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MaineLD 1718132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)SenateWALLET

An Act to Establish the Maine Charter School Commission as a Public Instrumentality of the State

Sponsored By: Joseph Rafferty (Democratic)

Became Law

EDUCATIONAL OPTIONSEDUCATIONAL OPTIONS - CHARTER SCHOOLS

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Maine creates single charter school authorizer

The law creates the Maine Charter School Commission as a public instrumentality of the State. Its powers are treated as essential government functions. The Commission is the only authorizer for virtual public charter schools; local boards may authorize only schools that mix online and in-person learning. The Commission must adopt rules for its structure and authorizing work; rules made before June 30, 2014 are routine technical and rules on or after that date are major substantive. It hires its own staff, convenes stakeholders and experts, and may seek state, federal, and private funds. Each January, it appears in person before the legislative education committee to present its annual report unless the committee allows another format. These duties are effective June 15, 2025.

Rules for Charter Commission members

The Commission has seven members and elects a chair; four members make a quorum. Three seats are filled by State Board members for 3-year terms, and four seats are appointed by the Governor for 4-year terms, with legislative review and Senate confirmation. Appointees need diverse experience, and the Governor gives proper consideration to candidates with Maine public school experience as a board member, superintendent, teacher, or special education director. No one may serve more than three consecutive terms; a person may serve again after sitting out one term. Members may receive the legislative per diem and be reimbursed for expenses. A State Board member serves on the Commission only while on the State Board; when that ends, the Commission seat becomes vacant. Vacancies are filled the same way as the original seat, and service of more than 1.5 years of a partial term counts as one full term. The State Board may remove a member for failing to perform duties by majority vote. These rules take effect June 15, 2025.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Joseph Rafferty

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Christina Mitchell

    Democratic • House

  • Holly Sargent

    Democratic • House

  • Janice Dodge

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 320

    5/1/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    6/2/2025Senate

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

    5/29/2025House

  4. Reports READ.On motion of Representative MURPHY of Scarborough, the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report was ACCEPTED.The Bill was READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (S-140) 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" (S-140). In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    5/28/2025House

  5. Reports ReadOn motion by Senator RAFFERTY of York the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report ACCEPTED. Bill READ ONCE. Committee Amendment "A" (S-140) READ and ADOPTED. Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED by Committee Amendment "A" (S-140) Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence.

    5/27/2025Senate

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

    4/17/2025House

  7. 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

    4/17/2025Senate

Bill Text

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