Technology

This bill prohibits financial institutions (like banks and payment networks) from using merchant category codes (MCCs) to identify, track, or disclose transactions involving firearm purchases, firearm accessories, or ammunition. It specifically bans institutions from labeling or linking payment card transactions to firearms dealers or firearm-related sales through codes or other indicators. The law also prevents financial institutions from disclosing protected financial information about firearm purchases to any entity outside of processing the transaction itself. This directly affects banks, credit unions, payment networks, and firearm dealers accepting card payments in Maine.

LD 2017 updates Maine's school nutrition laws by allowing applications for free or reduced-price meals to be submitted directly to the agency that determines student eligibility (not just the school). It preserves existing rules about student access to food, handling meal debt, and prohibiting the use of food as discipline in schools. The bill removes a requirement for an online application system, resulting in a $250,000 reduction in state funding for 2026-27. This change affects students and schools participating in the National School Lunch Program by simplifying the eligibility application process.

Maine LD 2211 amends the state's automotive right to repair law by establishing a twelve-member Motor Vehicle Right to Repair Commission to monitor manufacturer compliance and handle complaints. The bill requires vehicle manufacturers to provide owners and independent repair shops with the same diagnostic tools, software, and data access that authorized dealers receive, covering vehicles from model year 2002 onward. It mandates that manufacturers equip new vehicles with standardized owner-authorization platforms by September 1, 2027, allowing secure data transfer for repairs without requiring direct manufacturer approval. Enforcement is handled by the Attorney General, who may seek civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation, while affected owners or repair facilities can sue for treble damages if access is denied.