An Act to Update the Laws Governing Education in the Unorganized Territory
Sponsored By: Joseph Rafferty (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Flexible attendance and excused medical visits
Beginning July 1, 2025, health appointments during the school day are excused absences without prior approval. A student at least 15 who has finished 9th grade may leave school for approved training or work‑study with a parent’s and the Commissioner’s permission. A full‑time, matriculated student at an accredited college may be excused from public school with the Commissioner’s approval.
School year and enrollment in unorganized territory
Beginning July 1, 2025, the school year runs July 1 to June 30. A child who is 5 by October 15 can enroll in school. A child who is 4 by October 15 can enroll in public preschool if it is offered. Students who were in public kindergarten or grade 1 in another state can enroll in the same grade here. Anyone who has not reached age 20 before the school year starts can enroll full time; part-time needs the Commissioner’s okay.
State standards for unorganized territory schools
Beginning July 1, 2025, schools in the unorganized territory follow the state’s learning standards under the Commissioner. Schools must also meet state standards for elementary, secondary, and special education. Special education eligibility follows the rules in chapter 303.
Veterans can finish high school
Beginning July 1, 2025, a war veteran who did not finish high school before age 18 can enroll in unorganized‑territory schools. The veteran may stay until graduation or until the end of the school year when they turn 25.
Transport help, limits on private roads
Beginning July 1, 2025, the Commissioner may pay some or all student transportation or boarding costs. The Commissioner cannot provide or reimburse travel over roads not accepted by the county as public, or roads that do not meet DOT standards. If your route uses those roads, you may not get reimbursed.
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
Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 437
7/1/2025On motion by Senator ROTUNDO of Androscoggin taken from the Special Appropriations Table PASSED TO BE ENACTED in concurrence.
6/25/2025SenateOn motion by Senator ROTUNDO of Androscoggin PLACED ON THE SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS TABLE pending ENACTMENT in concurrence.
5/27/2025SenatePASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
5/27/2025HouseReports 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.
5/22/2025HouseReports 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.
5/21/2025SenateCARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.
3/21/2025SenateReceived 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
Amendment C-A (S-111), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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