Bill
Bill > LD1627
summary
Introduced
04/11/2025
04/11/2025
In Committee
04/11/2025
04/11/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
05/20/2025
05/20/2025
Introduced Session
132nd Legislature
Bill Summary
This bill requires that students complete an internship prior to graduating from high school beginning January 1, 2027. The bill also requires the Department of Education to: 1. Develop and implement a career exploration module for middle school and high school students; 2. Require school administrative units to track and report post-graduation outcomes and examine metrics that incentivize school administrative units to guide students toward 4-year degree programs; 3. Provide training on career counseling standards, including professional development for school counselors regarding career pathways in high-demand fields; 4. Mandate that all high school students receive information on a variety of post-graduation options, including apprenticeships, certification programs and local employment opportunities in high demand; 5. Redirect infrastructure funds to upgrade career and technical education facilities and equipment to meet industry standards; 6. Expand access to extended learning opportunity program coordinators, prioritizing underserved and rural areas; 7. Establish a competitive grant program for employers to partner with schools, career and technical education centers and the Maine Community College System to create new training opportunities to address workforce gaps; 8. Fund innovative pilot programs, such as mobile training units; 9. Develop, in consultation with the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Bureau of Revenue Services, employer tax incentives for workforce investments; 10. Coordinate with the Department of Labor to address labor shortages in underserved regions by offering temporary housing and commuting or relocation stipends; 11. Conduct audits of workforce education to identify inefficient programs and, upon discovery, reallocate the funds to initiatives with measurable outcomes; and 12. Submit a report no later than December 3, 2025 to the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs with suggested legislation.
AI Summary
This bill introduces comprehensive workforce development and education reforms in Maine, focusing on preparing students for career success. Starting January 1, 2027, high school students will be required to complete an internship, apprenticeship, or cooperative education experience to graduate, with the goal of developing workforce skills. The Department of Education will develop a career exploration module for middle and high school students, emphasizing high-demand fields, and require schools to track post-graduation outcomes, including employment rates, program enrollments, and retention rates. The bill mandates that high schools provide information on various post-graduation options like apprenticeships and certification programs, and directs infrastructure funds to upgrade career and technical education facilities. To support workforce development, the bill establishes a competitive grant program for employers to partner with schools and community colleges, creates tax incentives for workforce investments (such as student loan assistance and child care support credits), and offers stipends for workers in underserved regions. Additionally, the bill focuses on expanding extended learning opportunities, providing professional development for school counselors, and conducting audits to ensure workforce education programs are efficient and effective. By December 3, 2025, the Department of Education must submit a report to the Legislature detailing progress on these initiatives and potentially propose further legislation.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (7)
Russell White (R)*,
Steven Bishop (R),
Ann Fredericks (R),
Mathew McIntyre (R),
Arthur Mingo (R),
Shelley Rudnicki (R),
Abden Simmons (R),
Last Action
Pursuant to Joint Rule 310.3 Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD) (on 05/20/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1627&snum=132 |
| BillText | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=HP1081&item=1&snum=132 |
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