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LD 375

An Act To Require The University Of Maine School Of Law To Provide An Online Degree Program

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Donna Bailey and 5 co-sponsors

Directs the University of Maine System to study the feasibility of offering an online law degree at the University of Maine School of Law and report findings; no mandate.

Signed by Governor
#lawschool #onlinedegreeprogram #universityofmainesystem
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Bill Summary · LD 375

Summary — LD 375 (132nd Legislature)

Title: An Act To Require the University Of Maine School Of Law To Provide An Online Degree Program
Status: Signed by the Governor (6/4/2025) — enacted as a Resolve directing a feasibility study
Introduced: January 30, 2025
Committee: Education and Cultural Affairs
Legislative Reference: LR 713 (as amended)

Purpose / Intent

LD 375 was originally drafted to require the University of Maine School of Law to provide an online law degree program. During committee consideration, the measure was amended and enacted instead as a Resolve directing the University of Maine System (UMS) to study the feasibility of distance learning programs at the University of Maine School of Law. The enacted measure directs UMS to evaluate whether, and under what conditions, the law school could offer online degree(s).

Key provisions

  • Converts the original statutory mandate into a directive (Resolve) for a feasibility study.
  • Directs the University of Maine System to:
    • Study the feasibility of providing distance learning (online) programs at the University of Maine School of Law.
    • Prepare and submit the required report (text of the Resolve specifies reporting requirements in detail — see enacted bill for exact deadlines and report recipients).
  • The committee amendment (Committee Amendment "A", S-78) made the substantive change from a mandatory requirement to provide an online degree to the study/resolve approach.

Who is affected

  • University of Maine System (administration and University of Maine School of Law) — tasked with performing the study and producing the report.
  • Current and prospective law students in Maine — potential future beneficiaries if online programs are found feasible and implemented.
  • State policymakers and higher-education stakeholders — will receive the study’s findings to inform policy and funding decisions.
  • Bar/admissions and accreditation bodies may be implicated later if implementation is pursued (not mandated by this Resolve).

Fiscal impact

  • Two fiscal notes (LR 713(02) and LR 713(03)) estimate a minor cost increase to the University of Maine System to conduct the study and submit the report.
  • Both notes state the additional costs can be absorbed within existing budgeted resources.

Legislative/timeline notes

  • Referred to the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee (1/30/2025).
  • Committee recommended “Ought to Pass as Amended” (OTP‑AM); Committee Amendment A (S‑78) adopted.
  • Passed both chambers (final concurrence 5/22/2025) and signed by the Governor 6/4/2025.
  • The enacted measure is a Resolve (study directive); it does not itself require the law school to create or deliver an online degree program.

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

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