Education

This bill prohibits Maine public school districts from adopting policies that allow students to use restrooms designated for the opposite sex based on their gender identity. It directly affects school administrative units (public schools) and students who identify as transgender or gender-diverse. The law amends state statute to require schools to restrict restroom access to facilities designated by the student's sex assigned at birth, rather than their gender identity. The Department of Education must update its rules to align with this requirement. The bill does not address other school facilities or policies beyond restroom designation.

This bill removes the previous restriction that prevented school boards from expelling or suspending students in grade 5 or below. It allows school boards to expel or suspend students of any grade level for specific serious infractions, including violence, possession of firearms or dangerous weapons, or drug trafficking. For students in grade 5 and below, out-of-school suspensions are limited to a maximum of 3 days unless there is imminent danger of serious injury. The bill also repeals prior provisions related to student conduct policies for younger grades.

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.

This bill requires Maine school boards to update their student codes of conduct to include specific policies for identifying, assessing, and responding to students who may pose a threat of violence to themselves or others. It mandates procedures covering interventions, student supports, disciplinary actions, and placement decisions - including removal from classrooms or school buses - when appropriate. The changes align school practices with current best practices in behavioral threat assessment and response. School boards are directly affected, as they must adopt these updated policies by law.