This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to change how Maine's Attorney General is selected. Currently appointed by the Governor, the Attorney General would instead be elected by popular vote every two years, starting in 2026, using the same voting process as state legislators. The amendment requires voter approval via a referendum in November 2025, where voters would answer "Yes" or "No" to the question: "Do you favor amending the Constitution of Maine to provide that the Attorney General be elected by the people biennially?" If approved, the change would take effect upon the Governor's proclamation. The amendment directly affects the election process for the Attorney General position and Maine voters.
LD 1839 establishes a new Fundraising and Advisory Commission to support Maine's Hire-a-Vet program, directly affecting veterans, their families, and employers across the state. The commission, composed of representatives from state agencies, veterans' services, private industry, and public members, will raise funds and market the program through a dedicated website featuring career fairs and veteran services. It creates a separate, nonlapsing "Fund to Support the Hiring of Veterans" to be administered by the commission, funded by private/public contributions and fundraising efforts. The fund will directly support job placement services, employer outreach, and information dissemination about available veteran resources.
This bill prohibits large grocery store chains (with 15+ national locations) from changing prices more than once every 48 hours during severe weather, natural disasters, or supply chain disruptions using electronic shelf labels. It allows dynamic pricing at other times if stores provide clear, visible signage explaining how the pricing works, what factors affect prices, and that repeated changes during emergencies are unfair. Violating this rule would be classified as an unfair trade practice under Maine's consumer protection law. The bill directly affects major grocery chains using digital pricing systems, not small stores or convenience stores within grocery locations.
LD 1556 proposes increasing Kennebec County's number of commissioner districts from 3 to 5, requiring an apportionment commission to create a map by October 2026. The plan must include 2 commissioners with 2-year initial terms and 3 with 4-year terms. Voters in Kennebec County would decide this change via referendum at the November 2026 statewide election, requiring majority approval to move forward. If approved, the plan would be submitted to the 2027 Legislature for enactment, with elections for the new 5 districts held in November 2028.
LD 1869 allows Maine municipalities to impose a local sales tax of up to 1% on recreational cannabis sales through a voter referendum. If approved, the tax revenue must be used exclusively for public safety and education initiatives within the municipality. The bill requires municipalities to notify the State Tax Assessor 90 days before implementation and prohibits using this revenue to reduce existing state aid for schools, roads, or other services. This legislation establishes a new local funding mechanism for cannabis sales while ensuring funds are directed to specific community priorities.
LD 1509 requires Maine's Department of Health and Human Services to finalize and implement reimbursement rates for home and community-based services by July 1, 2025. These rates, based on a 2023 cost study, directly affect approximately 5,000 adults with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, or brain injury who rely on MaineCare for essential daily services. The bill mandates the department to use the completed rate study - previously delayed due to a postponed waiver rollout - to ensure providers can continue delivering critical support. This prevents disruption to services like individualized employment, residential care, and community engagement that these individuals depend on daily.
This bill amends Maine law to merge the Department of Environmental Protection and the Maine Land Use Planning Commission into a single unified agency. It repeals and revises specific statutes to adjust the commission's structure, including renaming it and creating an Executive Director role for the consolidated entity. The bill updates administrative procedures, such as budgeting requirements and reporting protocols, to align with the new agency structure. This change would streamline environmental and land use regulation under one department, affecting how state agencies manage permits, resources, and compliance.
This resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to require U.S. citizenship for voting in Maine state and local elections. It would amend the Maine Constitution to explicitly state that only U.S. citizens may vote in elections for governor, state legislators, county officials, and municipal positions. The amendment must be approved by voters in a referendum held during the November election following the bill's passage, with a specific question asking whether to permit only U.S. citizens to vote in such elections. If approved by a majority, the change would become part of the Maine Constitution.
LD 832 provides a one-time $2 million appropriation from the General Fund to the Vassalboro Sanitary District specifically for reducing its outstanding debt. The bill allocates the full amount in the 2025-26 fiscal year with no funding provided in subsequent years. This direct funding targets the district's existing financial obligations, helping it lower its debt burden without creating new services or altering regulatory requirements. The measure affects only the Vassalboro Sanitary District as the recipient of this targeted debt reduction assistance.
LD 1628 allows Maine municipalities to create local rules regulating exterior lights. It enables towns to require property owners to adjust lighting - such as angling lights downward or adding shields - to prevent excessive brightness, noise, or safety risks that disturb neighbors or affect public health. This directly impacts residents and businesses with outdoor lighting, like streetlights, security lights, or signage. The bill does not create new statewide rules but gives local governments the authority to address light pollution issues within their communities.
LD 278 eliminates the tobacco products tax on items containing nicotine but not tobacco, such as certain nicotine-only e-liquids or nicotine salts. The bill amends Maine's tax code by revising the definition of "tobacco products" to exclude products that contain nicotine without tobacco, while maintaining taxes on traditional tobacco products and nicotine-containing e-cigarettes. This change directly affects manufacturers and retailers selling nicotine products without tobacco, removing their tax obligation under current law. The bill does not alter existing taxes on products like cigars, snus, or e-cigarettes that contain nicotine. (Bill: LD 278, Maine Legislature 2025)
This bill clarifies that the State Auditor has authority to classify, title, and set compensation for employees in the Office of the State Auditor as they determine appropriate. It directly affects auditors, assistants, and other staff working within the State Auditor's office. The key provision explicitly states these employment decisions rest with the State Auditor without requiring additional legislative approval, while maintaining that employees remain subject to the Civil Service Law. The bill does not alter the office's core responsibilities or organizational structure.
