LD 628 Maine House · 132nd Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act Regarding Eligibility To Apply For A Department Of Education Diploma

This bill allows 4th-year high school students in Maine to apply for a Department of Education diploma if they couldn't complete standard requirements due to a "significant interruption" in their education, as approved by the Commissioner of Education. It directly affects students who faced disruptions (like extended illness or school closures) during their secondary education. The key provision creates a specific exception to diploma eligibility rules, requiring Commissioner approval for the interruption to qualify. This change applies to students unable to meet traditional requirements through their school administrative unit.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
May 2025
House Passage
Jun 2025
Senate Passage
Jun 2025
Signed into Law
Jun 2025
Introduced Feb 20, 2025 Signed Jun 15, 2025
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
22
Key actions
7
Committee
6
Jun 2, 2025
Upper · Passed
PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.
upper
Jun 2, 2025
Lower · Passed
PASSED TO BE ENACTED.
lower
May 29, 2025
Upper · Passed
Committee Amendment "A" (H-309) READ and ADOPTED.
upper
May 29, 2025
Upper · Passed
On motion by Senator RAFFERTY of York the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report ACCEPTED.
upper
May 29, 2025
Lower · Passed
Committee Amendment "A" (H-309) was READ and ADOPTED.
lower
May 29, 2025
Lower · Passed
On motion of Representative MURPHY of Scarborough, the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report was ACCEPTED.
lower
May 28, 2025
Legislature · Passed
Reported Out - OTP-AM/ONTP
legislature
Feb 20, 2025
Committee
The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on EDUCATION AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2 and ordered printed pursuant to Joint Rule 401.
lower
1 primary · 9 co-sponsors

Sponsors