Sen. Hickman bill to help schools deal with students engaging in unsafe behaviors receives unanimous committee support

AUGUSTA — On Thursday, February 26, Sen. Craig Hickman, D-Winthrop, introduced legislation before the Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs. LD 2204 would have given school boards and superintendents the authority to expel students in fifth grade and below who commit sexual assault against their classmates. On Wednesday, March 11, following public input and discussion, the committee voted unanimously in favor of an amended version of the bill.

The amended version 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.

“I am thankful for the Education Committee’s deliberation on this legislation,” said Sen. Hickman. “These are extremely sensitive situations, and I am hopeful that the new version of this bill will offer an in-depth set of solutions that will equip Maine school districts with the necessary resources and information to deal with these troubling affairs should they arise again.”

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 developed pursuant to the legislation along with any recommendations for further legislation and resources needed to help schools in 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 following conversations with local school officials. The bill now faces votes in the Maine Senate and House of Representatives.

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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