An Act to Establish a Grant Program to Increase Postsecondary Educational Opportunities for Students with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder
Sponsored By: Kelly Murphy (Democratic)
Became Law
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
College programs and scholarships for students with disabilities
The law creates a competitive grant program run by the Maine Department of Education. Maine colleges can get funds to build inclusive programs for students with intellectual or developmental disabilities or autism. Programs must let students take regular classes, use campus resources, and take part in campus life. They must support students to seek and keep competitive jobs, grow independence, and earn a meaningful credential. Admissions for these programs cannot require a high school diploma or a curriculum-based entrance exam. Colleges must set aside 25% of each grant for scholarships for participating students; scholarship recipients do not need a high school diploma.
One-time $50,000 to start the program
The state provides a one-time $50,000 General Fund appropriation in fiscal year 2025-26. The money goes to the Maine Department of Education to launch the Inclusive Higher Education Grant Program. This is startup funding only; the law does not provide money for 2026-27.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Kelly Murphy
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Amy Kuhn
Democratic • House
Holly Sargent
Democratic • House
Janice Dodge
Democratic • House
Joseph Rafferty
Democratic • Senate
Lori Gramlich
Democratic • House
Teresa S. Pierce
Democratic • Senate
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
ACTPUB Chapter 519
1/11/2026HELD BY THE GOVERNOR.
7/8/2025SenatePASSED TO BE ENACTED - Emergency - 2/3 Elected Required, in concurrence.
6/25/2025SenateThis 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.
6/25/2025HouseThe House RECEDED and CONCURRED to PASSAGE TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-430) as Amended by Senate Amendment "A" (S-443) thereto.ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
6/25/2025HouseOn 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-430) On further motion by Same Senator the Senate SUSPENDED THE RULES to RECONSIDER their actions whereby Committee Amendment "A" (H-430) was ADOPTED. On further motion by Same Senator Senate Amendment "A" (S-443) to Committee Amendment "A" (H-430) READ and ADOPTED. Committee Amendment "A" (H-430) as Amended by Senate Amendment "A" (S-443) thereto ADOPTED. PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-430) as Amended by Senate Amendment "A" (S-443) thereto in NON-CONCURRENCE. Sent down for concurrence.
6/25/2025SenateOn motion by Senator ROTUNDO of Androscoggin PLACED ON THE SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS TABLE pending ENACTMENT - Emergency -2/3 Elected Required
6/5/2025SenateThis 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.
6/4/2025HouseReport READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-430) READ and ADOPTED, in concurrence.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-430), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.
6/3/2025SenateCONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-430).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
6/3/2025HouseCarried over, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.
3/21/2025HouseReceived by the Clerk of the House on January 6, 2025.The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on EDUCATION AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2 and ordered printed pursuant to Joint Rule 401.
1/6/2025House
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (H-430), adopted by House & Senate
Amendment S-A to C-A (S-443), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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