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An Act To Modify the Maine Dental Education Loan Program
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas,  the Maine Dental Education Loan Program is limited to 3 combined awards annually and an aggregate of 12; and
Whereas,  money in the program is currently sufficient to fund additional awards; and
Whereas,  that money could be awarded in 2009 but for the current limitation and, if the limitation were eliminated in time to make awards to eligible students entering dental school in 2009, more students could benefit; and
Whereas,  there is an urgent need in the State of Maine for additional dentists practicing primary dentistry, which this program addresses by providing financial support for dental students and certain dental practitioners; and
Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 20-A MRSA §12302, sub-§1, as repealed and replaced by PL 2003, c. 510, Pt. E, §1, is amended to read:
 
1. Establishment. The Maine Dental Education Loan Program, referred to in this chapter as "the program," is established. The authority shall administer the program. Under this program, beginning in fiscal year 2000-01 and ending in fiscal year 2007-08, the chief executive officer shall award up to 3 loans or loan repayment agreements annually up to an aggregate of 12. Beginning in fiscal year 2008-09, the chief executive officer shall award up to 3 loans or loan repayment agreements annually and may award additional loans or loan repayment agreements annually as funds permit. As provided in subsection 3:
 
A. Loans are available to Maine residents enrolled in a dental school; or
 
B. A loan repayment agreement is available to a person who is eligible for licensure as a doctor of dental medicine in Maine and who has outstanding dental education loans.
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.
 
Effective March 18, 2009.