ME LD1853

Establishes the Educational Tax Credit Program providing a refundable tax credit to parents of eligible students attending nonpublic schools in Maine, effective for tax years beginning January 1, 2026

Maximum annual credit equals 70% of the state's average per-pupil cost of education, calculated and published by the Department of Education by August 15th each year

Students enrolling in nonpublic schools after August 1, 2026 qualify immediately; students already enrolled during the 2025-2026 school year must wait until the 2027-2028 school year to participate

Requires parents to provide a standardized receipt from the nonpublic school, proof of payment, and proof of student matriculation to claim the credit

Authorizes the Department of Education to audit nonpublic schools for fraudulent activity and bar schools from the program for intentional and substantial noncompliance