An Act To Authorize Circus Conservatory of America To Grant Baccalaureate Degrees
Maine Legislature, Session 127, LD 0305
Committee: Education and Cultural Affairs
Sponsors: MILLETT, MAKER, ALFOND, KATZ, LANGLEY, SAVIELLO, DAUGHTRY, KORNFIELD, POULIOT, TIPPING-SPITZ

Legislative Document 
No. 305 
S.P. 120 
In Senate, February 10, 2015 
An Act To Authorize Circus Conservatory of America To Grant 
Baccalaureate Degrees 
(EMERGENCY) 
Reference to the Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs suggested and ordered 
printed. 
HEATHER J.R. PRIEST 
Secretary of the Senate 
Presented by Senator MILLETT of Cumberland. 
Cosponsored by Representative MAKER of Calais and 
Senators: ALFOND of Cumberland, KATZ of Kennebec, LANGLEY of Hancock, 
SAVIELLO of Franklin, Representatives: DAUGHTRY of Brunswick, KORNFIELD of 
Bangor, POULIOT of Augusta, TIPPING-SPITZ of Orono. 
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not 
become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and 
Whereas, authorization by the Legislature is required for any institution of higher 
education to confer academic, educational, literary or professional degrees upon the 
recommendation of the State Board of Education; and 
Whereas, circus has historically been a dynamic feature of the American cultural 
landscape and is now increasingly being recognized as a sophisticated performing art 
internationally and in the United States; and 
Whereas, circus education and training environments attract and retain young, 
healthy and energetic populations to their communities; and 
Whereas, circus is a significant and growing entrepreneurial force in the global 
entertainment industry and the founders of Circus Conservatory of America have 
demonstrated a commitment to economic development; and 
Whereas, launching the first circus college in the United States promises to bring 
distinction to Maine in the international performing arts community and will add to the 
State's identity as a cultural destination; and 
Whereas, Circus Conservatory of America will offer education in the fields of 
performance, coaching, production and circus arts and intends to offer bachelor's degrees 
and needs to receive approval of degree-granting authority; and 
Whereas, it is necessary for the Legislature to grant this authority in order that the 
school may begin offering degrees for the school year beginning in September 2015; and 
Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within 
the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as 
immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, 
therefore, 
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows: 
Sec. 1.  Degree. Circus Conservatory of America, a corporation organized and 
existing under the laws of the State, may confer on all students who successfully 
complete its prescribed course of study the degrees of Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of 
Fine Arts as are usually conferred by like institutions of higher education. 
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this 
legislation takes effect when approved. 
SUMMARY 
This bill authorizes Circus Conservatory of America to grant the degrees of Bachelor 
of Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts.