Bill > LD2045

This bill amends the Education Laws to create a new exemption for certain branch or extension campuses of out-of-state nonprofit educational institutions from the State Board of Education's regulatory requirements. Specifically, the bill allows a branch or extension campus to be exempt from degree-granting institution regulations if it is affiliated with a nonprofit educational institution from another state that meets four specific criteria: the institution must have been authorized to offer graduate-level degree programs in the state for at least 5 years, been accredited as a degree-granting institution by a recognized accrediting association for at least 10 years, maintain eligibility for federal financial aid programs, and be recognized for significant academic research, doctoral programs, and advanced facilities. The exemption applies only to the specific branch or extension campus meeting these requirements, and would allow such campuses to use terms like "college" or "university", offer academic credit courses, and confer degrees without obtaining prior authorization from the State Board of Education or the Maine State Legislature. This change appears designed to provide flexibility for established out-of-state educational institutions establishing campuses in Maine while maintaining certain quality standards.

Education

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=2045&snum=132