Sec. 1. 20-A MRSA c. 310 is enacted to read:

CHAPTER 310

SCHOOL VOUCHERS FOR STUDENTS IN

OVERCROWDED SCHOOLS

§8001.__Definitions

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

1.__Overcrowded school.__"Overcrowded school" means an elementary or secondary school having an average student-to- teacher ratio greater than 20 to 1, as measured according to rules adopted by the state board.

2.__Receiving school.__"Receiving school" means a public, private or religious elementary or secondary school that is not an overcrowded school that is receiving a school voucher under this chapter.

3.__Sending school.__"Sending school" means a public overcrowded school that a student has chosen to leave in order to attend a public or private school that is not an overcrowded school.

§8002.__Eligibility

A student in a public overcrowded school is eligible to receive a school voucher from the State if that student chooses to attend a public, private or religious school that is not an overcrowded school, provided that the income of the student's household was not more than $30,000 in the most recent tax year.

§8003.__Voucher; amount and limitations

The State shall provide $3,000 to a receiving school for each student who is eligible for a school voucher under section 8002 and who transfers to that school from a public overcrowded school.__The sending school shall pay the receiving school the balance of the cost of educating the student at the receiving school, up to an amount equal to the per-pupil costs of the sending school.

§8004.__Rules

The state board shall adopt rules to implement this