LD 2003 Maine Senate · 132nd Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act To Improve Localization Of Emergency Broadcast Messaging

This bill allocates $600,000 in one-time funding from the General Fund for the 2026-27 fiscal year to Maine Public Broadcasting Corporation. The funds will upgrade broadcast equipment to enable localized emergency alerts on Maine Public Broadcasting's statewide radio network. This directly affects Maine Public Broadcasting as the recipient and all residents who receive emergency alerts through this network. The key provision is the equipment upgrade to allow more precise, location-specific emergency messaging during crises. The bill does not change existing emergency protocols but enhances current systems with targeted funding.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Dec 2025
Committee Review
Apr 2026
House Passage
Apr 2026
Senate Passage
Apr 2026
Signed into Law
Apr 2026
Introduced Dec 3, 2025 Signed Apr 16, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
40
Key actions
11
Committee
8
Apr 16, 2026
Signed into law
Signed by Governor
executive
Apr 14, 2026
Upper · Passed
PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.
upper
Apr 14, 2026
Lower · Passed
PASSED TO BE ENACTED.
lower
Apr 13, 2026
Lower · Passed
Committee Amendment "A" (S-526) as Amended by House Amendment "A" (H-1055) thereto was ADOPTED.
lower
Apr 13, 2026
Lower · Passed
On motion of Representative GATTINE of Westbrook, House Amendment "A" (H-1055) to Committee Amendment "A" (S-526) was READ and ADOPTED.
lower
Apr 13, 2026
Committee
On motion by Senator ROTUNDO of Androscoggin Bill and accompanying papers COMMITTED to the Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs In NON-CONCURRENCE.
upper
Mar 17, 2026
Lower · Passed
PASSED TO BE ENACTED.
lower
Mar 12, 2026
Lower · Passed
Committee Amendment "A" (S-526) was READ and ADOPTED.
lower
Mar 12, 2026
Lower · Passed
On motion of Representative MURPHY of Scarborough, the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report was ACCEPTED.
lower
Mar 5, 2026
Upper · Passed
Committee Amendment "A" (S-526) READ and ADOPTED.
upper
Mar 5, 2026
Upper · Passed
Senator RAFFERTY of York moved to ACCEPT the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report PREVAILED.
upper
Mar 4, 2026
Legislature · Passed
Reported Out - OTP-AM/ONTP
legislature
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Teresa Pierce
Teresa Pierce
DDemocratic
ME
25