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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.

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

All Roll Calls

Yes: 75 • No: 72

House vote • 6/10/2025

ACC MAJ OTP AS AMENDED REP

Yes: 75 • No: 72

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 762

    5/1/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    4/13/2026Senate

  3. PASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    4/13/2026House

  4. The 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.

    4/13/2026House

  5. On 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.

    4/13/2026Senate

  6. CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800.

    6/25/2025Senate

  7. On motion by Senator BERNARD of Aroostook PLACED ON THE SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS TABLE pending ENACTMENT in concurrence.

    6/11/2025Senate

  8. PASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/11/2025House

  9. Reports 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.

    6/10/2025Senate

  10. Reports 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.

    6/10/2025House

  11. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on EDUCATION AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS in concurrence

    4/8/2025Senate

  12. Committee 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

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