An Act To Increase Reading Proficiency In Public Schools

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Michael Brennan

The bill aims to boost reading and math proficiency in Maine public schools by continuing grants, promoting evidence-based math practices, and funding summer programs.

Became Law without Governor's Signature

#curriculum #reading #schoolprograms

Purpose

LD 324 (Resolve as amended) directs state efforts to improve student literacy and mathematics proficiency in Maine public schools by continuing and expanding targeted programs such as early literacy grants, adopting best practices for math instruction, and supporting summer reading and math programs.

Key provisions

Continues early literacy grant programs aimed at increasing reading proficiency in early grades.

Directs implementation/promotion of evidence-based "best practices" for math instruction in schools.

Provides for summer reading and summer math programs to support students who need additional help.

Converted to a Resolve in later amendments (titled “Resolve, to Increase Reading and Mathematics Proficiency in Public Schools”), reflecting an executive-branch implementation approach rather than statutory changes in many details.

Fiscal impact

Initial committee amendment (LR 912(02)) included one‑time General Fund appropriations of $5,000,000 in FY 2025‑26 and $5,000,000 in FY 2026‑27 to the Department of Education to continue grants and summer programs; no ongoing GF costs were projected after FY 2026‑27.

Subsequent amendment (LR 912(04) / Senate Amendment to Committee Amendment) removed the $5,000,000 General Fund appropriations and instead added an ongoing Other Special Revenue Funds allocation of $500 beginning in FY 2025‑26.

Final fiscal notes thus show removal of the previously proposed $5.0M GF appropriations and an ongoing $500 Other Special Revenue Fund allocation; net General Fund impact shown as ($5,000,000) in FY 2025‑26 and FY 2026‑27 in the last fiscal table (reflecting the amendment that removed the appropriation).

Who is affected

Maine Department of Education (administration/oversight of grants and programs).

Public school students, especially early elementary students and those needing remedial summer supports.

School districts, grant recipients, and summer program providers who would implement curricula and receive grants or contracts.

State budget/fiscal planners, due to prior appropriation proposals and later amendment altering funding sources.

Legislative history & current status

Introduced Jan 30, 2025 by Rep. Brennan (Portland); referred to the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee.

Committee work, divided report, and amendments occurred in May–June 2025.

Committee Amendment A (H‑377) and Senate Amendment A (S‑453) were adopted; bill passed both chambers (final passage June 25, 2025).

Sent to the Governor and recorded as HELD BY THE GOVERNOR (as of July 8, 2025).

Notes

The bill’s programmatic intent is clear (literacy and math supports), but funding changed materially during floor action. The final enacted direction and practical scale of grant or program activity will depend on whether/when the Governor acts and on available appropriations or special revenue sources.

Bill