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Bill > LD1162
ME LD1162
ME LD1162Resolve, to Establish a Hybrid Juris Doctor Program at the University of Maine School of Law to Address Access to Justice in Rural Maine
summary
Introduced
03/20/2025
03/20/2025
In Committee
03/20/2025
03/20/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
04/08/2025
04/08/2025
Introduced Session
132nd Legislature
Bill Summary
This resolve directs the University of Maine System, by the beginning of the 2027- 2028 academic year, to establish at the University of Maine School of Law a hybrid juris doctor program that allows a student enrolled in the program to fulfill the degree requirements for a juris doctor primarily through online course work with periodic in- person instruction. Among other things, the program must be designed to prioritize the enrollment of students from rural areas of the State who demonstrate a commitment to practicing law in underserved communities in the State upon graduation; offer academic and professional training and educational opportunities to enrolled students that are the same or substantially equivalent to such opportunities offered to students enrolled in the school’s traditional, in- person juris doctor program; and implement technology for use in the program that delivers high-quality, accessible online instruction to enrolled students. No later than January 1, 2026, the University of Maine System is required to submit a report to the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs outlining its plan for implementation of the hybrid juris doctor program at the University of Maine School of Law by the beginning of the 2027-2028 academic year. After reviewing the report, the committee may report out related legislation.
AI Summary
This bill directs the University of Maine System to establish a hybrid Juris Doctor (J.D.) program at the University of Maine School of Law by the 2027-2028 academic year. The innovative program will allow students to earn their law degree primarily through online coursework with occasional in-person instruction, with a specific focus on recruiting and supporting students from rural areas who are committed to practicing law in underserved communities. The program aims to provide educational opportunities equivalent to the traditional in-person J.D. program, implement high-quality online learning technologies, and create partnerships with local law firms, businesses, and community organizations to offer mentoring, internship, and employment opportunities. The program will be self-sustaining, funded through a combination of student tuition, partnerships, grants, donations, and potential state or federal funding. By January 1, 2026, the University of Maine System must submit a comprehensive report to the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs detailing the program's implementation plan, including rules, policies, timeline, budget, and funding strategies. After reviewing the report, the committee may propose related legislation to the Second Regular Session of the 132nd Legislature.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Leave to Withdraw, Apr 8, 2025 (on 04/08/2025)
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1162&snum=132 |
| BillText | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=HP0767&item=1&snum=132 |
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