Vitelli bill to ensure Mainers have access to school transcripts signed into law

AUGUSTA — On Thursday, Gov. Janet Mills signed into law LD 1838, “An Act To Improve Student Access to Postsecondary School Transcripts and Diplomas,” sponsored by Sen. Eloise Vitelli, D-Arrowsic. This new law will help ensure students and graduates in Maine have access to their own transcripts.

“Students and graduates can face a variety of hurdles out of their control when it comes to completing their education or entering the workforce in their chosen field. For too many Mainers, those hurdles have prevented them from even obtaining a copy of their transcript — critical proof of the hard work they’ve already done. This new law will remove that unnecessary barrier, to ensure Mainers can further their education, finish their degree, get the financial help they need, or even join the military,” said Sen. Vitell. “I’m grateful to my colleagues in the Legislature for supporting this measure and to Gov. Mills for signing it into law.”

LD 1838 will 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 prompts the student and school to open communications about any past-due fees or debt. It requires 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 requires schools to compile data on transcripts released and related repayment plans, relative to this measure, and to have consistent, fair treatment for all students.

“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 will go into effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns sine die.