No action shall be maintained on any contract made by a minor, unless he, or some person lawfully authorized, ratified it in writing after he arrived at the age of 18 years, except for necessaries or real estate of which he has received the title and retains the benefit.   [PL 1971, c. 598, §83 (AMD).]

Provided that any minor 16 years of age or over, who receives aid and assistance from the New England Higher Education Assistance Foundation for the purpose of furthering his higher education in professional, technical, scientific or literary fields in the form of a loan or loans made or guaranteed in full or in part by said foundation, shall have full legal capacity for such purpose to act in his own behalf in the matter of notes, contracts and other transactions, and with respect to such acts done by him, he shall have rights, powers and privileges and be subject to the obligations of persons of full age.  

Provided that any minor 16 years of age or over, who for the purpose of furthering his higher education in the professional, educational, scientific or literary fields, shall have full legal capacity to act in his own behalf in the matter of making notes, contracts and other transactions, and with respect to such acts done, shall have rights, powers and privileges and be subject to the obligations of persons of full age.