Whereas, it is vital to provide adequate funding for the education of children in this State; and

Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

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

Sec. 1. 20-A MRSA c. 419-E is enacted to read:

CHAPTER 419-E

POSTSECONDARY ENROLLMENT GRANT

PROGRAM

§11721.__Definitions

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

1.__Authority.__"Authority" means the Finance Authority of Maine.

2.__Eligible program of study.__"Eligible program of study" means an associate degree program or a baccalaureate degree program.

3.__Institution of higher education.__"Institution of higher education" means a public or private institution of higher education located within this State that offers an associate degree program or a baccalaureate degree program.__The institution must meet the requirements of and conform to the definitions contained in the federal Higher Education Act of 1965, Section 1201, as amended, 20 United States Code, Section 1141; the federal Higher Education Act of 1965, Section 491, as amended, 20 United States Code, Section 1088; and the regulations, guidelines and procedures promulgated by the United States Secretary of Education and published in the Federal Register pursuant to these sections of law.

§11722.__Eligibility