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MaineLD 22132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)SenateWALLET

An Act to Update the Laws Governing Education in the Unorganized Territory

Sponsored By: Joseph Rafferty (Democratic)

Became Law

SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIONSCHOOL ADMINISTRATION - UNORGANIZED TERRITORY

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

School travel aid, no parent reimbursements

The commissioner can pay some or all school travel or boarding costs for unorganized territory students. The commissioner cannot pay for travel on roads the county has not accepted as public or that do not meet Department of Transportation standards. Starting July 1, 2009, the commissioner does not reimburse parents for student transportation.

Clear enrollment rules for unorganized territory students

Elementary and secondary education in the unorganized territory follows state learning standards. Beginning July 1, 2025, a person under 20 at the start of the school year can enroll full time at the assigned school. Part-time enrollment needs the commissioner's approval. The school year runs July 1 to June 30. A child must be 5 by October 15 to start school. Public preschool is allowed at age 4 by October 15 if a program is offered. Exceptions apply for some veterans and for students moving from another state. Eligibility for a child with a disability follows state special education rules.

New attendance exceptions and excused absences

Beginning July 1, 2025, a full-time student at an accredited college can be excused from K–12 attendance with the commissioner's approval. An appointment with a health professional during the school day is an excused absence when it has prior approval.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Joseph Rafferty

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 437

    5/1/2026

  2. On motion by Senator ROTUNDO of Androscoggin taken from the Special Appropriations Table PASSED TO BE ENACTED in concurrence.

    6/25/2025Senate

  3. On motion by Senator ROTUNDO of Androscoggin PLACED ON THE SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS TABLE pending ENACTMENT in concurrence.

    5/27/2025Senate

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

    5/27/2025House

  5. 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-111) 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-111). In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    5/22/2025House

  6. Reports ReadOn motion by Senator RAFFERTY of York the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report ACCEPTED. Bill READ ONCE Committee Amendment "A" (S-111) READ and ADOPTED Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED by Committee Amendment "A" (S-111) Sent down forthwith for concurrence.

    5/21/2025Senate

  7. CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.

    3/21/2025Senate

  8. Received by the Secretary of the Senate on January 6, 2025 and REFERRED to the Committee on EDUCATION AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2

    1/8/2025Senate

Bill Text

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