AUGUSTA - The Legislative Council voted last week to send two bills sponsored by Rep. Maggie O'Neil, D-Saco, to the Legislature for consideration. The bills, one regarding textbook cost assistance for high school students interested in taking college courses and the other regarding consumer protections for sensitive personal information, will be heard during the upcoming session in January.
The first bill, An Act To Provide Textbook Cost Assistance for High School Students Enrolled in Early College Courses, will ensure that high school students will be able to access early college classes regardless of ability to purchase expensive college textbooks.
"The Legislature has made funds available for qualifying students to take college credits while they are still in high school, which is a great opportunity for Maine students," said O'Neil. "However, unlike for regular high school classes, students enrolled in college courses must purchase their textbooks. In partnership with the Department of Education, this bill would create a fund for textbook costs so that students who are not able to purchase textbooks will still be able to take advantage of the program."
The second bill, An Act To Protect the Privacy of Maine Residents, will shore up consumer protection law by protecting Maine people against unwanted collection and sale of sensitive personal information.
"Maines current consumer protection laws have gaps that need to be addressed," said O'Neil. "This legislation will protect Mainers and their most sensitive personal information."
O'Neil is serving her third term in the Maine House. She is House chair of the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee and a member of the Government Oversight Committee. She represents District 15, part of Saco.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [ONeil], c. 812-1111