Bill > LD624

This bill creates the Commission to Study a Legislative Internship Program, a 12-member group tasked with developing a structured internship program for postsecondary students to work with Maine legislators. The commission will include senators, representatives, legislative staff, education professionals, and students, with members appointed by the Senate President and House Speaker to ensure bipartisan representation. The commission's primary duty is to comprehensively design an internship program, examining critical aspects such as application and selection processes, intern-legislator matching methods, training protocols, evaluation procedures, appropriate compensation, program costs, physical infrastructure needs, and security considerations. The goal is to create a pilot internship program that will begin in the First Regular Session of the 133rd Legislature, with the commission required to submit a detailed report to the Legislative Council by February 1, 2026. The program aims to provide meaningful policy work experience for students while offering legislators additional support in their legislative responsibilities, with a focus on creating an equitable, inclusive, and professionally structured internship opportunity.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=624&snum=132