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An Act To Amend the Laws Governing the Maine State Grant 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 Revised Statutes, Title 20-A, section 11616 imposes limitations on the duration of Maine State Grant Program funding for students in order to encourage degree completion and conserve scarce public resources; and
Whereas,  during the First Regular Session of the 129th Legislature, the Legislature appropriated additional funds to the Maine State Grant Program in order to facilitate the return to education and completion of degrees by adult learners in order to contribute to their personal well-being and the state workforce; and
Whereas,  a provision in the laws governing the program prevents an adult learner from receiving a grant for more than 10 semesters or the equivalent thereof at the institution the adult learner attends; and
Whereas,  this legislation increases the semester limit from 10 to 12 semesters for adult learners and needs to take effect for fiscal year 2019-20; 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 §11616, sub-§2, as amended by PL 2011, c. 642, §6, is further amended to read:
 
2. Period of study.   An eligible full-time or part-time student may receive a grant for a period not to exceed 10 semesters or the equivalent thereof at the institution that the student is attending, except that an adult learner as determined by the authority by routine technical rule may receive a grant for a period not to exceed 12 semesters.
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.
 
SUMMARY
This bill allows an adult learner benefiting from a grant under the Maine State Grant Program to receive up to 12 semesters' worth of grant funding.