An Act to Support Outdoor, Agricultural-based and Hands-on Experiential Learning in Public Schools
Sponsored By: Stacey K. Guerin (Republican)
Became Law
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
State program backs hands-on school learning
The law creates the Maine Experiential Education Program for public schools (preK–12). The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry runs it and can partner with the Department of Education and nonprofits. It sets up a nonlapsing fund to pay for grants and a state staff position to manage the program. Money can come from state appropriations, fund interest, and public or private donations, and balances carry forward. The law requires outside funding and official notice before the program takes effect.
Training to boost farm-to-school buying
The department may support the Maine Farm and Sea to School Institute with partners. Schools get training and coaching to grow hands-on learning and set clear goals. Help also covers buying more Maine-grown and harvested foods, including seafood, for school meals. Support is open to public schools and school administrative units.
Grants help schools hire educators
The state gives multiyear grants to public schools and school administrative units to add outdoor and experiential learning staff. Year 1: the grant pays 100% of salary and benefits or a stipend. Year 2: the grant pays two-thirds and the school pays one-third. Year 3: the grant pays one-third and the school pays two-thirds. After year 3, the school pays the full cost of the position. Positions must support outdoor, hands-on, or farm- and sea-to-school learning.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Stacey K. Guerin
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Christina Mitchell
Democratic • House
Janice Dodge
Democratic • House
Russell J. Black
Republican • Senate
Sheila Lyman
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
ACTPUB Chapter 183
6/8/2025PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.
5/27/2025SenatePASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
5/27/2025HouseCONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-91).In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
5/22/2025HouseReport READ and ACCEPTED.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (S-91) READ and ADOPTED.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-91).Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence.
5/20/2025SenateCARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.
3/21/2025SenateThe Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY.In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
2/11/2025HouseCommittee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY suggested and ordered printed REFERENCE to the Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence
2/11/2025Senate
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (S-91), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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