New law to help prevent student homelessness takes effect
AUGUSTA — Today, a new law introduced by Sen. Joe Rafferty, D-Kennebunk, went into effect after being passed by the Legislature earlier this year. LD 384, “An Act to Prevent Student Homelessness,” establishes the Student Homelessness Prevention Program within the Department of Education and provides direct financial support to students and families facing housing instability.
“Being able to run this bill through the Legislature, with the support of my colleagues, all the way to the end zone, makes this moment feel like a touchdown,” said Sen. Rafferty. “These guardrails help ensure that our kids don’t have to worry about where they are going to sleep or whether or not that place is safe; they can just focus on being kids. I’m thankful for all the support of my colleagues for backing this bill — and Maine students — to the end.”
The Student Homelessness Prevention Program will provide direct financial assistance to students and their families so they may find stable, permanent housing, reducing their vulnerability to homelessness. This is achieved by equipping designated McKinney-Vento liaisons, which each Maine school has, with the ability to provide students facing housing instability emergency financial assistance in an amount of up to $750 per student.
A pilot version of the Student homelessness Prevention Program was championed by Sen. Rafferty during the 131st Legislature, which became law with overwhelming support.
As non-emergency legislation, LD 384 took effect on September 24, 2025, 90 days after the First Special Session of the 132nd Legislature adjourned. The bill was signed by the governor on July 1, 2025.