An Act To Fund The Operations Of The University Of Maine Cooperative Extension Tick Laboratory

This bill establishes a dedicated fund to support the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Tick Laboratory. It directs the State Liquor and Lottery Commission to create a $4 instant lottery game, with 50% of its net proceeds going to the fund starting by January 2026. The fund must be used exclusively for the lab's operations - including supplies, equipment, salaries, and educational materials - and cannot be diverted to other purposes. The Commission must report to the legislature by December 2028 on the lottery's revenue distribution to the fund and the General Fund. The bill directly affects the Tick Laboratory's funding stability and operations.