ME LD1579

Eliminates the mandatory budget validation referendum requirement for regional school units, school administrative districts, community school districts, and alternative organizational structures in Maine

Repeals Section 1486 of Title 20-A MRSA, which established the procedures for budget validation referenda

Retains the requirement for school budgets to be approved at budget meetings using the cost center summary format, but removes the subsequent public referendum vote

Allows regional school unit boards to transfer up to 5% between cost centers and use additional state subsidy without voter approval through referendum

Applies to all school district budgets developed after January 1, 2008 that were previously subject to the two-step approval process (budget meeting followed by referendum)