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Bill > LD1395
ME LD1395
ME LD1395An Act Regarding Human Trafficking Prevention Instruction and Dissemination of and Access to Obscene Material in Schools
summary
Introduced
04/01/2025
04/01/2025
In Committee
04/01/2025
04/01/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
05/29/2025
05/29/2025
Introduced Session
132nd Legislature
Bill Summary
This bill requires that a digital or online library database resource offered by a school administrative unit, public charter school or postsecondary educational institution to students in kindergarten to grade 12 must prevent a user from sending, receiving, viewing or downloading materials that are child pornography or obscene matter or that depict sexual exploitation of a minor. It directs a school administrative unit, public charter school or postsecondary educational institution to withhold payment if a provider of a digital or online library database resource does not comply with these requirements and to consider noncompliance a breach of contract if the provider does not verify compliance in a timely manner. The bill amends the law that prohibits the dissemination of obscene matter to minors to eliminate the exception that applies to noncommercial distribution or exhibition by public schools for purely educational purposes. The bill also permits a public school or private school to offer or integrate into its curriculum instructional modules on the prevention and recognition of signs of sexual abuse, sexual exploitation of a minor and human trafficking. It also permits a public or private school to offer training to school employees on the same topics.
AI Summary
This bill introduces several key provisions aimed at protecting students from harmful online content and raising awareness about sexual abuse and human trafficking. First, it requires digital or online library database resources used by schools for students in kindergarten through 12th grade to implement technology that prevents users from accessing child pornography, obscene materials, or content depicting sexual exploitation of minors. Schools are instructed to withhold payment from providers who do not comply with these requirements and can consider persistent noncompliance a breach of contract. The bill also removes a previous exemption that allowed public schools to distribute obscene materials for educational purposes. Additionally, the legislation permits public and private schools to develop and integrate instructional modules and training programs focused on preventing and recognizing sexual abuse, child exploitation, and human trafficking. These modules and training sessions would provide students and school employees with critical information about identifying signs of these serious issues, empowering them to better protect themselves and others from potential harm.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (9)
Reagan Paul (R)*,
Donald Ardell (R),
Steven Bishop (R),
Kimberly Haggan (R),
Matt Harrington (R),
Kathy Javner (R),
Abden Simmons (R),
Katrina Smith (R),
Russell White (R),
Last Action
Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD) (on 05/29/2025)
bill text
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1395&snum=132 |
| Fiscal Note: Text | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/bills_132nd/fiscalpdfs/FN139501.pdf |
| BillText | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=HP0917&item=1&snum=132 |
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