Maine Bills

died · Maine · Senate Apr 29, 2026

LD 549: An Act To Establish A Statewide Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Kit Tracking System And Update Certain Requirements Regarding Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Kits

This bill establishes a statewide tracking system for sexual assault forensic examination kits (SAKs) and updates storage requirements. It requires hospitals to notify law enforcement when an exam is completed but the victim hasn't reported the assault, mandating 20 years of secure storage for unreported kits (previously 8 years). Victims who later decide to report can request kit processing with consent, and results must remain anonymous. For victims unable to decide within 60 days, courts may authorize extended storage or processing after considering public safety and likelihood of recovery. The emergency designation addresses a federal grant deadline to prevent interruption of an existing tracking initiative.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

died · Maine · Senate Apr 29, 2026

LD 793: An Act To Modernize Gaming Revenue Allocations And Increase Efforts To Prevent Gambling Addiction

LD 793 proposes to update Maine's gaming revenue distribution system and boost funding for gambling addiction services. The bill would modernize how revenue from gambling activities is allocated, specifically increasing the share directed to the Gambling Addiction Prevention and Treatment Fund. This fund supports services like counseling and education programs aimed at preventing and treating gambling disorders. The changes would directly affect state budget allocations for addiction services and the distribution of revenue from Maine's casinos and lottery. (Note: This is a concept draft under consideration, not yet law.)

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare

died · Maine · Senate Apr 29, 2026

LD 1649: Resolve, To Establish The Blue Ribbon Commission To Study The Operations Of The Legislature

LD 1649 establishes a 12-member Blue Ribbon Commission to study the Maine Legislature's operations. The commission, appointed by legislative leadership and including public members with specific expertise, will examine 18 aspects of legislative functioning - including committee structures, budget processes, transparency, and bill drafting - aimed at improving efficiency and public trust. It must submit findings and recommendations by December 3, 2025, to the next legislative session. This procedural resolution directly affects how the Maine Legislature organizes its work, with no new laws created.

died · Maine · Senate Apr 29, 2026

LD 1734: An Act To Exempt Over-The-Counter Medicines From The Sales And Use Tax

This bill exempts certain over-the-counter (OTC) medicines from Maine's sales tax starting January 1, 2026. It applies to FDA-approved OTC medicines meeting specific labeling requirements, including antacids, contraceptive products, allergy medications, eye/ear/nose treatments, and opioid antagonists. The exemption covers medicines sold directly to consumers without a prescription, but excludes cannabis products. This change affects Maine residents purchasing these specific OTC health products, reducing their out-of-pocket costs for essential medications.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare

died · Maine · House Apr 29, 2026

LD 111: An Act To Increase The State'S Share Of Retired Teacher Health Insurance

This bill increases the state's funding for retired teachers' health insurance in Maine. It requires the state to pay 65% of the premium cost for retired teachers' health insurance from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and 70% starting July 1, 2026. This directly affects retired public school teachers in Maine who receive health insurance through the state program. The bill amends existing law (20-A MRSA §13451) to implement these higher state contribution rates, building on current 60% coverage through 2025.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

died · Maine · House Apr 29, 2026

LD 441: An Act To Amend The Laws Regarding Fish And Wildlife

LD 441 is a concept draft proposing amendments to Maine's fish and wildlife laws, but the provided context does not include specific provisions or changes. The bill text only states the general intent without detailing mechanisms, affected groups, or concrete policy updates. As a concept draft under Joint Rule 208, it lacks substantive content for a meaningful summary. Without further details on the proposed amendments, a complete description of the bill's impact or key mechanisms cannot be provided.

died · Maine · Senate Apr 29, 2026

LD 823: An Act To Establish A Grant Program To Provide For Statewide And Equitable Access To Experiential Science, Technology, Engineering And Mathematics Competition Programs

LD 823 establishes a grant program administered by the Maine Technology Institute to fund statewide, hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) competition programs for high school students. The bill requires grant recipients to partner with national STEM programs, broaden participation for underrepresented students (including those from rural areas, Title I schools, and diverse backgrounds), and partner with the University of Maine System. Organizations receiving grants must provide matching funds and report measurable outcomes, ensuring programs reach all 16 counties and all school types (public, private, homeschool). The program aims to increase equitable access to STEM competitions and college opportunities for Maine high school students.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Technology

died · Maine · Senate Apr 29, 2026

LD 756: An Act Creating And Sustaining Jobs Through The Development Of Cooperatives And Employee-Owned Businesses By Providing Tax Deductions For Certain Qualified Business Activities

LD 756 creates the Maine Employee Ownership Center to support businesses transitioning to employee ownership through education, technical assistance, and resource connections. It provides two key tax benefits: a deduction of up to $750,000 for gains from selling a business to an employee-owned structure (like an ESOP or worker cooperative), and a deduction for interest on loans used to acquire such businesses. The bill directly affects Maine business owners selling to employees, employee groups forming ownership structures, and qualifying businesses (non-publicly traded entities registered in Maine). These provisions aim to incentivize employee ownership models that retain jobs and stimulate local economic development.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Labor & Employment

died · Maine · Senate Apr 29, 2026

LD 19: An Act To Change The Definition Of "Oversized Atv" In The Laws Governing The Registration Of All-Terrain Vehicles

This bill changes Maine's definition of "oversized ATV" for registration purposes by raising the weight threshold from 2,000 pounds to 2,500 pounds. It directly affects ATV owners who currently register vehicles weighing between 2,000 and 2,500 pounds, as these vehicles will now be classified as "oversized" and subject to registration requirements. The key provision modifies the legal definition in the registration law to set the new 2,500-pound standard for oversized vehicles. This change ensures the updated definition applies to 2025 registration, as specified in the emergency preamble. The bill does not alter width requirements (still over 65 inches) or registration fees.

died · Maine · Senate Apr 29, 2026

LD 696: An Act To Bolster The Maine Teacher Residency Program

LD 696 provides a one-time $1,000,000 appropriation from the General Fund to support the Maine Teacher Residency Program at the University of Southern Maine. This funding directly supports the program's operations, which prepares new teachers through structured residency placements. The bill allocates the full amount for the 2025-26 fiscal year with no funding requested for 2026-27. It is a procedural funding measure with no new policy requirements or eligibility changes. The bill focuses solely on providing targeted financial support to expand teacher training capacity.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

died · Maine · Senate Apr 29, 2026

LD 137: An Act To Expand The 1998 Special Retirement Plan To Include Employees Who Work For The Office Of Chief Medical Examiner

This bill expands Maine's 1998 Special Retirement Plan to include employees of the Office of Chief Medical Examiner (within the Attorney General's Department). It amends the retirement law to add these workers as a qualifying group under new subsection R, effective October 1, 2025, for those hired on or after that date. The change grants them eligibility for the same retirement benefits as other qualifying state employees, including service retirement options based on age and years of service. This directly affects medical examiners whose job involves forensic analysis within the Office of Chief Medical Examiner.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

died · Maine · House Apr 29, 2026

LD 52: An Act To Require The Department Of Health And Human Services To Apply For Federal Benefits On Behalf Of Children In The Department'S Custody Who May Be Eligible For Those Benefits

This bill requires Maine's Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to proactively review whether children in its custody may qualify for federal benefits like Social Security or veterans' benefits. If a child is potentially eligible, DHHS must apply for those benefits on their behalf. The law mandates that DHHS manage these benefits to cover the child's unmet needs beyond what DHHS provides, prohibits using benefits to pay for DHHS costs, and requires financial literacy training for children starting at age 14. It directly affects children in DHHS custody who may qualify for federal benefits administered by the Social Security Administration or Department of Veterans Affairs.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Bill results