An Act To Prohibit School Administrative Units from Advocating in Political Activity
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 20-A MRSA §4010 is enacted to read:
§ 4010. Political activities prohibited
Political activities are prohibited in school administrative units as follows.
1. Prohibition. A member of a school board, a superintendent or an employee of a school administrative unit may not engage in political activity in the form of sending information to students' households, including any material that is intended to influence a voter's opinion or that expressly advocates for or against any political candidate, referendum question or issue that is placed on the ballot for voters.
2. Exceptions. Subsection 1 does not apply to the adoption of the annual school budget or other school budget questions that require voter approval.
3. Penalty. A person who violates subsection 1 commits a civil violation for which a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $500 for each offense may be adjudged.
summary
This bill prohibits members of a school board, superintendents and employees of a school administrative unit from engaging in political activity that is intended to influence a voter's opinion or that expressly advocates for or against any political candidate, referendum question or issue that is placed on the ballot for voters. The bill also provides a penalty for persons who violate this prohibition on political activity.