An Act To Amend The Education Laws Regarding The State Board Of Education'S Authority Concerning Degree-Granting Institutions

This bill modifies Maine's education laws to clarify the authority of the State Board of Education over degree-granting institutions, specifically by creating exemptions for certain religious and out-of-state branch campuses. For religious institutions, the bill allows exemption from state authorization if the school is owned by a church, primarily serves members of that faith, and prepares students for religious leadership roles, provided it does not claim to offer general education equivalent to non-exempt schools. For out-of-state institutions operating branch campuses in Maine, the exemption applies only if the parent institution has been authorized for at least five years in Maine, accredited for ten years, eligible for federal financial aid, and recognized for extensive research and doctoral programs. Institutions receiving these exemptions must inform applicants in writing and prominently display a statement explaining that they are not required to obtain state authorization for using certain names, offering credit courses, or conferring degrees.