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MaineLD 2192132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)SenateWALLET

An Act Regarding School Employee Investigations

Sponsored By: Peggy R. Rotundo (Democratic)

Became Law

SCHOOL PERSONNELSCHOOL PERSONNEL - HIRING

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

State review of school probe rules

The Department must form a working group with school, labor, child safety, and legal groups. The group reviews investigation procedures across all school types. A report is due by January 15, 2027 with numbers, findings, training ideas, and any recommended laws. The committee may file a bill in 2027.

Stronger state tools for educator cases

The Commissioner can issue subpoenas for school records during credentialing investigations. The Commissioner appoints certification hearing officers for these cases. These officers are state employees for those duties and have legal immunity under the Maine Tort Claims Act.

Faster reporting and shared records on staff misconduct

If the Department starts an investigation, it must tell the superintendent within 15 business days. Within 5 business days after finishing, it must tell each school where the person works and provide the decision. The Department marks credential records when an investigation is pending, updates the mark if misconduct is found, or removes it after a final no‑misconduct result. If a school reverses a discipline finding on appeal, the Department must destroy its copies of related records. Schools must disclose substantiated misconduct to the Department and any school that asks, even with a confidentiality agreement. Schools that receive confidential information must keep it confidential as required by law.

New rules for school staff investigations

The law defines who is covered and what counts as a covered investigation (for example abuse, harassment, sexual assault, drugs). When a complaint alleges covered misconduct, the superintendent must start an investigation and tell the Department right away. The school must place the employee on paid leave and finish the case even if the person quits; if a credential holder leaves, the school must tell the Department. The school must share findings and any final report with the Department, and the employee may file a written rebuttal for the Department’s file. Before hiring, schools must check Department credential records for any notation.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Peggy R. Rotundo

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Christina Mitchell

    Democratic • House

  • Jill C. Duson

    Democratic • Senate

  • Joseph Rafferty

    Democratic • Senate

  • Mathew McIntyre

    Republican • House

  • Matt Moonen

    Democratic • House

  • Michael Brennan

    Democratic • House

  • Nathan Carlow

    Republican • House

  • Teresa S. Pierce

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 697

    5/4/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED - Emergency - 2/3 Elected Required, in concurrence.

    4/13/2026Senate

  3. This being an emergency measure, a two-thirds vote of all the members elected to the House was necessary.PASSED TO BE ENACTED.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    4/13/2026House

  4. Report was READ and ACCEPTED.The Bill was READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (S-623) was READ.Senate Amendment "A" (S-652) to Committee Amendment "A" (S-623) was READ and ADOPTED.Committee Amendment "A" (S-623) as Amended by Senate Amendment "A" (S-652) thereto ADOPTED.Under suspension of the rules, the Bill was given its SECOND READING without REFERENCE to the Committee on Bills in the Second Reading.PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-623) as Amended by Senate Amendment "A" (S-652) thereto. In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    4/13/2026House

  5. Taken from the table by the President The Ought to Pass As Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-623) Report ACCEPTED. READ ONCE. Committee Amendment "A" (S-623) READ. On motion by Senator RAFFERTY of York Senate Amendment "A" (S-652) to Committee Amendment "A" (S-623) READ and ADOPTED. Committee Amendment "A" (S-623) as Amended by Senate Amendment "A" (S-652) thereto ADOPTED. Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED by Committee Amendment "A" (S-623) as Amended by Senate Amendment "A" (S-652) thereto. Sent down for concurrence.

    4/9/2026Senate

  6. Unfinished Business

    4/8/2026Senate

  7. Unfinished Business

    4/7/2026Senate

  8. Reports READ On motion by Senator RAFFERTY of York Tabled until Later in Today's Session, pending ACCEPTANCE OF REPORT. Unfinished Business

    4/6/2026Senate

  9. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on EDUCATION AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS.In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    2/10/2026House

  10. Committee on EDUCATION AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS suggested and ordered printed REFERENCE to the Committee on EDUCATION AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence

    2/3/2026Senate

Bill Text

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