DOE tells committee LD 2109 would limit public tuition to in‑state private schools; members ask about exemptions for current students

The Department of Education (Dr. Laura Cyr) presented LD 21‑09, which would define 'public education' and clarify that private schools receiving approval for public tuition must be located in Maine. Dr. Cyr said the bill would ensure Maine taxpayer dollars purchase education that fulfills Maine constitutional and statutory expectations and would limit the ability of out‑of‑state institutions to receive public tuition dollars.

Committee members asked practical questions about current cases and impacts. Members were told there are currently a very small number of publicly‑tuitioned students attending out‑of‑state private schools (two students were discussed); the DOE said it could consider grandfathering or explicit exemptions at work session. Representative questions focused on whether the bill would reduce parental choice, how the tuition dollars follow students and whether special‑education placements would be affected.

The DOE committed to bringing specifics and options for exemptions to work session. The hearing record closes with committee staff scheduling the bill for further consideration in a work session with DOE staff present.

Next steps: the committee will consider the Department of Education’s follow‑up answers at work session before taking a formal recommendation.