An Act to Sti-engtlien the Teaching of Wabanaki Studies in Maine Schools
Maine Legislature, Session 131, LD 1642
Committee Amendment CA_A_H772 (House)
Amends: 20-A MRSA §4706

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A " to H,P. 1052, L,D. 1642, "An Act to Sti-engtlien
the Teaching of Wabanaki Studies in Maine Schools"
Amend the bill by striking out everything after the enacting clause and inserting the
following;
'See. 1. 20-A MRSA §4706, as amended by PL 2021,c.247,§1 and affected by §3,
is further amended by amending the section headnote to read:
§4706. Instruction in American history, African American studies, Maine studies,
Maine Native American history Wabanaki studies and the history of genocide
Sec. 2. 20-A MRSA §4706, sub-§2, as amended by PL 2021, c. 247, §1 and
affected by §3, is further amended to read;
2. IVIaine studies. Maine history, including the Constitution of Maine, Maine
geography and environment and the natural, industrial and economic resources of Maine
and Maine's cultural and ethnic heritage, must be taught, A required component of Maine
studies is Maine Native Ameriea& Wabanaki studies^and Wabanakistudies_ma.ybe taught
as a component of other content areas, as aoprooriate. includinp but not limited to the
content areas of English language arts. mathematics, science and fine arts. Maine Native
American Wabanaki studies and Maine African American studies must be included in the
review of content standards and performance indicators of the learning results conducted
in accordance with section 6209, subsection 4. Maine Native Amerieafi Wabanaki studies
must address the following topics:
A, Maine tribal Wabanaki governments and political systems and their relationship
with local, state, national and international governments;
B. Maine Native Ameneaft Wabanaki cultural systems and the experience ofMaiae
tribal people throughout history;
C, Mnine Native American Wabanaki territories; and
D. Maine Native Amerieaa Wabanaki economic systems.
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT"^" to H.P, 1052, L,D. 1642
•<^-
Sec. 3. Department of Education review of content standards; Wabanalu
studies. The Commissioner of Education shall, in the commissioner's next regular review
of the content standards and performance indicators by content area pursuant to the Maine
Revised Statutes, Title 20-A, section 6209, subsection 4, consider inclusion of Wabanaki
studies in content areas other than social studies, as appropriate.'
Amend the bill by relettering or renumbering any nonconsecutive Part letter or section
number to read consecutively.
SUMMARY
This amendment, which is the majority report of the committee, replaces the bill, The
amendment updates the term "Maine Native American studies" with "Wabanaki studies"
in the laws regarding elementary and secondary education requirements and provides that,
in addition to being a. required component in Maine studies, Wabanald studies may be
taught as a component in other content areas, as appropriate. The amendment also directs
the Commissioner of Education to consider the inclusion ofWabanaki studies in content
areas other than social studies in the system of learning results when conducting the
commissioner's next regular review of the content standards and performance indicators,
FISCAL NOTE REQUmED
(See attached)
Page2-131LR1566(02)
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT
Approved; 02/08/24 ^K?<*- •
LD 1642 LR 1566(02)
An Act to Strengthen the Teaching ofWabanaki Studies in Maine Schools
Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment '^' { ^\'"
Committee: Education and Cultural Affairs
Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Fiscal Note
Minor cost increase - General Fund
Fiscal Detail and Notes
Additional costs to the Department of Education to implement the requirements of this legislation can be absorbed
within existing budgeted resources,
LR1566(02) - Fiscal Note - Page 1 of 1