CHAPTER 85

H.P. 309 - L.D. 424

An Act To Exempt Certain Religious, Nonpublic, Postsecondary

Institutions from State Requirements for Degree-granting

Authority

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

Sec. 1. 20-A MRSA §10708, sub-§§2 and 3, as enacted by PL 1981, c. 693, §§5 and 8, are amended to read:

2. Federal reservations. Offer programs or courses which that are conducted solely on a federal reservation over which the Federal Government has exclusive jurisdiction. The commissioner shall authorize exempt status under this subsection; and

3. Noncredit courses. Offer courses or programs which that are not for academic credit.; and

Sec. 2. 20-A MRSA §10708, sub-§4 is enacted to read:

4.__Religious, nonpublic, educational institution.__Meet the following criteria.

A.__The educational institution must be substantially owned, operated or supported by a bona fide church or religious organization.

B.__The educational programs of the educational institution must be primarily designed for, aimed at and attended by persons who seek to learn the particular religious faith or beliefs of the church or religious organization under paragraph A.