AUGUSTA (AP) – Gov. John Baldacci has signed into law a bill to make transportation arrangements easier for families hosting exchange students.

The law took effect when Baldacci signed it Monday. It allows newly licensed youths to give rides to exchange students living in their homes, just like their own brothers and sisters.

Another bill signed into law allows school buses traveling along Maine’s Interstate highways and turnpike to travel at the posted speed limit, in most places 65 mph. Current law restricts schools buses to 45 mph while transporting pupils.