Sen. Hickman bill to help schools deal with students engaging in unsafe behaviors receives unanimous support from the Maine Legislature

AUGUSTA — This week, the Maine Legislature unanimously voted to advance legislation introduced by Sen. Craig Hickman, D-Winthrop. The bill, LD 2204, “Resolve, Directing the Department of Education to Develop Guidance for School Leaders to Ensure Supportive Measures for Young Students Involved in Challenging, Disruptive or Unsafe Behaviors,” aims to equip Maine schools with the necessary resources to manage complex, troubling behaviors by young students in the fifth grade and below.  

“I am thankful for the unanimous support of my fellow Maine legislators on this bill,” said Sen. Hickman. “I am confident this bill will allow for comprehensive policy to be made that will equip Maine school districts with the necessary resources and information to deal with these troubling affairs should they arise again.”

The bill directs the Maine Department of Education (MDOE) to develop and disseminate guidance for school administrative units and school leaders on implementing supportive measures for students up to 11 years of age who exhibit, or are affected by, challenging, disruptive or unsafe student behaviors, including sexual assault, in school settings.

LD 2204 would require the MDOE to submit a report no later than January 15, 2027, to the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs summarizing guidance they developed pursuant to the legislation, along with any recommendations for further legislation and resources needed to help schools support young students. The bill also authorizes the committee to draft a bill related to the report that would be submitted for consideration by the 133rd Legislature.

This legislation was initially introduced by Sen. Hickman after a call from a constituent who reported that their 6-year-old daughter was repeatedly sexually assaulted by a 6-year-old classmate, and subsequent conversations with local school officials.

The bill faces an additional vote in the Senate for enactment before going to the Governor’s desk.

Sen. Hickman represents District 14, which includes Chelsea, Farmingdale, Gardiner, Hallowell, Manchester, Monmouth, Pittston, Randolph, Readfield, Wayne, West Gardiner and Winthrop in Kennebec County.

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