Senate unanimously approves Vitelli bill to ensure Mainers have access to school transcripts

AUGUSTA — On Wednesday, the Maine Senate voted in favor of a bill from Sen. Eloise Vitelli, D-Arrowsic, to help ensure students and graduates in Maine have access to their own transcripts. LD 1838, “An Act To Improve Student Access to Postsecondary School Transcripts and Diplomas,” received a unanimous vote of support. 

“This bill makes it easier for students to continue their education and obtain employment, while prompting the school and the student to open a discussion and come to a mutually agreed-upon payment plan. By giving students access to their transcripts, we empower them to finish their education or join the workforce, which puts them in a better position to repay their debts,” said Sen. Vitelli. “I strongly believe this bill is the right thing to do for Maine students and for Maine’s economy, and I thank my colleagues in the Senate for their support.”

As amended, LD 1838 would require postsecondary schools in Maine to provide a transcript or diploma for a student — if that student needs the transcript or diploma to apply for a job, for further education or other career training, the military, financial aid or similar services — and prompt the student and school to open communications about any past-due fees or debt. It would require the student and school to develop a mutually agreed upon repayment plan if the student owes a certain amount of money. The amended bill also would require schools to compile data on transcripts released and related repayment plans, relative to this measure, and to have consistent, fair treatment for all students.

“From my own personal experience, and from my years working with high school students, I know how important education is. I also know how important having access to the copy of a transcript can be for qualifying for better career opportunities,” said Sen. Joe Rafferty, D-Kennebunk, who serves as chair of the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee. “I believe this bill represents a fair compromise that will help Mainers as well as Maine schools.”

“All too often, people will begin their postsecondary academic journey, but find themselves in situations that prevent them from moving forward. These factors are often financial, as the cost of education has risen exponentially over the past 20 years. When a person leaves a postsecondary program because they can’t pay their bill, it leaves them with no opportunity to advance. If they can’t advance, then they won’t be able to pay their bill. It is a catch 22 that does not benefit anyone,” said Monique Roy, with Maine Adult Education Association, in testimony supporting the bill.

Sen. Vitelli is a longtime advocate for Maine students and graduates. She sponsored the Student Loan Bill of Rights in 2019, which created a registry of public lenders and created rights for borrowers to protect them from predatory lending practices. Last year, the Legislature passed a bill she sponsored to extend many of these rights to private student loan borrowers and their cosigners.

LD 1838 faces further votes in the Legislature.