Education

LD 1858 creates a Maine Local Seafood Fund to help schools buy seafood from Maine sources. It matches $1 in state funds for every $3 schools spend on seafood purchased directly from Maine fishermen, aquaculture farmers, or local food hubs, up to $5,000 per school annually (or $5,500 if staff attend required training). The bill requires all seafood to be grown or harvested in Maine, with some processed products allowed if they meet state standards. This funding mechanism aims to support Maine seafood businesses while expanding local seafood options in school meals.

LD 1461 prohibits Maine school boards from requiring students, staff, or visitors to wear masks in schools or school activities. The bill defines a "mask mandate" as any school board policy imposing mask-wearing and explicitly bans school boards from implementing or enforcing such policies. It directs the Maine Department of Education to oversee compliance and allows penalties, including withholding state funds, for violations. This law directly affects school boards and administrative units across Maine, removing their authority to enforce mask requirements in educational settings.