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LD 281

An Act To Provide Support For Certain Maine Discovery Museum Science, Technology, Engineering And Mathematics Educational Programming Throughout The State

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Joe Baldacci and 3 co-sponsors

Provides ongoing $225,000 yearly to fund Maine Discovery Museum STEM programs statewide (Maine Science Festival, Maine Invention Convention, Science Around ME).

Died in Possession of the Senate when the Legislature adjourned Sine Die and was PLACED IN THE LEGISLATIVE FILES. (DEAD)
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Bill Summary · LD 281

Summary: LD 281 – An Act To Provide Support For Certain Maine Discovery Museum STEM Educational Programming Throughout The State

Purpose and intent

LD 281 would establish a ongoing General Fund investment to support the Maine Discovery Museum’s science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educational programming across Maine. Specifically, it finances three statewide initiatives led by or connected to the Maine Discovery Museum: the Maine Science Festival, the Maine Invention Convention, and the Science Around ME program. The bill channels funding through the Department of Education’s School Finance and Operations program to benefit these programs.

Key provisions

  • Ongoing funding: Creates a continuing General Fund appropriation of $225,000 per year.
  • Administration: Funds are provided to the Department of Education, under the School Finance and Operations program, for distribution to the Maine Discovery Museum.
  • Program targets: The $225,000 annual allocation supports:
    • Maine Science Festival
    • Maine Invention Convention
    • Science Around ME program
  • Effective start: Beginning in fiscal year 2025-26, with ongoing appropriations through the fiscal notes’ projection years (through at least 2028-29).

Fiscal impact

  • Net cost to General Fund: $225,000 per year, starting in FY 2025-26.
  • Appropriations/allocations: $225,000 per year to the Department of Education for distribution to the Maine Discovery Museum programs.
  • Fiscal notes (two versions: original and amended) indicate no offsetting savings; the appropriation is recurring.

Who is affected

  • Primary beneficiary: Maine Discovery Museum and its statewide STEM programming.
  • Indirect beneficiaries: Maine students and educators participating in the Maine Science Festival, Maine Invention Convention, and Science Around ME.
  • State agency impact: Department of Education (School Finance and Operations program) administers the funding.

Legislative history and status

  • Introduced: January 28, 2025.
  • Committee: Education and Cultural Affairs; amended with Committee Amendment "A" (S-71).
  • Action timeline: Passed readings and concurrence in May 2025; subsequently sent for enactment considerations.
  • Current status: CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature (per Joint Order SP 800), July 25? (status note shows June 25, 2025). This means the bill has not yet become law and awaits action in a future session.

Notable notes

  • The bill’s fiscal impact is presented as recurring (ongoing) funding rather than a one-time appropriation.
  • The funds are targeted specifically to support three STEM-focused programs linked to the Maine Discovery Museum, via the Department of Education.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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