An Act To Support Outdoor, Agricultural-Based And Hands-On Experiential Learning In Public Schools

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Russell Black and 4 co-sponsors

Creates the Maine Experiential Education Program to award grants for outdoor, agricultural, hands-on learning in public schools, contingent on outside funding.

Became Law without Governor's Signature

#alternativeeducation #experientialprogram #schoolprograms

Purpose

LD 550 creates a state program to expand outdoor, agricultural, and hands‑on experiential learning opportunities in Maine public schools. The intent is to support school programs that use outdoor and agricultural settings and other experiential methods to enhance student learning and workforce pathways.

Key provisions

Establishes the Maine Experiential Education Program within the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF).

Authorizes DACF to provide grants to public schools and school administrative units (SAUs) to:

develop or expand experiential education programs (outdoor, agricultural‑based, hands‑on), and
fund associated positions that support those programs.

The program’s operation is expressly contingent on securing external funding (federal, private, or other non‑state sources); the bill’s effective date depends on such funding being obtained.

(Note: The engrossed/committee‑amended bill text adopted Committee Amendment “A” (S‑91). The bill does not specify grant amounts or detailed eligibility criteria in the materials provided.)

Who is affected

Public schools and school administrative units in Maine that wish to create or expand experiential, outdoor, or agricultural education programs — they become eligible to apply for grants if/when the program is funded.

DACF — charged with administering the program and grant awards.

Department of Education — expected to collaborate with DACF; additional DOE costs are expected to be absorbable within existing budgets.

Fiscal impact and implementation

Implementation is dependent on securing outside funding; there is no ongoing General Fund obligation unless such funds are provided.

DACF estimates that, if funded, it would need one Public Service Coordinator I position and related allocations totaling approximately $134,519 to administer the program.

Fiscal note identifies potential cost increases to Other Special Revenue Funds and the Federal Expenditures Fund if funding is secured.

DOE participation can be handled within existing resources.

Legislative and procedural timeline

Introduced: February 11, 2025 (referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry).

Committee: Work session held March 25, 2025; reported Out‑of‑Committee as OTP‑AM (with Amendment A).

Passed both chambers (concurrence) May 27, 2025.

Became law without the governor’s signature: June 8, 2025.

Practical considerations

The program’s benefits (expanded experiential learning, stronger school‑agriculture links, career pathway development) will only materialize if external funding is secured and DACF fills the program coordinator role.

Because detailed grant rules, award sizes, application processes and reporting requirements are not described in the fiscal summary, prospective applicants should watch for implementing guidance from DACF once funding is available.

Bill