to be located at ................................................................... (specifically defined lot where school is to be located) with the total project cost not to exceed $......... and to issue bonds or notes in the name of this regional school unit for school construction purposes in an amount not to exceed $......... with the balance of the total project costs to be derived from ..................................................................... (description of other sources of funds such as initial state share when approved for current fiscal year funding, proceeds from insured losses, money from federal sources, other noneducational funds, etc.) Yes No" [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] B. When a regional school unit votes to change the site of its school construction project using the article in paragraph A , subparagraph (3), the date of authorization of the project is the original date the voters authorized the regional school unit board to issue bonds or notes for that project. [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] C. On or after July 1, 2008, when a referendum is called for the purpose of authorizing the regional school unit board to contract for the schooling of secondary pupils, the article must be as set out in this paragraph. (1) "Do you favor authorizing the board of directors of (name of regional school unit) to contract in the name of this regional school unit with (name of regional school unit or private school) for the schooling of secondary pupils for a term of .................... years? Yes No" [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] D. On or after July 1, 2008, when a referendum is called for the purpose of accepting or rejecting a prospective gift, the article must be as set out in this paragraph. (1) "Do you favor authorizing the board of directors of (name of regional school unit) to accept a prospective gift under the following conditions? ..................................(terms and conditions). Yes No" [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).] [PL 2007, c. 240, Pt. XXXX, §13 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8702 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 316 / Section 8702
20-A §8702. Curriculum
Status: in_force

A driver education course offered in accordance with section 8701 must meet the curriculum requirements prescribed by the Secretary of State, include both classroom instruction and practice driving and be approved by the Secretary of State. Any state subsidy, state reimbursement for expenditures on adult education programs or state reimbursement for adult career and technical education programs may not be paid with respect to any driver education course that has not been approved by the Secretary of State. [PL 1995, c. 505, §5 (RPR); PL 1995, c. 505, §22 (AFF); PL 2003, c. 545, §4 (REV).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12974 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 443 / Section 12974
20-A §12974. University participation in intercollegiate athletics
Status: in_force

An athletic association, conference or other group or organization with authority over intercollegiate athletics may not prevent in this State a college or university from participating in intercollegiate athletics as a result of the compensation of a student athlete for the use of the student's athlete's name, image or likeness. [PL 2021, c. 544, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8901 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 318 / Section 8901
20-A §8901. After-school Program Fund; standards; approval
Status: in_force

The After-school Program Fund, referred to in this chapter as "the program fund," is established to encourage the facilitation of high-quality after-school programs in school administrative units throughout the State. The commissioner shall administer the program fund within the department. Standards and approval for the allocation and use of program fund money are as follows. [PL 2005, c. 657, §1 (NEW).]

1. Standards. The commissioner shall establish standards consistent with the basic school approval requirements for after-school programs offered at elementary or secondary schools in the State. In establishing standards for after-school programs, the commissioner may also consider the requirements of the 21st Century Communities Learning Centers program authorized under Title IV, Part B of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended by the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, 20 United States Code, Chapter 70. [PL 2005, c. 657, §1 (NEW).]

2. Approval. An after-school program may be offered by a school administrative unit with the approval of the commissioner. The commissioner may inspect an after-school program, after which the commissioner shall approve and grant a certificate to a school that maintains approval standards. The expense of inspection must be paid by the department. [PL 2005, c. 657, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 2401 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 112 / Section 2401
20-A §2401. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 2011, c. 414, §5 (NEW).]

1. At-risk pupil. "At-risk pupil" means a pupil who has an economic or academic disadvantage that requires special services and assistance to enable the student to succeed in educational programs. "At-risk pupil" includes, but is not limited to, pupils who are members of economically disadvantaged families, pupils who are identified as having special educational needs, pupils who are limited in English proficiency, pupils who are at risk of dropping out of high school and pupils who do not meet minimum standards of academic proficiency. [PL 2011, c. 414, §5 (NEW).]

2. Authorizer. "Authorizer" means an entity empowered under this chapter to review applications, decide whether to approve or reject applications, enter into charter contracts with applicants, oversee and monitor public charter schools and decide whether to renew, not renew or revoke charter contracts. [PL 2011, c. 414, §5 (NEW).]

2-A. Catchment area. "Catchment area" means the geographic area from which a public charter school expects to draw the majority of its students, which may not be smaller than the combined enrollment areas of the 2 closest noncharter public schools serving students of the same grade levels as the applicant is proposing to serve, or the geographic area within a radius of 20 miles extending from the public charter school, whichever is smaller. [PL 2011, c. 570, §2 (NEW).]

3. Charter contract. "Charter contract" means a performance-based contract for a fixed term between a public charter school and an authorizer that describes performance expectations, defines operational responsibilities and outlines the autonomy and accountability for each party to the contract. [PL 2011, c. 414, §5 (NEW).]

4. Conversion public charter school. "Conversion public charter school" means a public charter school that existed as a noncharter public school before becoming a public charter school. [PL 2011, c. 414, §5 (NEW).]

5. Education service provider. "Education service provider" means an education management organization, charter management organization, school design provider or any other partner entity with whom a public charter school intends to contract for a limited scope of education services and resources, including education design, implementation or management. [PL 2011, c. 414, §5 (NEW).]

6. Governing board. "Governing board" means the independent board of a public charter school that is party to the charter contract with the authorizer and whose members have been elected or selected pursuant to the school's application. [PL 2011, c. 414, §5 (NEW).]

7. Local school board. "Local school board" means a school board exercising management and control of a school administrative unit other than a public charter school formed under this chapter. [PL 2011, c. 414, §5 (NEW).]

8. Noncharter public school. "Noncharter public school" means a public school other than a school formed pursuant to this chapter. [PL 2011, c. 414, §5 (NEW).]

9. Public charter school. "Public charter school" means a public school formed pursuant to this chapter that: A. Has autonomy over key decisions, including, but not limited to, decisions concerning finance, personnel, scheduling, curriculum and instruction; [PL 2011, c. 414, §5 (NEW).] B. Is governed by a board that is independent of a school administrative unit; [PL 2011, c. 414, §5 (NEW).] C. Is established and operated under the terms of a charter contract between the governing board and its authorizer in accordance with this chapter; [PL 2011, c. 414, §5 (NEW).] D. Is a school to which parents choose to send their children; [PL 2011, c. 414, §5 (NEW).] E. Provides a program of education that: (1) Includes one or more of the following: preschool, prekindergarten and any grade or grades from kindergarten to grade 12; (2) May include a focus on students with special needs, such as at-risk pupils, English language learners or students involved with the juvenile justice system; (3) May include a specific academic approach or theme, such as: (a) Vocational and technical training; (b) Natural resources and the environment; (c) Farming, fishing and forestry; (d) Foreign language and culture; (e) Visual and performing arts; (f) Science, mathematics and technology; and (g) Project-based learning, experiential learning or online instruction; [PL 2011, c. 414, §5 (NEW).] F. Operates in pursuit of a specific set of educational objectives as defined in its charter contract; and [PL 2011, c. 414, §5 (NEW).] G. Operates under the oversight of the authorizer from which its charter contract is granted and in accordance with its charter contract. [PL 2011, c. 414, §5 (NEW).] [PL 2011, c. 414, §5 (NEW).]

10. Start-up public charter school. "Start-up public charter school" means a public charter school that did not exist as a noncharter public school prior to becoming a public charter school. [PL 2011, c. 414, §5 (NEW).]

11. Virtual public charter school. "Virtual public charter school" means a public charter school that offers education services predominantly through an online program. [PL 2011, c. 414, §5 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6991 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 231 / Section 6991
20-A §6991. Definitions
Status: in_force

In this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 2021, c. 248, §3 (NEW).]

1. Military-connected student. "Military-connected student" means a student who is a dependent of: A. A current or former 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 Maine National Guard; or (3) A reserve force of the United States military; or [PL 2021, c. 248, §3 (NEW).] B. A member of a military or reserve force described in paragraph A who was killed in the line of duty. [PL 2021, c. 248, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 248, §3 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 13006-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 6 / Chapter 501 / Section 13006-A
20-A §13006-A. Rulemaking
Status: in_force

1. State board authority. Except as otherwise provided, the state board has authority to adopt rules to implement this chapter, chapter 502 and chapter 502‑A . Rules adopted by the state board to implement this chapter and chapter 502 are major substantive rules, as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A , except that the following rules are routine technical rules: A. Rules adopted by the state board to implement section 13032 ; and [PL 2017, c. 235, §5 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).] B. Rules adopted by the state board to implement section 13011, subsection 8 . [PL 2017, c. 235, §5 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).] [PL 2017, c. 235, §5 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).]

2. Commissioner authority. Notwithstanding subsection 1 , the commissioner has authority to adopt rules: A. To determine the qualifications and process for issuing clearance credentials under chapter 502 . These rules are routine technical rules, as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A ; and [PL 2017, c. 235, §5 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).] B. Governing the collection and handling of records and information regarding the experiences, qualifications and character of persons seeking credentials under this chapter and chapter 502 . These rules are major substantive rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2017, c. 235, §5 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).] [PL 2017, c. 235, §5 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 235, §41 (AFF).]

3. Application of rules revising credential qualifications or endorsements. An amendment to the rules adopted to implement this chapter or chapter 502 that revises the qualifications for a credential or the grades or subject area endorsements for a professional teacher certificate does not apply to the following: A. A person who held an active credential or endorsement during the school year preceding the adoption of revisions to the rules; [PL 2019, c. 584, §1 (NEW).] B. A person who held an active conditional certificate during the school year preceding the adoption of revisions to the rules; [PL 2019, c. 584, §1 (NEW).] C. A program completer who qualified for a recommendation for certification as a teacher during the school year preceding the adoption of revisions to the rules; [PL 2019, c. 584, §1 (NEW).] D. A person enrolled in an educator preparation program during the school year preceding the adoption of revisions to the rules; or [PL 2019, c. 584, §1 (NEW).] E. A person who began the application process for professional teacher certification with the department during the school year preceding the adoption of revisions to the rules. [PL 2019, c. 584, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 584, §1 (RPR).]
20-A M.R.S. § 2953 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 117 / Section 2953
20-A §2953. Audit
Status: in_force

1. Annual audit. [PL 2011, c. 171, §6 (RP).]

2. Special audit. Audits by the State Auditor may be requested by 3 or more duly elected and qualified officers of the private school. This audit must be conducted at the expense of the requesting school except when the audit is determined necessary by the commissioner. [PL 2005, c. 153, §4 (AMD).]

3. Annual audit required. A private school approved for tuition purposes that enrolls 60% or more publicly funded students shall, within 6 months after the end of the school's audit period, submit to the State Auditor and the commissioner satisfactory proof that the books, accounts, financial documents and reports of the school for the preceding fiscal year have been examined and found to be in a satisfactory and accurate condition with proper vouchers on file. The audit required under this subsection must be conducted by the Office of the State Auditor, a public accountant licensed to practice in the State or an individual or firm the department has determined is a competent auditor by training and experience. The department shall adopt routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A to implement this subsection. [PL 2023, c. 112, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10706-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 409 / Section 10706-A
20-A §10706-A. For-profit college and university review
Status: in_force

1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Adequate educational standards" means educational offerings and spending priorities that the state board finds meet the metrics established under subsection 3 . [PL 2019, c. 157, §1 (NEW).] B. "Employed" means a person has obtained permanent employment and: (1) The position is paid. If the position is an entry‑level position, the salary must be at least 80% of the entry‑level salary for the position as listed by the Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Standards in its most recent report on industry employment and wages; (2) The position requires at least 32 hours of work per week; (3) The person has worked in the position for at least 30 days; and (4) The position is not affiliated with a for‑profit college or university from which the person graduated, its parent company or a subsidiary or affiliate of its parent company. [PL 2019, c. 157, §1 (NEW).] C. "Employment in the field of study" means employment in a job: (1) That is included on a list of job titles for which a graduate of a program of study is qualified, as published by the for‑profit college or university, and in the most recent national relational database as a job related to that program of study. If the job title is not in the national relational database, the job may be considered as employment in the field of study if the employer's description of the job matches the job description, tasks and work activities for a job that is included in the most recent national relational database as related to the program of study; or (2) That requires the graduate to use the core skills listed in the school's published program of study taken by the graduate and the employer's written job description provides that the job requires education beyond a high school diploma, that applicants with a postsecondary credential are preferred or that the position is a supervisory or managerial position. [PL 2019, c. 157, §1 (NEW).] D. "For‑profit college or university" means a postsecondary institution that: (1) Is regulated by the department; (2) Is eligible to participate in federal student aid programs; and (3) Is operated by a private, for‑profit business. [PL 2019, c. 157, §1 (NEW).] E. "National relational database" means the relational database developed by the United States Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics and the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics relating the United States Department of Education classification of instructional program code identified for a particular program of study to a standard occupational classification. [PL 2019, c. 157, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 157, §1 (NEW).]

2. Reporting. A for‑profit college or university shall report annually by July 1st to the commissioner the following information in accordance with rules established by the commissioner that ensure the information is provided in a manner that allows evaluation in accordance with the metrics established under subsection 3 : A. The amount of funds, disaggregated by campus, spent on each of the following as compared with total spending by the for‑profit college or university: (1) Educational instruction; (2) Advertising; and (3) Executive salaries; [PL 2019, c. 157, §1 (NEW).] B. The percentage of those who graduated in the previous calendar year, disaggregated by campus and program, who have employment in the field of study; [PL 2019, c. 157, §1 (NEW).] C. The percentage of those who graduated in the previous calendar year, disaggregated by campus and program, who are employed; [PL 2019, c. 157, §1 (NEW).] D. As reported to the United States Department of Education, the percentage of graduates who graduated in the previous 3 calendar years who received federal student loans and: (1) The percentage of those who received such loans who have defaulted; and (2) The percentage of those who received such loans whose loan balances declined in the 3 years after repayment first became due, excluding those graduates for whom repayment was deferred as a result of military service; and [PL 2019, c. 157, §1 (NEW).] E. The design and implementation of student support services, including the process by which student complaints are handled in a timely and effective manner and information on the number and nature of complaints received and the responses to those complaints. [PL 2019, c. 157, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 157, §1 (NEW).]

3. Evaluation. The commissioner shall by rule establish metrics to determine adequate educational standards that must be met by for‑profit colleges and universities. The metrics must include at least the following annual evaluation criteria. A. The commissioner shall evaluate spending priorities by using information supplied pursuant to subsection 2, paragraph A . If the commissioner finds a for‑profit college or university spends less than 50% of its total spending on instruction or more than 15% of its total spending on advertising, the commissioner must find that the for‑profit college or university fails to meet adequate educational standards. [PL 2019, c. 157, §1 (NEW).] B. The commissioner shall determine whether a for‑profit college or university has received necessary accreditations to allow graduates to meet professional licensing or other career standards related to the educational programs for which degrees or certificates are granted by the for‑profit college or university. If the commissioner finds a for‑profit college or university has not received these necessary accreditations, the commissioner must find that the for‑profit college or university fails to meet adequate educational standards. [PL 2019, c. 157, §1 (NEW).] C. The commissioner shall evaluate the design and implementation of student support services, including whether the complaint process by which student complaints are handled is transparent, includes an appropriate official to receive complaints and provides appropriate and timely responses to complaints. If the commissioner finds that a for‑profit college or university does not have adequate or appropriate student support services, the commissioner must find that the for‑profit college or university fails to meet adequate educational standards. [PL 2019, c. 157, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 157, §1 (NEW).]

4. Rules. The commissioner shall adopt rules necessary to implement this section. The rules must include definitions of "educational instruction," "advertising" and "executive salaries." Rules adopted under this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2019, c. 157, §1 (NEW).]

5. Termination of degree-granting authority. The commissioner, after completing the evaluation under subsection 3 , shall terminate the degree‑granting authority of a for‑profit college or university that the commissioner finds does not meet adequate educational standards. [PL 2019, c. 157, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10007 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 401 / Section 10007
20-A §10007. Limitation on receipt of gifts, grants or donations; trustee policy and review
Status: in_force

In furtherance of the provisions of section 10902, subsection 2, paragraph B , the Board of Trustees of the Maine Maritime Academy, the Board of Trustees of the University of Maine System and the Board of Trustees of the Maine Community College System shall each adopt a policy that ensures that each public system, its respective campus and any foundation related to each public system or its campus is prohibited from accepting funds from any source that would interfere with or otherwise restrict the academic freedoms typically accorded to the faculty of public higher educational institutions in teaching, research and expression of opinions. Policies adopted or amended by the trustees of each public system must include the establishment of a process for reviewing gifts, grants or donations of funds to ensure that the gifts, grants or donations of funds do not include restrictions that would interfere with or otherwise restrict the academic freedom of the faculty of each public system. This section may not be construed in such a way as to prohibit a donor from designating funds for a particular purpose or use, including, but not limited to, research, scholarships, construction or development. [PL 2001, c. 86, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §4 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3351 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 119 / Section 3351
20-A §3351. Unorganized Territory School Fund and Unorganized Territory School Contingency Fund
Status: in_force

1. Appropriation by the Legislature. The Legislature shall appropriate money to the Unorganized Territory School and Capital Working Funds. [PL 1985, c. 490, §14 (AMD).]

2. Expenditures by the commissioner. The commissioner may expend amounts necessary to carry out this chapter from the Unorganized Territory School and Capital Working Funds and for a purpose necessary for the schooling of children in the unorganized territory, including: A. Salaries, board and traveling expenses of teachers, supervisors and other employees; [PL 1985, c. 490, §14 (AMD).] B. Conferences, training programs and professional improvement of teachers and other employees; [PL 1985, c. 490, §14 (AMD).] C. Fuel and janitor service; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] D. Tuition, board and transportation of elementary and secondary school students; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] E. Text and reference books, school apparatus and supplies, leases or rentals of lots or school buildings; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] F. Minor repairs to school buildings or equipment; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] G. Services, expenses and fees of agents, attendance officers and clerical assistants; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] H. Office expenses and utility service; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] I. School medical and dental services; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] J. The erection, equipping, major repair, remodeling or alteration of schoolhouses and other requisite buildings; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] K. The purchase of lots or buildings for school purposes or faculty housing; [PL 1981, c. 693, §§5, 8 (NEW).] L. The purchase, equipment and repair of school buses; and [PL 1985, c. 490, §14 (AMD).] M. For any other necessary capital expenses for providing schools in the unorganized territory. [PL 1985, c. 603, §3 (AMD).] [PL 1985, c. 603, §3 (AMD).]

3. Balances. [PL 1985, c. 603, §4 (RP).]

3-A. Balance carried forward. The commissioner may carry forward any remaining unexpended balance in the accounts established for the purpose of the schooling of children in the unorganized territories from one fiscal year to the next fiscal year. [PL 1991, c. 528, Pt. I, §2 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 528, Pt. RRR (AFF); PL 1991, c. 591, Pt. I, §2 (NEW).]

4. Gifts and bequests. The Treasurer of State may accept gifts, bequests and other funds from public or private agencies, subject to any conditions approved by the commissioner, to be credited to the Unorganized Territory Education and Services Fund established by Title 36, chapter 115 . A gift, bequest or grant made for a particular designated project shall be credited to the Unorganized Territory Education and Services Fund. [PL 1985, c. 603, §5 (AMD).]

5. Short-term investments. [PL 1985, c. 603, §6 (RP).]
20-A M.R.S. § 9705 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 327 / Section 9705
20-A §9705. Renewal of program approval
Status: in_force

Each school unit operating an educational program for eligible students at drug treatment centers shall file an annual report, a proposed budget for the ensuing fiscal year and an application for renewal of program approval as prescribed by the commissioner. [PL 1987, c. 827, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 2301 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 111 / Section 2301
20-A §2301. Applicability of provisions to certain towns or cities
Status: in_force

Sections 2302 , 2303 and 2305 do not apply to municipalities whose charters specify the methods of selection, recall and term of office of a school committee, nor to municipalities who revise their charters or adopt new charters under the "home rule" provisions of Title 30‑A, chapter 111 , with specifications for method of selection, recall and term of office of a school committee, nor to municipalities authorized by private and special laws to otherwise choose a school committee. [PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §§51, 106 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 7207-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 303 / Section 7207-A
20-A §7207-A. Surrogate parents
Status: in_force

1. Rules. The commissioner shall adopt rules to determine when a surrogate parent is needed and the criteria for selection of a surrogate parent. [PL 1989, c. 857, §56 (NEW).]

2. Objection to appointments. When a child with a disability is a state ward and the Department of Health and Human Services has notified the school administrative unit and the Department of Education that the Department of Health and Human Services objects to the appointment of the foster parent as the surrogate parent, the foster parent may not be automatically appointed to serve as surrogate parent for the child with a disability. When a child with a disability is a state ward and the Department of Health and Human Services objects to the appointment of the foster parent as the surrogate parent, the Department of Health and Human Services shall recommend to the Department of Education an individual to serve as surrogate parent. [PL 2005, c. 662, Pt. A, §27 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12703 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 431 / Section 12703
20-A §12703. Mission and goals
Status: in_force

The basic mission of the Maine Community College System is to provide associate degree, diploma and certificate programs directed at the educational, career and technical needs of the State's citizens and the workforce needs of the State's employers. [PL 2011, c. 679, §23 (AMD).]

The primary goals of postsecondary career and technical education and the Maine Community College System are to create an educated, skilled and adaptable labor force that is responsive to the changing needs of the economy of the State and to promote local, regional and statewide economic development. [PL 2011, c. 679, §23 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11431 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 417-A / Section 11431
20-A §11431. Agreement of the State
Status: in_force

The State hereby pledges to and agrees with the holders of any bonds issued under this chapter and with those parties who may enter into any contract with the authority pursuant to this chapter that the State will not limit, alter, restrict or impair the rights vested in the authority and the participating institutions under this chapter until the bonds, together with interest, including interest on any unpaid installment of interest and all costs and expenses in connection with any actions or proceedings by or on behalf of the bondholders, are fully met and discharged and such contracts are fully performed on the part of the authority. Nothing in this chapter precludes that limitation or alteration if and when adequate provision is made by law for the protection of the holders of bonds of the authority issued under this chapter or those entering into contracts with the authority pursuant to this chapter. The authority is authorized to include this pledge and undertaking for the State in those bonds or contracts. [PL 2015, c. 170, §26 (AMD); PL 2015, c. 170, §30 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1464-A — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 103-A / Section 1464-A
20-A §1464-A. Collective bargaining in alternative organizational structures
Status: in_force

1. Assumption of obligations, duties, liabilities and rights. On and after the operational date of an alternative organizational structure, teachers and other employees whose positions are transferred from a school administrative unit or school union to the alternative organizational structure and were included in a bargaining unit represented by a bargaining agent continue to be included in the same bargaining unit and represented by the same bargaining agent pending completion of the bargaining agent and bargaining unit merger procedures and bargaining for initial alternative organizational structure collective bargaining agreements covering alternative organizational structure employees, as described in this section. After employees become employees of the alternative organizational structure, the alternative organizational structure has the obligations, duties, liabilities and rights of a public employer pursuant to Title 26, chapter 9‑A with respect to those employees. [PL 2009, c. 580, §8 (NEW).]

2. Structure of bargaining units. All bargaining units of alternative organizational structure employees must be structured on an alternative organizational structure-wide basis. Teachers and other school employees who are employed by the alternative organizational structure to provide consolidated services must be removed from the existing bargaining units of teachers and other employees who are employed by each member school unit and merged into units of alternative organizational structure employees. Merger into alternative organizational structure-wide bargaining units is not subject to approval or disapproval of employees. Formation of alternative organizational structure-wide bargaining units must occur in accordance with this subsection. A. In each alternative organizational structure, there must be one unit of teachers if any teachers are employed by the alternative organizational structure, and, to the extent they are on the effective date of this paragraph included in bargaining units, other certified professional employees, excluding principals and other administrators. [PL 2009, c. 580, §8 (NEW).] B. Any additional bargaining units in an alternative organizational structure must be structured as follows. (1) In the initial establishment of such units, units must be structured primarily on the basis of the existing pattern of organization, maintaining the grouping of employee classifications into bargaining units that existed prior to the creation of the alternative organizational structure and avoiding conflicts among different bargaining agents to the extent possible. (2) In the event of a dispute regarding the classifications to be included within an alternative organizational structure-wide bargaining unit, the current bargaining agent or agents or the alternative organizational structure may petition the Maine Labor Relations Board to determine the appropriate unit in accordance with this section and Title 26, section 966, subsections 1 and 2 . [PL 2009, c. 580, §8 (NEW).] C. When there is the same bargaining agent in all bargaining units that will be merged into an alternative organizational structure-wide bargaining unit, the units must be separated and merged on the operational date or the date represented employees are transferred to the alternative organizational structure, whichever is applicable, and the alternative organizational structure shall recognize the bargaining agent as the representative of the merged unit. [PL 2009, c. 580, §8 (NEW).] D. When all bargaining units that will be separated and merged into an alternative organizational structure-wide bargaining unit are represented by separate local affiliates of the same state labor organization, the units must be separated and merged on the operational date or the date represented employees are transferred to the alternative organizational structure, whichever is applicable. The identity of a single affiliate that will be designated the bargaining agent for the merged unit must be selected by the existing bargaining agents and the state labor organization. Upon completion of the merger and designation of the bargaining agent and notification by the state labor organization to the alternative organizational structure, the alternative organizational structure shall recognize the designated bargaining agent as the representative of employees in the merged unit. If necessary, the parties shall then execute a written amendment to any collective bargaining agreement then in effect to change the name of the bargaining agent to reflect the merger. [PL 2009, c. 580, §8 (NEW).] E. When there are bargaining units that will be separated and merged into an alternative organizational structure-wide bargaining unit in which there are employees who are not represented by any bargaining agent and other employees who are represented either by the same bargaining agent or separate local affiliates of the same state labor organization, the units must be separated and merged on the operational date or the date represented employees are transferred to the alternative organizational structure, whichever is applicable, as long as a majority of employees who compose the merged unit were represented by the bargaining agent prior to the merger. The procedures for separation and merger of separate local affiliates of the same state labor organization described in paragraph D must be followed if applicable. If prior to the merger a bargaining agent did not represent a majority of employees who compose the merged unit, a bargaining agent election must be conducted by the Maine Labor Relations Board pursuant to paragraph F . [PL 2009, c. 580, §8 (NEW).] F. When bargaining units with different bargaining agents must be merged into a single alternative organizational structure-wide bargaining unit pursuant to this section, the bargaining agent of the merged bargaining unit must be selected in accordance with Title 26, section 967 except as modified in this section. (1) A petition for an election to determine the bargaining agent must be filed with the Maine Labor Relations Board by any of the current bargaining agents or the alternative organizational structure. (2) The petition must be filed not more than 90 days prior to the first August 31st occurring after either the 3rd anniversary date of the operational date of the alternative organizational structure or the date on which positions are transferred from member school units to the alternative organizational structure, whichever is later. (3) The election ballot may contain only the names of the bargaining agents of bargaining units that will be merged into the alternative organizational structure-wide bargaining unit and the choice of "no representative," but no other choices. A showing of interest is not required from any such bargaining agent other than its current status as representative. (4) The obligation to bargain with existing bargaining agents continues from the operational date of the alternative organizational structure or the date on which positions are transferred from member school units to the alternative organizational structure, whichever is later, until the determination of the bargaining agent of the alternative organizational structure-wide bargaining unit under this section; but in no event may any collective bargaining agreement that is executed after the operational date extend beyond the first August 31st occurring after either the 3rd anniversary date of the operational date of the alternative organizational structure or the date on which positions are transferred from member school units to the alternative organizational structure, whichever is later. (5) The Maine Labor Relations Board shall expedite to the extent practicable all petitions for determination of the bargaining agent in the alternative organizational structure filed pursuant to this section. (6) The bargaining units must be merged into an alternative organizational structure-wide bargaining unit as of the date of certification of the results of the election by the Maine Labor Relations Board or the expiration of the collective bargaining agreements in the unit, whichever occurs later. (7) Until the first August 31st occurring after either the 3rd anniversary date of the operational date of the alternative organizational structure or the date on which positions are transferred from member school units to the alternative organizational structure, whichever is later, existing bargaining agents shall continue to represent the bargaining units that they represented on the day prior to the operational date of the alternative organizational structure. If necessary, each bargaining agent and the alternative organizational structure must negotiate interim collective bargaining agreements to expire the first August 31st occurring after either the 3rd anniversary date of the operational date of the alternative organizational structure or the date on which positions are transferred from member school units to the alternative organizational structure, whichever is later. (8) When there are 2 or more bargaining units in which there are employees who are represented either by the same bargaining agent or by separate local affiliates of the same state labor organization that will be merged into an alternative organizational structure-wide bargaining unit with one or more other bargaining units pursuant to the election procedures described in this paragraph, the bargaining units that are represented either by the same bargaining agent or by separate local affiliates of the same state labor organization must merge as of the operational date. The procedures for merger of separate local affiliates of the same state labor organization described in paragraph D must be followed if applicable. [PL 2009, c. 580, §8 (NEW).] [PL 2009, c. 580, §8 (NEW).]

3. Agent to engage in collective bargaining. After the merger of bargaining units in an alternative organizational structure, the bargaining agent of an alternative organizational structure-wide bargaining unit and the alternative organizational structure shall engage in collective bargaining for a collective bargaining agreement for the alternative organizational structure-wide bargaining unit. In the collective bargaining agreement for each alternative organizational structure-wide bargaining unit, the employment relations, policies, practices, salary schedules, hours and working conditions throughout the alternative organizational structure must be made uniform and consistent as soon as practicable. In the event that the parties are unable to agree upon an initial alternative organizational structure-wide collective bargaining agreement, the parties must use the dispute resolution procedures pursuant to Title 26, section 965 to resolve their differences. [PL 2009, c. 580, §8 (NEW).]

4. Application of collective bargaining agreements. On and after the operational date of an alternative organizational structure, but before the completion of negotiations for a single alternative organizational structure-wide collective bargaining agreement for the alternative organizational structure-wide bargaining unit, the wages, hours and working conditions of an employee of the alternative organizational structure who is in a bargaining unit and who is reassigned to a different position that is in a different bargaining unit but that upon the completion of the merger of bargaining units will be included in the same alternative organizational structure-wide bargaining unit must be determined by the terms of the collective bargaining agreement that applies to the position to which the employee is reassigned, except as provided in this subsection. A. If the application of the collective bargaining agreement that applies to the position to which the employee is reassigned would cause a reduction in the employee's wage or salary rate, the employee's wage or salary rate must be maintained at the rate the employee was paid immediately prior to the reassignment until the completion of negotiations for a single alternative organizational structure-wide collective bargaining agreement for the alternative organizational structure-wide bargaining unit or the applicable collective bargaining agreement requires a higher wage or salary rate for the employee, whichever occurs sooner. [PL 2009, c. 580, §8 (NEW).] B. If the application of the existing collective bargaining agreement that applies to the position to which the employee is reassigned would cause a reduction in the amount that is paid by the alternative organizational structure for premiums for health insurance for the employee and the employee's dependents, the alternative organizational structure's payment must be maintained at the amount that was paid immediately prior to the reassignment until the completion of negotiations for a single alternative organizational structure-wide collective bargaining agreement for the alternative organizational structure-wide bargaining unit or the applicable collective bargaining agreement requires a higher payment, whichever occurs sooner. [PL 2009, c. 580, §8 (NEW).] C. If the application of the existing collective bargaining agreement that applies to the position to which the employee is reassigned provides for coverage under a different health insurance plan, the employee may elect to retain coverage under the health insurance plan in which the employee was enrolled immediately prior to reassignment if the eligibility provisions of the plan permit until the completion of negotiations for a single alternative organizational structure-wide collective bargaining agreement for the alternative organizational structure-wide bargaining unit. [PL 2009, c. 580, §8 (NEW).] [PL 2009, c. 580, §8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3603 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3603
20-A §3603. Requirement of congressional approval
Status: in_force

This compact shall not become effective until approved by the United States Congress. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8604 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 315 / Section 8604
20-A §8604. Authority to operate programs not receiving state subsidy
Status: in_force

A unit, region or center may make available facilities for adults for day and evening educational and recreational activities not reimbursable by the State. These courses and activities may be financed by tuition fees, by funds made available by the unit, by funds from other sources or by a combination of these. [PL 2007, c. 131, §4 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4251 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 203 / Section 4251
20-A §4251. Intent
Status: in_force

The intent of this subchapter is to encourage school administrative units to place an increased emphasis on instruction and curriculum for all children beginning at 4 years of age in public preschool programs to grade 2. This subchapter is not intended as a method of financing existing efforts but as a way of encouraging the development of new or expanded programs. [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. C, §1 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 2307 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 111 / Section 2307
20-A §2307. School budgets
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other law, municipal school budgets developed after January 1, 2008 must follow the same school budget requirements as regional school units pursuant to chapter 103‑A , except as described in subsections 1 and 2 . A municipal school unit is deemed to be a regional school unit solely for the purpose of developing a budget pursuant to chapter 103‑A . A municipality has the same authority to commit property taxes as provided in section 1487 . [PL 2011, c. 655, Pt. E, §1 (AMD).]

1. Budget meeting. In charter municipalities the budget meeting required by section 1485, subsection 3 must be a meeting of the municipal council or other municipal legislative body established by the charter with authority to approve the budget. [PL 2007, c. 668, §28 (NEW); PL 2007, c. 668, §55 (AFF).]

2. Municipal charter. In charter municipalities where the municipal charter confers upon a municipal council or other municipal legislative body the authority to determine the total amount of the school budget and confers upon the school committee or school board the authority to direct the expenditure of those funds for school purposes, the municipal council or other municipal legislative body shall determine the total amount of the school budget to be submitted to a budget validation referendum and the school committee or school board shall determine the allocation of the approved school budget among the cost centers of the cost center summary budget format. [PL 2007, c. 668, §28 (NEW); PL 2007, c. 668, §55 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6051 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 221 / Section 6051
20-A §6051. School administrative units
Status: in_force

1. Audit. A school board shall provide for an annual audit of the school administrative unit. The audit shall include the following: A. Accountability of all revenues and expenditures; [PL 1985, c. 797, §36 (NEW).] B. A determination of whether or not proper budgetary controls are in place; [PL 1985, c. 797, §36 (NEW).] C. A determination of whether or not the annual financial data submitted to the department is correct; [PL 2007, c. 668, §31 (AMD).] D. An audit of all federal programs in accordance with applicable federal law including a written determination that the audit has been conducted in accordance with applicable federal laws relating to financial and compliance audits as indicated in federal Office of Management and Budget circulars; [PL 2011, c. 678, Pt. A, §1 (AMD).] E. A determination as to whether the school administrative unit has complied with applicable provisions of the Essential Programs and Services Funding Act; [PL 2009, c. 571, Pt. E, §9 (AMD).] F. Any other information that the commissioner may require; [PL 2009, c. 571, Pt. E, §10 (AMD).] G. A determination of whether the school administrative unit has complied with transfer limitations between budget cost centers pursuant to section 1485, subsection 4 ; [PL 2009, c. 571, Pt. E, §11 (NEW).] H. A determination of whether the school administrative unit has complied with budget content requirements pursuant to section 15693, subsection 1 and cost center summary budget format requirements pursuant to sections 1305‑C , 1485 , 1701‑C and 2307 ; [PL 2011, c. 678, Pt. A, §2 (AMD).] I. A determination of whether the school administrative unit has exceeded its authority to expend funds, as provided by the total budget summary article; [PL 2013, c. 167, Pt. A, §3 (AMD).] J. A determination of whether the school administrative unit has complied with the applicable provisions of the unexpended balances requirements established under section 15004 ; [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. C, §9 (AMD); PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. JJJJJJJ, §1 (AMD).] K. A schedule of expenditures of federal awards; [PL 2017, c. 475, Pt. A, §24 (AMD).] L. Beginning July 1, 2017, a determination of whether the school administrative unit has complied with section 15675, subsection 2 ; and [PL 2017, c. 475, Pt. A, §25 (RPR).] M. A determination of whether the school administrative unit has complied with applicable provisions of section 15690‑A . [PL 2017, c. 475, Pt. A, §26 (NEW).] [PL 2017, c. 475, Pt. A, §§24-26 (AMD).]

2. Fiscal year. The fiscal year of an audit shall be from July 1st to June 30th, except that audits of federal programs shall conform to federal requirements. [PL 1985, c. 797, §36 (RPR).]

3. Auditors. Audits must be conducted by qualified certified public accountants or public accountants registered by the Board of Accountancy. The auditor shall review the audit with the school board. [PL 2011, c. 678, Pt. A, §5 (AMD).]

4. Initial report to commissioner. An initial report to the commissioner must be included as part of the audit under subsection 1 . In the report the school board shall provide the commissioner with: A. [PL 2001, c. 344, §8 (RP).] B. [PL 2001, c. 344, §8 (RP).] C. Written determination of whether or not proper budgetary controls are in place; [PL 2001, c. 344, §8 (NEW).] D. A written determination of whether or not the annual financial data submitted to the department is correct, including submission of an audited reconciliation of the annual financial data prepared and certified by the auditor; and [PL 2007, c. 668, §32 (AMD).] E. A written determination as to whether the school administrative unit has complied with applicable provisions of the Essential Programs and Services Funding Act. [PL 2005, c. 683, Pt. A, §25 (AMD).] [PL 2025, c. 112, §7 (AMD).]

5. Records. Financial records and accounts shall be kept for 7 years after the end of the fiscal year and shall be available to the auditors and any other upon request. [PL 1985, c. 797, §36 (RPR).]

6. Report to commissioner. Within 6 months after the end of the audit period, the school board shall provide the commissioner with: A. A copy of the audit report; [PL 2001, c. 344, §9 (NEW).] B. Accountability of all revenues and expenditures; [PL 2001, c. 344, §9 (NEW).] C. Written assurance that the audit has been conducted in accordance with applicable state and federal laws relating to financial and compliance audits; and [PL 2001, c. 344, §9 (NEW).] D. Any other information that the commissioner may require. [PL 2001, c. 344, §9 (NEW).] [PL 2007, c. 668, §33 (AMD).]

7. Exception. If a municipal school administrative unit meets all of the following eligibility criteria, then the municipal school administrative unit may file the annual municipal audit or audits in lieu of the annual audit required by this section: A. The municipal school administrative unit does not operate a school or schools; [PL 2009, c. 571, Pt. E, §14 (NEW).] B. A school administrative unit audit is not necessary to meet federal audit requirements; and [PL 2011, c. 678, Pt. A, §6 (AMD).] C. The municipal school administrative unit files the municipal audit or audits that include the fiscal year specified in subsection 2 . [PL 2011, c. 678, Pt. A, §6 (AMD).] D. [PL 2011, c. 678, Pt. A, §7 (RP).] [PL 2011, c. 678, Pt. A, §§6, 7 (AMD).]

8. Corrective action plan. The commissioner shall review the audits of the school administrative unit and determine if the school administrative unit should develop a corrective action plan for any audit issues specified in the annual audit. The corrective action plan must address those audit findings and management comments and recommendations that have been identified by the commissioner, and the plan must be filed within the timelines established by the commissioner. The school administrative unit shall provide assurances to the commissioner that the school administrative unit has implemented its corrective action plan within the timelines established by the commissioner. If the school administrative unit has not met the conditions for submitting a corrective action plan or providing assurances that the school administrative unit has implemented the plan, the commissioner may withhold monthly subsidy payments from the school administrative unit in accordance with section 6801‑A . [PL 2009, c. 571, Pt. E, §15 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12717 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 431 / Section 12717
20-A §12717. Instructional Projects Revolving Fund
Status: in_force

The board of trustees shall establish and administer an Instructional Projects Revolving Fund to aid instruction at the colleges. The fund shall be used to pay necessary costs of projects which are carried out as part of the instructional program. No project may be undertaken unless the fund contains enough money to cover its proposed budget. All money generated through the operation of any project shall be placed into the fund for use in other instructional projects. [PL 1989, c. 443, §53 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1308 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 103 / Section 1308
20-A §1308. Failure to pass budget
Status: in_force

If a budget for the operating of the district is not approved prior to July 1st, the latest budget as submitted by the board of directors is automatically considered the budget for operational expenses for the ensuing year until a final budget is approved, except that, when the school board delays the school budget meeting in accordance with section 15693, subsection 2, paragraph C , the operating budget must be approved within 30 days of the date the commissioner notifies the school board of the amount allocated to the school unit under section 15689-B or the latest budget submitted by the directors becomes the operating budget for the next school year. [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §7 (AMD); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 1752 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 105 / Section 1752
20-A §1752. Districts formed by private and special Acts of the Legislature
Status: in_force

If the provisions of this chapter conflict with the provisions of any private and special Act of the Legislature which created a community school district, then the provisions of the private and special Act shall control. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 4713 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 207-A / Section 4713
20-A §4713. Statewide employment projections
Status: in_force

A junior high school or middle school, when providing career or educational programming materials and guidance for students and parents, shall include an electronic link to the publicly accessible website of the Department of Labor, Center for Workforce Research and Information containing statewide employment projections. The department, working with the Department of Labor, shall develop age-appropriate advice for navigating the website containing the statewide employment projections and shall update this advice from time to time as needed. [PL 2021, c. 75, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6303 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 223 / Section 6303
20-A §6303. Medicaid for health and human services
Status: in_force

A school administrative unit may receive funds from the Medicaid program pursuant to the United States Social Security Act, 42 United States Code, for the provision of preventive health, health, habilitation, rehabilitation and social services to eligible students. [PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §19 (AMD); PL 2005, c. 2, Pt. D, §§72, 74 (AFF); PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. WW, §18 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3664 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3664
20-A §3664. Transportation
Status: in_force

The allocation of the cost of transportation in an interstate school district, as between the interstate district and the member districts, shall be determined by the articles of agreement. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 13604 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 6 / Chapter 507 / Section 13604
20-A §13604. Leaves of absence
Status: in_force

1. Leaves of absence granted by school board. To increase the efficiency of the public schools and to permit teachers, principals or other persons to pursue a further course of study or to travel to be better qualified by education and culture for the position they hold in the schools, a school board may grant a leave of absence to any teacher, principal or other person regularly employed by the school board. [PL 1989, c. 901, §1 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 901, §2 (AFF).]

2. Maximum length; years of service. A leave of absence may not exceed one year and may be granted only after 7 years of service. [PL 1989, c. 901, §1 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 901, §2 (AFF).]

3. Other terms and conditions. All other terms and conditions of a leave of absence, including, but not limited to, compensation during a leave of absence, may be determined by a collective bargaining agreement negotiated under Title 26, chapter 9‑A . In the absence of or to the extent not inconsistent with any applicable collective bargaining agreement, the school board may establish these terms and conditions. [PL 1989, c. 901, §1 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 901, §2 (AFF).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3671 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3671
20-A §3671. Separability
Status: in_force

If any of the provisions of this compact or legislation enabling the same shall be held invalid or unconstitutional in relation to any of the applications thereof, such invalidity or unconstitutionality shall not affect other applications thereof or other provisions thereof, and to this end the provisions of this compact are declared to be severable. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11479 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 417-E / Section 11479
20-A §11479. Tax exemption
Status: in_force

The assets of the program fund, all program earnings and any income from operations are exempt from all taxation by the State or any of its political subdivisions. A deposit to any account, transfer of that account to a successor participant, designation of a successor beneficiary of that account, credit of program earnings to that account or qualified distribution from that account used for the purpose of paying higher education expenses pursuant to this chapter, as long as that distribution does not exceed the limits established in Section 529 of the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or rollover distributions permitted under Section 529 of the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, does not subject that participant, the estate of that participant or any beneficiary to any state income or estate tax liability. In the event of cancellation or termination of a participation agreement and distribution of funds to a participant, the increase in value over the amount deposited in the program fund by that participant may be taxable to that participant in the year distributed. [PL 2021, c. 17, §7 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11486 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 417-E / Section 11486
20-A §11486. Liberal construction
Status: in_force

This chapter must be construed liberally in order to effectuate its legislative intent. [PL 1997, c. 732, §4 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3805 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 123 / Section 3805
20-A §3805. Application for and approval of an education service center
Status: in_force

1. Application. The commissioner shall establish an application process under this chapter for the formation of an education service center. The application must be in a form and contain such information as required by the commissioner, including, but not limited to: A. The identification of the school administrative units that are applying to form the education service center; [PL 2019, c. 219, §3 (AMD).] B. The specified structure and governance of the education service center and its purposes, functions, programs and services; [PL 2019, c. 219, §3 (AMD).] C. How any savings resulting from the formation of the education service center will be used; and [PL 2019, c. 219, §3 (AMD).] D. A copy of the proposed interlocal agreement pursuant to section 3801, subsection 3 . [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. VVVVV, §6 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 219, §3 (AMD).]

2. Commissioner’s approval. If an application under this section contains the information required pursuant to subsection 1 , the commissioner shall notify each school administrative unit participating in the education service center that, pending school board approval as set forth in subsection 3 , the education service center is approved pursuant to this chapter. The commissioner shall keep a register of education service centers that have been approved pursuant to this chapter. [PL 2019, c. 219, §3 (AMD).]

3. School administrative unit approval. If the commissioner approves an application for an education service center pursuant to subsection 2 , the education service center must receive school board approval. [PL 2019, c. 219, §3 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12921 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 439 / Section 12921
20-A §12921. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 2015, c. 435, §1 (NEW).]

1. Authority. "Authority" means the Finance Authority of Maine. [PL 2015, c. 435, §1 (NEW).]

2. Fund. "Fund" means the Maine Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Loan Fund established in section 12923 . [PL 2015, c. 435, §1 (NEW).]

3. Program. "Program" means the Maine Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Loan Program established in section 12922 . [PL 2015, c. 435, §1 (NEW).]

4. STEM student. "STEM student" means an undergraduate or graduate student who is a resident of the State and is engaged in the study of science, computer science, technology, engineering or mathematics at an accredited institution of higher education eligible to receive federal assistance under a federal student assistance program authorized under the federal Higher Education Act of 1965, Title IV and has been selected by the authority pursuant to section 12922 to receive a loan. "STEM student" also means a high school senior committed to the study of science, computer science, technology, engineering or mathematics at an accredited institution of higher education eligible to receive federal assistance under a federal student assistance program authorized under the federal Higher Education Act of 1965, Title IV and has been selected by the authority pursuant to section 12922 to receive a loan. [PL 2015, c. 435, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 11471 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 417-E / Section 11471
20-A §11471. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 1997, c. 732, §4 (NEW).]

1. Advisory committee. "Advisory committee" means the Advisory Committee on Education Savings established in this chapter. [PL 2017, c. 474, Pt. F, §2 (AMD).]

2. Authority. "Authority" means the Finance Authority of Maine, which serves as administrator of the Maine Education Savings Program. [PL 1997, c. 732, §4 (NEW); PL 2017, c. 474, Pt. F, §9 (REV).]

3. Beneficiary. "Beneficiary" means any person designated by a participation agreement to benefit from payments for higher education expenses. [PL 2021, c. 17, §1 (AMD).]

4. Benefits. [PL 2021, c. 17, §1 (RP).]

5. Board. "Board" means the board of directors of the Finance Authority of Maine. [PL 1997, c. 732, §4 (NEW).]

6. Contributions. "Contributions" means amounts deposited by a participant to an account within the program fund. [PL 1997, c. 732, §4 (NEW).]

7. Higher education expenses. "Higher education expenses" means the certified expenses for attendance at an institution of higher education as those expenses are defined by rule of the authority consistent with applicable provisions of the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and its regulations addressing qualified tuition programs. Beginning January 1, 2018, "higher education expenses" has the same meaning as "qualified higher education expenses" as defined in Section 529 of the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and amendments to that Code and its regulations addressing qualified tuition programs. [PL 2021, c. 17, §1 (AMD).]

8. Institution of higher education. "Institution of higher education" means an institution of higher education that meets the requirements established by rule of the authority consistent with applicable provisions of the federal Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and its regulations addressing qualified tuition programs. [PL 2021, c. 17, §1 (AMD).]

9. Participant. "Participant" means any person who has entered into a participation agreement pursuant to this chapter. [PL 1997, c. 732, §4 (NEW).]

10. Participation agreement. "Participation agreement" means an agreement between a participant and the authority providing for the establishment by the participant of one or more accounts within the program fund and for the administration of those accounts for the benefit of the participant and of one or more beneficiaries. [PL 1997, c. 732, §4 (NEW).]

11. Program earnings. "Program earnings" means all interest, dividends, premiums, fees, profits upon disposition of assets and other revenue actually received by or on behalf of the program with respect to any assets held within the program fund to which that asset may be credited, less all administrative costs of the program and the program fund, as periodically determined by the authority. [PL 1997, c. 732, §4 (NEW).]

12. Tuition. [PL 2021, c. 17, §1 (RP).]
20-A M.R.S. § 10904 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 411 / Section 10904
20-A §10904. Trust funds
Status: in_force

1. Accounting. Endowment, trust and other nonexpendable funds for investment held by the trustees, which have been or may be created and established by private donors for the benefit of the university or for any purpose directly related to the activities of the university, shall be preserved in their several separate identities in the books of account of the university and administered according to the terms of the gifts. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Management of individual funds. For the purpose of investment only, and in order to afford to each fund the advantage of a diversification of risk wider than can be obtained by preserving the investment unity of each fund, and in the absence of any conditions or restrictions to the contrary made by the donor, the trustees may combine, pool and merge these funds with other similar funds. The trustees shall account for profits, losses and income to each individual fund in the proportion which its value bears to the total value of the merged fund as of the date of merger. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

3. Valuation of individual funds. If a new fund is merged into an existing combination of funds, the proportionate shares shall be determined by calculating the assets of the existing combination of funds at the then market value, and calculating the future shares of each individual fund in proportion to its value to the whole of the new combination. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 6909 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 3 / Chapter 226 / Section 6909
20-A §6909. Donations to the State
Status: in_force

The State, through the Office of the Governor, may accept donations, bequests, devises, grants or other interests of any nature on behalf of Jobs for Maine's Graduates and transfer those funds, property or other interests to the corporation. [PL 1993, c. 348, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 9003 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 319 / Section 9003
20-A §9003. State agents for federal programs
Status: in_force

The following provisions shall apply to federal fire programs in the State. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

1. President; state agent. The president shall be the state agent to be contacted by the United States Fire Administration about matters dealing with the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974, Public Law 93-498. [PL 1987, c. 124, §5 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 878, Pt. I, §12 (AMD).]

2. System; testing; certification. The system shall be the state testing agency for the National Professional Qualification Board of the Joint Council of Fire Services Organizations. The president may award certificates to personnel of municipal and incorporated volunteer fire departments using competency standards established by the Joint Council of Fire Services Organizations. [PL 1987, c. 124, §5 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 878, Pt. I, §12 (AMD).]
20-A M.R.S. § 12730 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 5 / Chapter 431-A / Section 12730
20-A §12730. Put ME to Work Program
Status: in_force

1. Establishment; purpose. The Put ME to Work Program, referred to in this section as "the program," is established within the centers. The program must facilitate the establishment of job training programs at community colleges in this State by working with private businesses and community colleges. [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. AAAA, §1 (NEW).]

2. Job training programs; criteria. The job training programs in the program must provide training to prepare workers for jobs in high-demand fields. The centers shall work with private businesses and trade associations to determine the demand for jobs and the skills needed for those jobs in those industries and with community colleges to determine the ability of those institutions to provide the appropriate education and training, including teaching faculty and any necessary infrastructure. A qualified job training program must meet the following criteria: A. Support of at least 50% of the start-up costs for the job training program must be provided by a business or group of businesses or an industry partnership that chooses to participate in a job training program. The support may be provided through funds or through an in-kind contribution, such as equipment or teaching faculty; [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. AAAA, §1 (NEW).] B. The job training program must provide education or training for employment in a trade or industry with a significant demand for skilled labor either statewide or in a region that has been identified by the Center for Workforce Research and Information within the Department of Labor as providing employment for high-compensation jobs or in an industry in which technology or work practices have significantly changed to require training to assist new workers to acquire needed skills or incumbent workers to remain current and competitive; [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. AAAA, §1 (NEW).] C. A person who successfully completes the job training program must be awarded a certificate, degree or similar credential that is universally recognized by the trade or industry that meets the requirements of paragraph B in which the person intends to seek employment; and [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. AAAA, §1 (NEW).] D. In order to participate, a business must agree to hire a person who successfully completes the job training program at a post-training wage that is at least $2.50 per hour more than the minimum hourly wage rate established in state law and to provide successful incumbent worker trainees with an increase in the hourly wage to meet or exceed the median wage for that occupation in the State as identified by the Center for Workforce Research and Information within the Department of Labor. [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. AAAA, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. AAAA, §1 (NEW).]

3. Financial aid; funding. The centers shall make available needs-based scholarships, grants and other financial aid to persons participating in a qualified job training program. If the job training program includes academic credit, the program may coordinate with the financial aid office of the sponsoring postsecondary education institution to deliver an award to an individual student; the award must be used to assist with all or partial unmet expenses for tuition, fees or books after any existing financial aid resources are used. The centers may accept funding from private businesses and other interests for this purpose. [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. AAAA, §1 (NEW).]

4. Rules. The Board of Trustees of the Maine Community College System shall amend or adopt as necessary the centers' operational policies and procedures in order to implement the provisions of this section. In selecting awardees for the program, the board of trustees shall consider: A. Whether the business or industry partnership provides fringe benefits and what those fringe benefits are; [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. AAAA, §1 (NEW).] B. Economic impacts to the local or regional economy; [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. AAAA, §1 (NEW).] C. The ability of the business or industry partnership to leverage other resources both in the short term and the long term; [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. AAAA, §1 (NEW).] D. The record of the business or industry partnership in training individuals who have historically faced barriers to employment and individuals who are unemployed or underemployed; [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. AAAA, §1 (NEW).] E. Occupational outcomes of individuals who have been trained by the business or industry partnership; and [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. AAAA, §1 (NEW).] F. Factors determined appropriate by the board of trustees. [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. AAAA, §1 (NEW).] Recruitment of prospective trainees and preliminary screening and testing for funded partnerships must be done in conjunction with the Department of Labor's career centers, as well as with state job training providers, industry partners and other referring organizations as appropriate and consistent with the program. To be considered eligible for training under this program, applicants must meet the specific training program's related academic and admissions standards. Individuals that do not meet threshold academic standards may be referred to available community remediation services. Individuals enrolled in the program must maintain satisfactory academic performance and meet all requirements in order to continue enrollment in the program. [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. AAAA, §1 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 3650 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 2 / Chapter 121 / Section 3650
20-A §3650. Reimbursement to member district
Status: in_force

The articles of agreement shall specify the method by which the member district shall be reimbursed by the interstate district for the property taken over, in one or more of the following ways: [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

1. Lump sum. By one lump sum, appropriated, allocated and raised by the interstate district in the same manner as an appropriation for operating expenses. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

2. Installments. In installments over a period of not more than 20 years, each of which is appropriated, allocated and raised by the interstate district in the same manner as an appropriation for operating expenses. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

3. Agreement. By an agreement to assume or reimburse the member district for all principal and interest on any outstanding indebtedness originally incurred by the member district to finance the acquisition and improvement of the property, each such installment to be appropriated, allocated and raised by the interstate district in the same manner as an appropriation for operating expenses. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]

The member district transferring the property shall have the same obligation to pay to the interstate district its share of the cost of such acquisition, but may offset its right to reimbursement. [PL 1981, c. 693, §§ 5, 8 (NEW).]
20-A M.R.S. § 8611 — ME Code / Title 20-A / Part 4 / Chapter 315 / Section 8611
20-A §8611. Transportation
Status: in_force

A unit, region or center may provide transportation for adults to and from adult education courses. [PL 2007, c. 131, §9 (AMD).]