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MaineLD 98132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

An Act to Include School Counselors in the Educators for Maine Program

Sponsored By: Michael Brennan (Democratic)

Became Law

FINANCE AUTHORITYFINANCE AUTHORITY - PROGRAMS

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Loan relief for educators in shortage areas

The Educators for Maine Program can pay down your student loans for each year you serve. You must work as a teacher, school counselor, or licensed speech pathologist in a certified role at a school in an underserved area. The state designates underserved areas, including places short on counselors, teachers, or speech pathologists. Awards depend on selection, a signed repayment agreement, yearly limits, and available funds.

State loans for counselor certification

Maine residents with a bachelor’s degree and strong academics can get state loans to study for school counselor certification. Loans also cover teacher certification, speech pathologist licensure, and child care provider qualifications. The authority sets extra eligibility rules by rule.

One-year deferment during educator job search

If you plan to work as a teacher, school counselor, or speech pathologist but cannot find a qualifying job, you can get a deferment. The authority can pause your annual loan payment for up to one year at a time. You must certify your intent to work each year. The authority can limit how many deferments you get.

School counselor status and service clarified

Time worked as a school counselor now counts as return service for program benefits and obligations. Return service means a full school year in a public or approved private school, or 12 months in a Maine child care facility. It also includes service by certified teachers, licensed speech pathologists, and Jobs for Maine’s Graduates specialists. The law defines a school counselor as someone employed in a school and certified by the state, or with at least a master’s in an approved guidance and counseling program.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Michael Brennan

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 18 • No: 13

Senate vote • 4/23/2025

ACCEPT MAJORITY OUGHT TO PASS AS AMENDED REPORT

Yes: 18 • No: 13

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 58

    5/1/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    4/30/2025Senate

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

    4/29/2025House

  4. Reports ReadOn motion by Senator RAFFERTY of York the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report ACCEPTED. PREVAILED Roll Call Ordered Roll Call Number 122 Yeas 18 - Nays 13 - Excused 4 - Absent 0 Bill READ ONCE Committee Amendment "A" (H-59) READ and ADOPTED Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED by Committee Amendment "A" (H-59) in concurrence

    4/23/2025Senate

  5. Reports READ.On motion of Representative MURPHY of Scarborough, the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report was ACCEPTED.The Bill was READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-59) was READ and ADOPTED.Under suspension of the rules, the Bill was given its SECOND READING without REFERENCE to the Committee on Bills in the Second Reading.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-59). Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    4/22/2025House

  6. Carried over, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.

    3/21/2025House

  7. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on EDUCATION AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS in concurrence

    1/8/2025Senate

  8. Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs suggested and ordered printed. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on EDUCATION AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    1/8/2025House

Bill Text

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