ME LD628

Creates a permanent pathway for 4th year (or beyond) secondary students to apply for a Department of Education diploma if educational disruptions prevented them from meeting local school district graduation requirements

Removes the September 1, 2026 repeal date for the COVID-19 pandemic eligibility provision, making educational disruption accommodations permanent

Expands the definition of "education disruption" to include housing disruptions beyond homelessness and foster care, and absences exceeding 10% of school days due to unforeseen circumstances like unplanned hospitalization or serious medical conditions

Lowers the threshold for school mobility disruption from 3 schools to 2 schools or educational programs during secondary education (previously required changes within a single school year)

Became law without the Governor's signature on June 15, 2025, as Public Law Chapter 312