Maine Training Requirements
Maine law requires that employers with 15 or more employees provide sexual harassment prevention training to all new hires within one year of employment, and to supervisors within one year of assuming their role. This mandate is outlined under Title 26, Section 807 of the Maine Revised Statutes.
The training must educate employees about their workplace rights, the definition of sexual harassment, how to report concerns internally and externally, and their protection from retaliation. Employers are also encouraged to repeat training annually to maintain a respectful and legally compliant work environment.
Here’s a scannable view of the above info:
| Requirement Area |
What You Need to Know |
| Who Must Comply |
Employers with 15 or more employees |
| Who Must Be Trained |
All new employees and supervisors |
| When to Train |
Within 1 year of hire or promotion |
| Training Duration |
1 hour minimum |
| Training Frequency |
Annual refresher recommended
|
| Training Format |
Online or in-person; must include key state-defined topics
|
| Recordkeeping |
Not required by law, but recommended to document compliance
|
Who must be trained in Maine, and when should the training happen?
Employers in Maine with 15 or more employees are legally required to train:
The law applies across all sectors, and early education is key to preventing workplace harassment.
How often must training be conducted, and how long should it be?
While Maine mandates initial training within the first year, the state also encourages annual refreshers to maintain understanding and compliance. Each session should last at least 1 hour and contain relevant, updated content.
Employers are responsible for ensuring employees stay aware of evolving laws and internal policies.
What topics must be included in Maine sexual harassment training?
The training must include:
-
The illegality of sexual harassment and how it is defined in Maine
-
Examples of misconduct employees may encounter
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The employer’s internal complaint procedures
-
Instructions on how to file a charge with the Maine Human Rights Commission
-
An explanation of anti-retaliation protections
These elements help establish a clear framework for workplace respect and accountability.
Are there any training requirements for new hires or supervisors?
Yes. New hires must receive training within 1 year of starting work. Supervisors and managers must complete role-specific training within 1 year of being promoted or hired into leadership positions.
This ensures leaders understand both their obligations and how to support staff through the complaint process.
What are the recordkeeping requirements for Maine employers?
Although Maine law does not explicitly mandate recordkeeping, employers should:
Maintain records of attendance
-
Retain copies of training materials used
-
Track completion dates by employee
This provides a documented history of compliance that may be critical in the event of an audit or complaint.
What law governs sexual harassment training in Maine?
Sexual harassment training requirements in Maine are detailed in Title 26, Section 807 of the Maine Revised Statutes. This law:
Mandates training for companies with 15 or more employees
Establishes requirements for timing, content, and supervisory roles
Provides a legal foundation for protecting employees and penalizing non-compliance
The Maine Human Rights Commission enforces these provisions and offers employer support through resources and guidance.
How can employees file a harassment complaint in Maine?
Employees can report sexual harassment by:
Employees are encouraged to document all incidents, including witnesses, emails, and other supporting materials.
Where do I find a sexual harassment training program that complies with my workplace requirements?
Below are expert-designed, state-compliant courses tailored for Maine. Before assigning them to your team, be sure to:
Each course is fully editable to help you meet both legal mandates and your workplace-specific needs.
