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MaineLD 895132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)Senate

An Act to Support Immersive Outdoor Education by Establishing the Outdoor School for All Maine Students Program

Sponsored By: Richard A. Bennett (Independent)

Signed by Governor

AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FOREAGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORE - POWERS

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Outdoor school grants for Maine 4th-8th graders

Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, the University of Maine runs grants for immersive outdoor learning. Grants serve publicly funded students in grades 4-8 in Maine public and tribal schools, plus eligible home-schooled students. When money is tight, priority goes to tribal, migrant, low-income, rural, alternative education students, students of color, English learners, and students in special education. Providers must offer a 2-night/3-day experience (or day programs when overnight is not practical), follow trip-leader licensing rules, make programs accessible, train teachers, and join program evaluation. The program funds the same grade each year to build steady access.

New fund for outdoor school program

The law creates a nonlapsing Fund at the University of Maine to pay for outdoor school grants and administration. Money can come from state appropriations, public or private donations, and investment income. Starting in 2025-2026 and each year after, the University sets how much is needed for 2-night/3-day experiences statewide. The act also gives $500 in FY 2025-26 and $500 in FY 2026-27 to authorize basic administration. If the Fund lacks money, the University is not required to award grants or run evaluations.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Richard A. Bennett

    Independent • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Jeffrey L. Timberlake

    Republican • Senate

  • Joseph Rafferty

    Democratic • Senate

  • Kelly Murphy

    Democratic • House

  • Morgan Rielly

    Democratic • House

  • Nathan Carlow

    Republican • House

  • Nicole C. Grohoski

    Democratic • Senate

  • Stacey K. Guerin

    Republican • Senate

  • Stacy F. Brenner

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 31 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/21/2025

ENACTMENT-EMERGENCY

Yes: 31 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 84

    5/23/2025

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED - Emergency - 2/3 Elected Required, in concurrence. On motion by Senator CURRY of Waldo the Senate RECONSIDERED whereby the Bill was PASSED TO BE ENACTED. Subsequently, the Bill was PASSED TO BE ENACTED. PREVAILED Roll Call Ordered Roll Call Number 210 Yeas 31 - Nays 0 - Excused 3 - Absent 1

    5/21/2025Senate

  3. This 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.

    5/20/2025House

  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-61).In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    5/14/2025House

  5. Report READ and ACCEPTED.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (S-61) READ and ADOPTED.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-61).Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence.

    5/13/2025Senate

  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. Received by the Secretary of the Senate on March 5, 2025 and REFERRED to the Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2

    3/5/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Amendment C-A (S-61), adopted by House & Senate

    PDF

  • Enacted

    PDF

  • Introduced

    PDF

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