Bill > LD1579

This bill eliminates the requirement for school budget referenda in Maine, which were previously mandatory for regional school units, alternative organizational structures, and community school districts. Currently, school budgets require approval at a budget meeting followed by a separate voter referendum, but this bill removes the referendum step, leaving budget approval solely to the budget meeting. The bill modifies multiple sections of Maine educational law to remove references to budget validation referendums, effectively streamlining the budget approval process. Key changes include removing language about referendum procedures, deleting section 1486 which outlined referendum requirements, and adjusting provisions related to budget approval, transfers between budget categories, and handling of additional state subsidies. The bill maintains the requirement for a budget meeting where the regional school unit's budget is approved, but eliminates the subsequent voter validation step, potentially giving school boards more direct control over budget finalization. This change could simplify the budget process and reduce administrative complexity for school districts across Maine.

Education

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1579&snum=132