This Maine legislative bill is a concept draft that proposes to make supplemental appropriations and allocations from the state's General Fund and other funds for fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027. It also includes changes to existing laws deemed necessary for the proper operation of state government. The bill was submitted by the Governor as emergency legislation under Maine Revised Statutes Title 5. Specific financial details and legal amendments are referenced in separate documents provided by the Governor rather than detailed within this text.
In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
Maine's LD 2217 requires the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to allow electronic registration for deer starting in 2027, replacing the current physical tagging process. The bill eliminates the $5 seal fee that hunters previously paid to register bears, deer, moose, and wild turkeys, while redirecting specific portions of deer registration and antlerless deer permit fees toward landowner-deer conflict management and predator control. It updates existing state statutes to clarify that electronic methods may satisfy traditional tagging requirements and adjusts the rules for how long unregistered game animals can be kept before processing.
This bill repeals Maine's 72-hour waiting period for firearm purchases, directly affecting firearm sellers and buyers in the state. It eliminates the requirement that sellers must wait 72 hours before delivering a purchased firearm to the buyer. The key provision is the removal of this waiting period, which was previously mandated under 25 MRSA §2016. This change would allow immediate firearm transfers following a purchase transaction. The bill specifically targets the procedural delay in firearm sales without altering other gun safety requirements.
LD 1457 authorizes the Maine Turnpike Authority to test automated speed detection systems in highway work zones on limited access state highways with speed limits of 45 mph or higher. The pilot program, running from 2026 to 2028, would use camera systems to capture license plates of vehicles exceeding speed limits by 11 mph or more, but only after posting clear advance signage and publicly listing locations online. Drivers would receive a written warning for a first violation in a work zone, with subsequent violations subject to fines via mail notice (similar to standard traffic citations). The program is limited to three locations at a time and prohibits using recorded images for surveillance beyond speeding detection.
LD 1821 requires licensed firearm dealers in Maine to implement specific security measures by July 1, 2026, including certified alarm systems, reinforced doors/windows, and 2-year video recording of all sales areas. It mandates background checks for all employees handling firearms and requires dealers to provide annual training developed by the Department of Public Safety on recognizing straw purchases, illegal activity, theft prevention, and gun safety education. The training must cover federal/state firearm laws, identifying suspicious transactions, and safe storage practices. This bill directly affects all licensed firearm dealers operating in Maine, aiming to reduce illegal sales and theft through standardized security and employee protocols.
LD 1230 proposes to repeal Maine's 72-hour waiting period for gun purchases, which currently requires sellers to delay firearm delivery to buyers for three days. If enacted, this bill would directly affect gun sellers and buyers in Maine by allowing immediate firearm possession after a purchase. The legislation specifically targets the statutory requirement in Maine law (25 MRSA §2016) that created this waiting period, without altering other gun sale procedures like background checks. This change would remove the existing three-day delay without introducing new restrictions or requirements.
This joint resolution formally recognizes the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists on the occasion of its 75th anniversary. It highlights the organization's role in representing over 62,000 health care professionals nationwide, including 217 members in Maine who provide obstetric and gynecologic care. The bill commends the college for its efforts to improve maternal health and protect patient access to care. Finally, it directs that an authenticated copy of the resolution be sent to the organization as a gesture of appreciation.
This joint resolution officially designates April 2026 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Maine. The bill highlights the prevalence of sexual violence in the state and its broad societal impacts, including mental health challenges and economic costs for survivors. It also notes that current support systems often lack sufficient resources and that stigma contributes to low reporting rates. Finally, the resolution directs that a copy of the document be sent to the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault as a formal expression of legislative support.
This Maine joint resolution designates February 2026 as Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month to highlight the issue for schools, families, and communities. The bill cites data from federal agencies regarding the prevalence of physical, sexual, and digital abuse among adolescents to underscore the need for public health interventions. It calls on state residents, law enforcement, and nonprofit organizations to participate in activities that promote awareness and prevention strategies. Additionally, the resolution expresses support for programs that help youth develop healthy relationship skills and recognizes the disproportionate impact of dating violence on young women.
This bill reorganizes the supervision of the Maine Capitol Police by placing them under the direct authority of the Bureau of State Police rather than the Department of Public Safety. It creates a new permanent Lieutenant position within the State Police to oversee Capitol Police operations and updates legal language to clarify this chain of command. The legislation also grants the Commissioner of Public Safety expanded authority to set security rules at state facilities in Augusta while requiring consultation with the State Police Chief and maintaining the Legislative Council's ability to suspend rules during emergencies. These changes aim to streamline security oversight without altering the core responsibilities of the Capitol Police force.
This bill updates Maine laws to improve carbon monoxide detector requirements for new buildings and educational facilities. It mandates that new construction of homes, hotels, and dormitories built on or after August 1, 2012 must have detectors in each bedroom and access areas, with an additional requirement starting January 1, 2027, to follow national fire safety codes for other occupancy types. The law also changes how educational facilities must install detectors, requiring compliance with national safety codes rather than just a minimum of one unit, and clarifies which officials can enforce these rules. All detectors must be powered by both electricity and a battery, or use specific alternative battery options depending on the device type.
