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MaineLD 2192132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)SenateWALLET

An Act Regarding School Employee Investigations

Sponsored By: Margaret Rotundo

Signed by Governor

SCHOOL PERSONNELSCHOOL PERSONNEL - HIRING

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

New investigation rules and paid leave for school staff

Starting April 15, 2026, schools use one statewide process to investigate staff misconduct. It applies to all school employees, not just credentialed staff. Covered conduct includes drugs, abuse, harassment, sexual assault, stalking, and similar safety threats. If you are under a covered investigation, your school places you on paid leave right away. Superintendents must start the investigation after a complaint and tell the state at once. Schools must finish the case even if you leave and report outcomes to the state. Before hiring, schools check state records for flags, and you can submit a written rebuttal for the state’s file.

Record flags and sharing on employee misconduct

Starting April 15, 2026, the state places a visible flag on an employee’s record when a covered investigation starts. The state notifies the superintendent within 15 business days and sends the final decision to each employer within 5 business days after it ends. If a school proves misconduct, it must share the investigation and findings with the state and any school that asks, even with a confidentiality agreement. The state updates or removes the flag after appeals and destroys records if a discipline finding is later reversed. The state also alerts other employers if the employee leaves or is disciplined before the case ends.

State hearing officers and 2027 review

Starting April 15, 2026, the state appoints hearing officers to run these cases. While on duty, they are treated as state employees and have legal immunity. The Department of Education also forms a stakeholder group to review investigation practices across schools and recommend fixes. A report is due January 15, 2027 with counts of cases, outcomes, and suggested law changes.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Margaret Rotundo

    Affiliation unavailable

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. Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 697

    4/15/2026

  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

  • Amendment C-A (S-623), adopted by House & Senate

    PDF

  • Amendment S-A to C-A (S-652), adopted by House & Senate

    PDF

  • Enacted

    PDF

  • Introduced

    PDF

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