Thank you, Maine Legislators!

Each year, there are a number of legislative issues that require our attention. Always be prepared to take action on an issue of importance to homeschoolers! Read our Legislative Information page to become acquainted with the Maine Legislature and the legislative process in our state.

To stay informed of any threat to homeschool freedoms, sign up to receive HOME Email Updates!  Learn more about the importance of protecting homeschool freedom.

Be ready to contact current Maine Education and Cultural Affairs Committee Members, your area's Senators and Representatives, or other legislative committee members, as needed, on Maine legislative issues of importance to homeschoolers. 

• Members of the Maine Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs and their contact information are listed here.

• Submit testimony on a bill here. 

• Choose a committee and watch or listen to a public hearing here.

• The full Directory of Bills can be found here. (New bills are added as they are printed.)

WATCH 

LD 98, An Act to Update the Special Education Laws

This bill clarifies that providing equal opportunities for education for children with disabilities means providing equal opportunities for an appropriate education. The bill changes the age of eligibility for special education and for participation in career and technical education courses by adults who are enrolled in special education from under 20 to under 22. The bill replaces the term "pupil evaluation team" with "individualized education program team" and updates references to deafness and blindness.

Follow the Status of this bill. 

POSITION: HOME will be monitoring this bill. 

ACTION NEEDED: None at this time.

WATCH 

LD 241, An Act to Reform Education

This bill is a concept draft pursuant to Joint Rule 208. 

This bill would reform education.

Follow the Status of this bill. 

POSITION: HOME will be monitoring this bill. 

ACTION NEEDED: None at this time.

WATCH 

LD 309, An Act to Ensure Equitable Access to All Higher Education Institutions

This bill is a concept draft pursuant to Joint Rule 208.

This bill would ensure equitable access to all institutions of higher education in the State.

Follow the Status of this bill. 

POSITION: HOME will be monitoring this bill. 

ACTION NEEDED: None at this time.

WATCH 

LD 338, An Act to Allow Education Funding to Follow the Student

This bill is a concept draft pursuant to Joint Rule 208.

This bill would require the state share of education funding for a student to follow the student to a charter school, private school or homeschool instruction program.

Follow the Status of this bill. 

POSITION: HOME will be monitoring this bill. 

ACTION NEEDED: Please contact bill sponsors to share important information on the risks to homeschool freedom that come with School Choice, This School Choice resource makes it easy! Find more information on HOME's School Choice page.

WATCH 

LD 345, An Act Regarding Educational Policies and Programs

This bill is a concept draft pursuant to Joint Rule 208.

This bill proposes to direct the Department of Education to develop policies and programs to assist all Maine students to succeed.

Follow the Status of this bill. 

POSITION: HOME will be monitoring this bill. 

ACTION NEEDED: None at this time.

SUPPORT 

LD 383, An Act to Restore Legislative Oversight of Rulemaking

This bill changes the designation of all rules adopted pursuant to the Maine Administrative Procedure Act to major substantive rules. 

This bill guarantees that agency rules adopted through MAPA rulemaking process be submitted to the legislature for a second hearing and a vote. This bill provides an added layer of protection to homeschoolers for any agency rules that affect homeschoolers. 

Follow the Status of this bill. 

POSITION: HOME will be monitoring this bill. 

ACTION NEEDED: None at this time.

For more information on current federal issues of concern, please visit HSLDA.