All Roll Calls
Yes: 75 • No: 72
MaineLD 1474132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)HouseWALLET
An Act to Strengthen the Teaching of Wabanaki Studies in Maine Schools
Sponsored By: Laurie Osher (Democratic)
Became Law
SCHOOL PROGRAMSSCHOOL PROGRAMS - CURRICULUM
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
State support and funding for Wabanaki studies
The Department of Education has a Wabanaki studies specialist to ensure these studies are in school standards. The specialist works with Wabanaki advisors, helps schools and teachers find materials, brings in partners like museums, and recommends curricula and teacher courses. Each year, the specialist reports to the Education Commissioner and the Maine Indian Tribal-State Commission on implementation, materials, and needed training. Beginning July 1, 2027, the department studies a sample of schools at least every two years and posts results online. For 2026–27, the law provides a one-time $100,000: $50,000 for a review team and $50,000 for Wabanaki advisors, training, and technical help.
Wabanaki studies required in Maine schools
Maine public schools must include Wabanaki studies, aligned with state standards and graduation rules. Wabanaki studies are a required part of Maine studies and can be taught in social studies, English, math, science, and arts classes. The state includes Wabanaki studies and Maine African American studies in its regular standards review. Required Wabanaki topics include tribal governments, cultural systems and experiences, territories, economic systems, and other content the specialist recommends.
Board can require Wabanaki training for teachers
The State Board of Education can adopt rules to add a Wabanaki studies part to teacher certification. This does not change any license now; it takes effect only if the board adopts rules. The board must decide by July 1, 2027 whether such rules are needed.
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Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Laurie Osher
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Aaron Dana
T • House
Christina Mitchell
Democratic • House
Craig V. Hickman
Democratic • Senate
Eleanor Sato
Democratic • House
Marianne Moore
Republican • Senate
Matthea E. L. Daughtry
Democratic • Senate
Matthew Beck
Democratic • House
Rachel Talbot Ross
Democratic • Senate
Ryan Fecteau
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 6/10/2025
ACC MAJ OTP AS AMENDED REP
Yes: 75 • No: 72
Actions Timeline
ACTPUB Chapter 762
5/4/2026PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.
4/13/2026SenatePASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
4/13/2026HouseThe House RECEDED and CONCURRED to PASSAGE TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-577) as Amended by Senate Amendment "A" (S-681) thereto.ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
4/13/2026HouseOn motion by Senator ROTUNDO of Androscoggin taken from the Special Appropriations Table On motion by Same Senator the Senate SUSPENDED THE RULES to RECONSIDER their actions whereby the Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED by Committee Amendment "A" (H-577) in concurrence. On further motion by Same Senator the Senate SUSPENDED THE RULES to RECONSIDER their actions whereby Committee Amendment "A" (H-577) was ADOPTED. On further motion by Same Senator Senate Amendment "A" (S-681) to Committee Amendment "A" (H-577) READ and ADOPTED. Committee Amendment "A" (H-577) as Amended by Senate Amendment "A" (S-681) thereto ADOPTED. PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-577) as Amended by Senate Amendment "A" (S-681) thereto in NON-CONCURRENCE. Sent down for concurrence.
4/13/2026SenateCARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800.
6/25/2025SenateOn motion by Senator BERNARD of Aroostook PLACED ON THE SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS TABLE pending ENACTMENT in concurrence.
6/11/2025SenatePASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
6/11/2025HouseReports ReadOn motion by Senator RAFFERTY of York the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report ACCEPTED. Bill READ ONCE. Committee Amendment "A" (H-577) READ and ADOPTED. Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED by Committee Amendment "A" (H-577) in concurrence.
6/10/2025SenateReports READ.On motion of Representative MURPHY of Scarborough, the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report was ACCEPTED.ROLL CALL NO. 404(Yeas 75 - Nays 72 - Absent 2 - Excused 2)The Bill was READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-577) was READ and ADOPTED.Under suspension of the rules, the Bill was given its SECOND READING without REFERENCE to the Committee on Bills in the Second Reading.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-577). Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
6/10/2025HouseThe Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on EDUCATION AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS in concurrence
4/8/2025SenateCommittee on Education and Cultural Affairs suggested and ordered printed. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on EDUCATION AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
4/3/2025House
Bill Text
Enacted
Engrossed
Introduced
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