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MaineLD 895132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)SenateWALLET

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

Sponsored By: Richard A. Bennett (Independent)

Became Law

AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FOREAGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORE - POWERS

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Outdoor school for Maine 4th–8th graders

The University of Maine Cooperative Extension Service runs the Outdoor School for All Maine Students. Beginning in the 2025–2026 school year, grants go to qualified outdoor education providers to serve publicly funded students in grades 4–8 and eligible home-schooled students. Grants are given to the same grade at a school each year. The program prioritizes underserved schools and communities, including tribal, migrant, high-poverty, rural or remote, alternative education, students of color, English learners, and students receiving special education. Programs aim for a 2-night, 3-day experience, with day options when overnight stays are not practical.

Outdoor school grants depend on funding

The law creates a nonlapsing fund at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Service for outdoor school grants and administration. Each year, the Service plans funding so students statewide can join a 2-night, 3-day experience. The Service may use the fund for staff and administration and is not required to give grants or run studies if funds are insufficient. Base allocations are $500 in 2025–26 and $500 in 2026–27, so the program relies on added public or private money. When grants are not available, schools need other funding, and families may face fees.

Stronger safety and access at outdoor schools

Outdoor education providers must teach mainly outside using local ecosystems and include academics. Required topics include conservation, research methods, coastal fishing industries, wildlife restoration, farming and forestry, safe recreation, and public health. Programs must be safe, age-appropriate, hands-on, build social-emotional skills, and support COVID-19 learning recovery. Providers must offer 2-night, 3-day residential programs or day options, follow trip-leader licensing rules, train educators, support students with disabilities, and join program evaluation.

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. ACTPUB Chapter 84

    5/1/2026

  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

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