This legislative bill authorizes the final adoption of specific rules governing physical restraint and seclusion in Maine schools. The rule was created by the Department of Education's State Board of Education and requires legislative approval before it can take effect. By passing this resolve, the Legislature formally approves the regulations that set standards for how schools may use physical restraint and seclusion with students. The bill includes an emergency clause, allowing it to take effect immediately upon approval rather than waiting the standard 90-day period.
This bill (LD 324) is a concept draft proposing strategies to improve reading proficiency in Maine public schools, with a specific focus on ensuring students meet reading milestones by the end of 3rd grade. It does not detail specific policies or mechanisms, as it is in an early drafting stage under Joint Rule 208. The bill is intended to guide future legislative action on reading education but currently outlines no concrete requirements or funding measures. It directly affects public school students and educators in Maine, though the exact scope of implementation remains undefined at this stage.
This bill requires Maine public schools to provide at least four hours of de-escalation and behavior intervention training to all teachers, administrators, and education technicians starting in the 2026-2027 school year, with training repeated every three years thereafter. New staff must receive this training within 60 days of hiring beginning in the 2027-2028 school year. The training covers specific topics like positive behavior strategies, communication of student behavior, alternatives to restrictive procedures, and safe use of restraint and seclusion. The Maine Department of Education will maintain a list of approved training programs and experts, and must develop and distribute best practices for the training by September 1, 2026.
LD 858 creates a state grant program to help schools access behavioral and mental health services for students. It provides schools with $3,000 to $9,000 annually based on student population (e.g., $9,000 for schools over 500 students) to contract with licensed external providers. The grants cannot cover services already paid for by MaineCare, and funds must supplement - not replace - existing school mental health staff. This program, funded at $1.353 million yearly starting in 2025-26, directly supports school districts in expanding student mental health resources.
LD 747 establishes a Maine State Housing Authority program providing direct rental subsidies to homeless students in public elementary and secondary schools. The bill allocates $2 million annually from the General Fund to fund this program, which will provide housing assistance directly to homeless students or their guardians. It removes a previous requirement to specifically address minors without adult guardians, while directing the Housing Authority to coordinate with the Department of Education and Health and Human Services. The program aims to reduce homelessness among school-aged children by connecting them with stable housing through direct financial support.
This bill establishes Maine's Student Homelessness Prevention Program within the Department of Education to help elementary and secondary students avoid homelessness. It provides up to $750 per academic year in direct financial assistance to families of students at risk of homelessness for housing needs like rent, utilities, or critical repairs. The program is funded through an annual $1.5 million appropriation from the General Fund, with assistance not counted as income for tax or public assistance eligibility. The program builds on federal McKinney-Vento requirements by proactively identifying at-risk students and offering immediate financial support to maintain stable housing.
LD 1543 establishes the Maine Green Schools Network within the state Department of Education to support public schools in advancing environmental education and sustainability. It directly affects Maine public schools (pre-K to grade 12), educators, students, and community partners by creating a formal network to help schools reduce carbon emissions, integrate environmental literacy into curricula, and develop climate career pathways. Key mechanisms include funding school projects focused on waste reduction, energy conservation, outdoor classrooms, and professional development for teachers, plus a requirement for the network to report to the legislature by November 2026 on school participation and progress. The bill mandates the network to develop shared resources and metrics while collaborating with environmental nonprofits, tribal governments, and state agencies.
This bill amends Maine's Competitive Skills Scholarship Program and establishes the Community Workforce Connections Program. It updates eligibility rules to require applicants to have a "marketable postsecondary degree" (defined as industry-recognized credentials or degrees that enable employment in qualifying labor markets) and to meet income thresholds (under 275% of the federal poverty level or receiving specific state assistance programs). The bill also creates new definitions for "cohort" (group training programs) and clarifies that degrees must not be excluded due to health limitations or lack of licensure recognition. These changes directly affect low-income Mainers seeking workforce training and education credentials. The program will operate under new rules for cohort-based training approved by the commissioner.
LD 1719 establishes new rules for students transferring between Maine school districts. It requires both the current district superintendent and the receiving district superintendent to jointly approve transfers, with decisions made within 30 days. Parents may request transfers at any time for the current school year (but not before April 15 for the next year), and if denied, they can appeal to the commissioner within 15 days. The law mandates written documentation of decisions and creates a two-tier review process (commissioner then state board) to ensure proper procedure was followed, directly affecting parents seeking transfers and school superintendents managing enrollment.
This bill establishes a refundable tax credit program to help Maine parents pay for nonpublic school tuition and fees. It directly affects parents of eligible students (children who could attend public school) enrolled in nonpublic schools, which are defined as non-government-operated elementary or secondary schools. To qualify, parents must provide documented proof of tuition payments, enrollment, and personal payment to the school. The credit amount equals 70% of Maine's average annual per-pupil public school cost, calculated annually by the Department of Education and published online.
