‘Sec. 1. 20-A MRSA c. 441 is enacted to read:
CHAPTER 441
EXPECTED FAMILY CONTRIBUTIONS
§ 12951. Expected family contributions
1. Definitions. As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.
A. "Cost of attendance" means the total annual cost for attendance at a postsecondary institution as defined in 20 United States Code, Section 1087ll.
B. "Expected family contribution" means the amount determined in accordance with 20 United States Code, Section 1087nn.
C. "In-state undergraduate student" means an individual who is a resident of the State, who has not been awarded a baccalaureate degree and who is currently enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a full-time or part-time student at a postsecondary institution.
D. "Stafford loan" means a loan secured by the Federal Government for postsecondary education costs.
2. Prohibition on billing students and families for costs exceeding the expected family contribution. A postsecondary institution in this State may not, with the exception of costs covered by Stafford loans, bill or otherwise hold an in-state undergraduate student responsible for any amount of the cost of attendance that exceeds the student's expected family contribution. If the cost of attendance exceeds the expected family contribution plus costs covered by Stafford loans, the school may award the student grants or scholarships to cover the remaining cost of attendance, but in no case may the postsecondary institution require that the student repay any costs associated with those grants or scholarships.’