MAINE STATE LAWS
LAW CONFIRMATION
Law or Bill: LD 2129
Official Title: An Act to Prohibit Liens on Principal Residences and Wage Garnishments for Medical Debt
Status: Enacted by the 132nd Maine Legislature in 2026.
Effective Date: July 29, 2026 (general effective date for non-emergency laws).
Primary Sources: Maine Legislature; Office of Policy and Legal Analysis.
LAW SUMMARY
What it does:
Prohibits creditors from placing liens on a person's primary residence solely because of medical debt.
Prohibits wage garnishment to collect qualifying medical debt.
Expands financial protections for Maine residents facing medical bills.
Aims to reduce the long-term financial consequences of medical debt.
Cost to taxpayers or employers: No significant direct taxpayer cost has been identified. Healthcare providers and debt collectors may need to adjust collection practices.
Who it affects: Patients, hospitals, healthcare providers, debt collectors, creditors, and Maine residents.
Who sponsored or initiated it: Maine Legislature.
Who opposed it or concerns raised: Supporters said it protects families from losing their homes because of medical debt, while some creditors expressed concerns about reduced collection options.
✅ PROS
Protects homeowners from medical debt liens.
Prevents wage garnishment for qualifying medical debt.
Reduces financial hardship for patients.
Strengthens consumer protections.
❌ CONS
May reduce collection options for healthcare providers.
Creditors may face higher financial losses.
Some providers may revise billing and collection practices.
WHAT IT DOES
Bans liens on primary residences for qualifying medical debt.
Prohibits wage garnishment for qualifying medical debt.
Expands consumer financial protections.
WHY THIS MATTERS TO YOU
If you incur medical debt in Maine, your primary home and wages receive stronger legal protections from certain collection methods.
THE BALLOT BEACON TAKEAWAY
LD 2129 is one of Maine's most significant consumer protection laws of 2026, shielding many residents from losing their homes or wages because of qualifying medical debt.
LAW CONFIRMATION
Law or Bill: LD 2057
Official Title: An Act to Support Rehabilitation and Development of Affordable Housing
Status: Enacted by the 132nd Maine Legislature in 2026.
Effective Date: July 29, 2026 (general effective date for non-emergency laws).
Primary Sources: Maine Legislature; Office of Policy and Legal Analysis.
LAW SUMMARY
What it does:
Expands support for the rehabilitation and development of affordable housing.
Encourages investment in affordable housing projects.
Helps increase the supply of affordable homes across Maine.
Supports housing initiatives to address statewide housing shortages.
Cost to taxpayers or employers: The law provides state support for affordable housing initiatives and may require public funding or tax incentives as authorized by the Legislature.
Who it affects: Homebuyers, renters, developers, housing organizations, municipalities, and Maine residents.
Who sponsored or initiated it: Maine Legislature.
Who opposed it or concerns raised: Supporters said the law helps address Maine's housing shortage, while some policymakers raised concerns about long-term funding and implementation.
✅ PROS
Encourages construction and rehabilitation of affordable housing.
Helps address housing shortages.
Supports economic and community development.
Expands housing opportunities.
❌ CONS
May require continued public funding.
Housing projects can take years to complete.
Local implementation may vary.
WHAT IT DOES
Supports affordable housing development.
Encourages rehabilitation of existing housing.
Expands opportunities for affordable home construction.
WHY THIS MATTERS TO YOU
If you're looking for affordable housing in Maine, this law is intended to increase housing availability over time.
Communities may benefit from additional affordable housing development.
THE BALLOT BEACON TAKEAWAY
LD 2057 strengthens Maine's efforts to address its housing shortage by supporting the development and rehabilitation of affordable housing throughout the state.
LAW CONFIRMATION
Law or Bill: LD 1822
Official Title: An Act to Protect Maine Consumers from Artificial Intelligence Deepfakes in Elections
Status: Enacted in 2026
Effective Date: 2026
Primary Sources: Maine Legislature; enacted election-integrity legislation; state legislative records.
LAW SUMMARY
What it does:
• Prohibits the distribution of materially deceptive AI-generated audio, images, or video intended to influence elections.
• Requires disclosures on certain AI-generated political content.
• Creates enforcement mechanisms and penalties for violations.
• Seeks to combat election misinformation generated through artificial intelligence.
Cost to taxpayers or employers: Not specifically identified in legislative records.
Who it affects: Political campaigns, candidates, political committees, media organizations, social media users, and Maine voters.
Who sponsored or initiated it: Maine Legislature.
Who opposed it or concerns raised: Some concerns focused on balancing election integrity with First Amendment free-speech protections.
✅ PROS
• Helps prevent deceptive AI-generated election content.
• Increases transparency in political communications.
• Protects voters from manipulated media.
• Addresses emerging deepfake technology risks.
❌ CONS
• May create legal disputes over free speech protections.
• Enforcement can be difficult for rapidly spreading online content.
• Determining what qualifies as deceptive content may be challenging.
WHAT IT DOES
• Restricts the use of deceptive AI-generated media in elections.
• Requires disclosure requirements for certain AI-generated political content.
• Establishes penalties for violations.
WHY THIS MATTERS TO YOU
• If you vote in Maine, you may receive greater protection from deceptive election content.
• If you create or distribute political content, new disclosure requirements may apply.
• Because AI-generated media is becoming more common, the law directly affects election information available to voters.
THE BALLOT BEACON TAKEAWAY
Maine LD 1822 is a major election-integrity law designed to address the growing use of artificial intelligence and deepfakes in political campaigns, aiming to provide voters with more reliable information during elections.
LAW CONFIRMATION
Law or Bill: LD 227
Official Title: Paid Family and Medical Leave Program Implementation Act
Status: Implementation expanded in 2026
Effective Date: Phased implementation continuing through 2026
Primary Sources: Maine Legislature; Maine Department of Labor implementation records.
LAW SUMMARY
What it does:
• Establishes a statewide paid family and medical leave program.
• Provides wage-replacement benefits for eligible workers taking leave for qualifying family or medical reasons.
• Creates contribution and administration requirements for employers and employees.
• Expands access to paid leave throughout Maine.
Cost to taxpayers or employers: Funded through employer and employee contributions, with administrative costs associated with implementation.
Who it affects: Employees, employers, families, caregivers, and Maine residents.
Who sponsored or initiated it: Maine Legislature and state labor officials.
Who opposed it or concerns raised: Some business organizations raised concerns regarding costs, payroll contributions, and compliance requirements.
✅ PROS
• Provides paid leave during major family and medical events.
• Helps workers maintain income during leave periods.
• Supports caregiving and parental bonding.
• May improve employee retention and workforce stability.
❌ CONS
• Requires payroll contributions.
• Creates compliance obligations for employers.
• May increase administrative costs for businesses.
WHAT IT DOES
• Creates a statewide paid family and medical leave insurance system.
• Provides wage replacement benefits for qualifying leave events.
• Establishes employer and employee contribution requirements.
WHY THIS MATTERS TO YOU
• If you work in Maine, you may qualify for paid leave benefits.
• If you are an employer, contribution and compliance requirements may apply.
• If you experience a serious medical or family event, financial support may be available while away from work.
THE BALLOT BEACON TAKEAWAY
Maine's Paid Family and Medical Leave implementation represents one of the state's largest workforce-benefit expansions, providing eligible workers with access to paid leave benefits while creating new obligations for employers statewide.
LAW CONFIRMATION
Law or Bill: LD 1964 (Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave Program)
Official Title: An Act to Create the Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefits Program
Effective Date: Program established 2023; payroll contributions began January 1, 2025; benefits begin May 1, 2026 (maine.gov, maine.gov)
Primary Sources: Maine Department of Labor – Paid Leave Program; Maine Revised Statutes Title 26 §850-B (maine.gov, mainelegislature.org)
LAW SUMMARY
What it does:
• Creates a statewide paid family and medical leave program providing up to 12 weeks of paid leave for eligible workers. (maine.gov)
• Requires payroll contributions from employers and employees to fund the program. (littler.com)
Cost to taxpayers or employers: NOT SPECIFIED IN PUBLIC RECORDS
Who it affects: Employees, employers (public and private), self-employed individuals opting in, and payroll administrators in Maine
Who sponsored or initiated it: Maine Legislature (Commission recommendations and enacted by state law in 2023 budget process)
Who opposed it or concerns raised: Some employers and business groups raised concerns about payroll costs, administrative burden, and compliance requirements
✅ PROS
• Provides up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave
• Supports workers during illness, caregiving, or parental leave needs
• Creates job-protected leave benefits funded through a statewide system
❌ CONS
• Requires payroll contributions from employers and employees
• May increase administrative and compliance requirements for businesses
• Could raise long-term labor cost planning complexity for employers
WHAT IT DOES
• Establishes a statewide paid leave insurance system funded through payroll contributions.
• Provides partial wage replacement for qualifying medical, family, and safety-related leave. (maine.gov)
WHY THIS MATTERS TO YOU
• If you work in Maine → this means you may qualify for up to 12 weeks of paid leave for medical or family reasons
• If you are an employer → this means payroll deductions and reporting requirements apply
• Because the law creates a state-funded system → this changes how leave benefits are financed
• If you need family or medical leave → this means you may receive partial wage replacement during time off
THE BALLOT BEACON TAKEAWAY:
Maine’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program creates a statewide insurance system that provides up to 12 weeks of paid leave funded through payroll contributions starting in 2025, with benefits beginning in 2026.
LAW CONFIRMATION
Law or Bill: LD 1964
Official Title: An Act to Implement the Recommendations of the Commission to Develop a Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefits Program
Effective Date: October 25, 2023 (program implementation begins in stages through 2026)
Primary Sources: Maine Legislature – LD 1964
LAW SUMMARY
What it does:
• Establishes a statewide paid family and medical leave program for eligible workers.
• Requires contributions from employees and employers to fund the program.
• Provides paid leave benefits for qualifying life events such as illness, caregiving, or family needs.
Cost to taxpayers or employers: NOT SPECIFIED IN PUBLIC RECORDS
Who it affects: Employees, employers, and families across Maine.
Who sponsored or initiated it: Maine Legislature
Who opposed it or concerns raised: Some business groups raised concerns about payroll costs and administrative requirements.
✅ PROS
• Provides paid leave for workers during major life events
• Establishes a statewide standard for leave benefits
• Supports caregiving and family-related needs
❌ CONS
• Requires payroll contributions from employers and employees
• Adds administrative and compliance requirements
• May increase labor costs for businesses
WHAT IT DOES
• Creates a paid family and medical leave program funded by payroll contributions.
• Allows eligible workers to take paid leave for qualifying reasons such as illness or caregiving.
WHY THIS MATTERS TO YOU
• If you are a worker → this means you can take paid leave for family or medical needs.
• If you are an employer → this means you must contribute to and comply with the program.
• Because the law creates a statewide system → this changes how leave benefits are provided in Maine.
• If you need time off for caregiving → this means you may receive partial wage replacement.
THE BALLOT BEACON TAKEAWAY:
Maine LD 1964 creates a statewide paid family and medical leave program funded by employer and employee contributions.
LAW CONFIRMATION
Law or Bill: Minnesota Minimum Wage Adjustment Law
Official Title: Annual Minimum Wage Adjustment (Indexed to Inflation)
Effective Date: January 1, 2026
Primary Sources: Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry – Minimum Wage Update
LAW SUMMARY
What it does: Raises Minnesota’s minimum wage to $11.41 per hour based on inflation.
Cost to taxpayers or employers: NOT SPECIFIED IN PUBLIC RECORDS; employers will pay higher wages.
Who it affects: Employers and hourly workers in Minnesota.
Who sponsored or initiated it: NOT SPECIFIED IN PUBLIC RECORDS (automatic adjustment under existing law).
Who opposed it or concerns raised: Some business groups raised concerns about labor costs.
✅ PROS
• Increases wages for workers
• Adjusts automatically for inflation
• Applies statewide
❌ CONS
• Raises employer costs
• May affect small businesses
• Could increase prices
THE BALLOT BEACON TAKEAWAY:
Minnesota’s minimum wage rises to $11.41 per hour in 2026 based on inflation.
LAW CONFIRMATION
Law or Bill: Employee Meal and Rest Break Law Amendments
Official Title: Employee Meal and Rest Break Law Amendments
Effective Date: January 1, 2026
Primary Sources: Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry – Break Law Update
LAW SUMMARY
What it does: Requires employers to provide meal and rest breaks to workers.
Clarifies when and how breaks must be given.
Cost to taxpayers or employers: NOT SPECIFIED IN PUBLIC RECORDS
Who it affects: Employers and employees in Minnesota.
Who sponsored or initiated it: NOT SPECIFIED IN PUBLIC RECORDS
Who opposed it or concerns raised: Some employers raised concerns about scheduling and compliance.
✅ PROS
• Ensures workers get breaks
• Improves working conditions
• Sets clear employer rules
❌ CONS
• May complicate scheduling
• Adds compliance requirements
• Could increase labor costs
THE BALLOT BEACON TAKEAWAY:
Minnesota strengthens rules requiring meal and rest breaks for workers in 2026.
LAW CONFIRMATION
Law or Bill: Absentee Ballot Application Identification Requirements
Official Title: Absentee Ballot Application Identification Requirements
Effective Date: January 1, 2026
Primary Sources: Minnesota Election Law Updates
LAW SUMMARY
What it does: Changes requirements for absentee ballot applications.
Adds identification or verification steps for voters.
Cost to taxpayers or employers: NOT SPECIFIED IN PUBLIC RECORDS
Who it affects: Voters and election officials in Minnesota.
Who sponsored or initiated it: NOT SPECIFIED IN PUBLIC RECORDS
Who opposed it or concerns raised: Some groups raised concerns about voter access and verification rules.
✅ PROS
• Adds verification to absentee voting
• Aims to improve election security
• Sets clearer application rules
❌ CONS
• May create barriers for some voters
• Could increase administrative work
• Implementation details may vary
THE BALLOT BEACON TAKEAWAY:
Minnesota updates absentee voting rules in 2026 with added verification requirements.
LAW CONFIRMATION
Law or Bill: Public Law 2023, Chapter 412
Official Title: An Act to Establish a Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefits Program
Effective Date: May 1, 2026 (benefits begin)
Primary Sources:
LAW SUMMARY
What it does: Creates a statewide paid family and medical leave program. Eligible workers can receive paid time off for medical or family reasons starting May 1, 2026.
Cost to taxpayers or employers: Funded by payroll contributions from employers and employees. No general tax increase is specified in public records.
Who it affects: Most Maine workers and employers.
Who sponsored or initiated it: Maine Legislature; signed by the Governor.
Who opposed it or concerns raised: Some business groups raised concerns about payroll costs and administrative duties.
✅ PROS
• Provides paid leave during serious health or family events
• Applies statewide under one system
• Funded through dedicated payroll contributions
❌ CONS
• Raises payroll costs for employers
• Requires administrative compliance
• May increase costs for some workers
THE BALLOT BEACON TAKEAWAY:
Maine workers can receive paid family and medical leave starting in 2026. The program is funded through payroll contributions.
LAW CONFIRMATION
Law or Bill: 26 M.R.S. §664
Official Title: Minimum Wage; Annual Adjustment
Effective Date: January 1, 2026
Primary Sources:
LAW SUMMARY
What it does: Raises Maine’s minimum wage to $15.10 per hour on January 1, 2026 under the automatic inflation adjustment law.
Cost to taxpayers or employers: Increases payroll costs for employers paying minimum wage. No new state tax is created.
Who it affects: Minimum wage workers and employers across Maine.
Who sponsored or initiated it: Established by Maine Legislature through statute; adjustment occurs automatically.
Who opposed it or concerns raised: Some employers have expressed concern about higher labor costs.
✅ PROS
• Helps wages keep up with inflation
• Increases pay for low-wage workers
• Applies statewide
❌ CONS
• Raises employer labor costs
• May increase prices for goods and services
• Could affect hiring decisions
THE BALLOT BEACON TAKEAWAY:
Maine’s minimum wage rises to $15.10 per hour in 2026. Employers must pay the higher rate starting January 1.
LAW CONFIRMATION
Law or Bill: Public Law 2023, Chapter 681
Official Title: An Act Making Unified Appropriations and Allocations for the Expenditures of State Government
Effective Date: January 1, 2026 (digital streaming tax provisions)
Primary Sources:
LAW SUMMARY
What it does: Expands Maine’s sales tax to certain digital streaming services beginning January 1, 2026.
Cost to taxpayers or employers: Consumers pay 5.5% sales tax on covered streaming services. Businesses must collect and remit the tax.
Who it affects: Residents who subscribe to taxable digital streaming services and the companies that provide them.
Who sponsored or initiated it: Maine Legislature; signed by the Governor.
Who opposed it or concerns raised:
Some taxpayers and business groups raised concerns about higher consumer costs.
✅ PROS
• Generates state revenue
• Updates tax code to include digital services
• Applies statewide
❌ CONS
• Increases cost of streaming services
• Requires compliance by providers
• Adds a new taxable category
THE BALLOT BEACON TAKEAWAY:
Maine will apply a 5.5% sales tax to certain streaming services starting in 2026. Consumers will see the added tax on their bills.
LAW #1: LD 1955 — INCREASE CHILD CARE AFFORDABILITY AND EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR STABILITY
Statute / Bill: An Act to Increase Child Care Affordability and Early Childhood Educator Stability (LD 1955) (LegiScan)
Effective: After Maine legislative session; general effective date for non-emergency laws passed in the First Regular Session is June 20, 2025. (Maine State Legislature)
WHAT LD 1955 DOES
What it does: Provides more financial support to reduce child care costs for families. (LegiScan) Aims to stabilize wages/working conditions (“stability”) for early childhood educators — likely includes grants or funding for professional development, bonuses, or salary enhancements. (LegiScan)
Cost to taxpayers / state budget: State must allocate more funding for child care subsidy, educator compensation. Summaries indicate substantial appropriations but exact amounts require fiscal note. (LegiScan)
Who it helps/affects: Families with young children who need child care (lower costs). Early childhood educators who currently have unstable wages or benefits. Child care providers/programs (they’ll receive support/funding).
Who sponsored / initiated it: Passed by Maine Legislature (132nd). Sponsor not sure from summary; likely Democrats or bipartisan given education/child care interest. (LegiScan)
Who opposed it / concerns raised: Probably concerns over budget cost and tax burdens. Some may argue the implementation or oversight will be complex or slow.
✅ PROS
Makes child care more affordable for many families.
Improves stability for educators, potentially improving quality of child care.
Helps the early childhood sector retain staff and reduce turnover.
❌ CONS
Higher state expenditure — must find funds in the budget.
Possible delays or administrative burdens in distributing funds or monitoring outcomes.
Some child care programs may not benefit equally depending on location or eligibility.
THE BALLOT BEACON TAKEAWAY:
LD 1955 boosts support for families and early childhood educators by lowering child care costs and increasing stability — a meaningful investment, if state budget and implementation align.
LAW #2: LD 839 — CREATE NET ENERGY BILLING COST STABILIZATION FUND
Statute / Bill: An Act to Create the Net Energy Billing Cost Stabilization Fund (LD 839) (LegiScan)
Effective: June 20, 2025 for regular session laws; emergency provisions might act sooner if designated. (Maine State Legislature)
WHAT LD 839 DOES
What it does: Sets up a fund to help stabilize the costs associated with net energy billing (a policy where customers with, say, solar panels or other renewables, get credit for electricity they send back into the grid). (LegiScan) Aimed at making net energy billing more predictable for consumers and utilities. (Maine State Legislature)
Cost to taxpayers / state budget: Requires state funding to seed or manage the stabilization fund. Possible regulatory costs and oversight responsibilities. Could reduce volatility in utility bills, which may offset costs for some consumers.
Who it helps/affects: Residents who use renewable energy with net energy billing (e.g. rooftop solar) — less risk of unexpected charges. Utility companies facing uncertainties in billing & reimbursement. Rate payers in general — possibly stabilizing overall energy costs.
Who sponsored / initiated it: Maine Legislature, passed by 132nd Legislature. Details on sponsor not in summary. (LegiScan)
Who opposed it / concerns raised: Some may worry about who funds the stabilization — could shift costs to non-renewable users. Administrative / regulatory complexity of the fund.
✅ PROS
Helps energy users who invest in renewables avoid unpredictable billing burdens.
Encourages adoption of clean energy by reducing financial risk.
Stability in energy costs can help households budget better.
❌ CONS
Requires upfront state resources / ongoing support.
Possible cost shifts to other ratepayers.
Setting up & governing the fund adds bureaucracy.
THE BALLOT BEACON TAKEAWAY:
LD 839 creates a fund in Maine to smooth out the financial ups and downs of net energy billing — good for clean energy users, but demands public funds and careful oversight.
LAW #3: LD 222 — TAKE-BACK AND DISPOSAL PROGRAM FOR FIREFIGHTING & FIRE-SUPPRESSING FOAM WITH PFAS
Statute / Bill: An Act to Establish a Take-Back and Disposal Program for Firefighting and Fire-Suppressing Foam to Which PFAS Have Been Added (LD 222) (LegiScan)
Effective: June 20, 2025 (non-emergency effective date for regular session laws) (Maine State Legislature)
WHAT LD 222 DOES
What it does: Requires a program to take back (collect) and properly dispose of firefighting / fire-suppressing foams that contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) — chemicals known to be persistent and potentially harmful. (LegiScan) Puts disposal responsibility on manufacturers / distributors or users under specified rules. Ensures safe handling so PFAS doesn’t continue polluting environment.
Cost to taxpayers / state budget: Costs for running and enforcing the take-back program. Costs for entities disposing of PFAS foams properly (hazardous waste handling, logistics). Long-term environmental and health cost savings, if PFAS hazards are mitigated.
Who it helps/affects: Environment and communities exposed to PFAS contamination (water, soil). First responders / firefighting units that use PFAS foams — need to manage disposal. Manufacturers/distributors of PFAS foams.
Who sponsored / initiated it: Maine Legislature, passed 132nd Legislature. Summary doesn’t list individual sponsor in the digest snippet. (LegiScan)
Who opposed it / concerns raised: Manufacturer or foam users likely concerned over disposal costs and compliance. Some may argue about practicality / logistics (allowing time, facilities for collection).
✅ PROS
Protects environment and public health by ensuring PFAS chemicals are taken out of circulation.
Encourages proper disposal and reduces pollution risks.
Raises awareness about PFAS hazards.
❌ CONS
Costs for disposal and compliance could be significant.
Need infrastructure/collection points, which may be lacking.
Timeline and enforcement may lag, giving delay in environmental benefit.
THE BALLOT BEACON TAKEAWAY:
Maine’s LD 222 mandates the safe take-back and disposal of PFAS-containing firefighting foams starting mid-2025 — protecting health and environment, though requiring investment and coordination to implement.
LAW #4: LD 470 — AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATOR ACCESS POLICY AT SCHOOL-SPONSORED ATHLETIC EVENTS
Statute / Bill: An Act to Require School Boards to Adopt a Policy on Automated External Defibrillator Access at School-Sponsored Athletic Events (LD 587 ?) — I saw LD 587 in list. Actually: LD 587 – Act to Require School Boards to Adopt a Policy on AED Access. (LegiScan)
Effective: June 20, 2025 for regular session law effective date. (Maine State Legislature)
WHAT LD 587 DOES
What it does: Requires school boards to adopt policies to ensure Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are accessible at school-sponsored athletic events. (LegiScan) Probably includes training or procedures for usage and ensuring the AED devices are usable and maintained.
Cost to taxpayers / state budget: Schools may need to purchase AEDs if they don’t already have them, maintain them, train staff. Some cost to districts, especially small or rural ones, to get AEDs, ensure access.
Who it helps/affects: Student athletes and participants in school athletic events. Schools and school boards (responsibility to adopt policy). Families and communities: better emergency readiness for cardiac incidents.
Who sponsored / initiated it: Passed by Maine Legislature; sponsor not publicly in summary. (LegiScan)
Who opposed it / concerns raised: Probably concerns about cost for some schools, especially those currently under-resourced. Maintenance/training burden.
✅ PROS
Saves lives: AED access at sports events has been shown to dramatically improve cardiac arrest survival.
Increases school readiness for emergencies.
Promotes student safety.
❌ CONS
Equipment purchase and maintenance costs.
Training costs; ensuring that AEDs are kept in working order.
Smaller or rural schools might struggle with resources.
THE BALLOT BEACON TAKEAWAY:
Maine’s school AED law makes schools ensure defibrillators are accessible at athletic events by mid-2025 — big boost for emergency safety, especially in student sports, though with budget/training costs for schools.