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MaineLD 550132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)SenateWALLET

An Act to Support Outdoor, Agricultural-based and Hands-on Experiential Learning in Public Schools

Sponsored By: Stacey K. Guerin (Republican)

Became Law

SCHOOL PROGRAMSSCHOOL PROGRAMS - ALTERNATIVE EDUCATION

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Grants to hire outdoor learning staff

The state runs a grant program to help public schools hire experiential and outdoor educators. It also provides ongoing training for teachers who lead hands-on learning. Grants cover 100% of pay and benefits in year 1, 2/3 in year 2, and 1/3 in year 3. After year 3, the school pays the full cost. These grants begin after the state secures eligible funding and the Act takes effect.

State program and fund for hands-on learning

The law creates the Maine Experiential Education Program in the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Department. It sets up a nonlapsing Fund for grants and to run the program. The Fund can receive legislative appropriations, interest earnings, and public or private deposits. The Department may use Fund money for a staff post to administer the program and must adopt routine rules. The Department monitors the program and reports to lawmakers every year. The first report is due within one year after the Act takes effect.

Training and coaching for farm-to-school

The Department supports the Maine Farm and Sea to School Institute. Schools get training and coaching to set goals, teach with hands‑on projects, and buy more local farm and seafood. Support is available once funding is secured under the Act.

Program starts only after funding is secured

The Act takes effect only when there is an eligible funding opportunity and the state secures the money. The Commissioner must notify state officials once funds are secured. The Act also cannot take effect earlier than 90 days after adjournment of the First Regular Session of the 132nd Legislature. Until those steps happen, the program and grants are delayed.

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

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 183

    5/1/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    5/27/2025Senate

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

    5/27/2025House

  4. CONSENT 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.

    5/22/2025House

  5. Report 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.

    5/20/2025Senate

  6. 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

  7. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY.In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    2/11/2025House

  8. Committee 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

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