Rep. Will Tuell

Maddy summaryLD 1760 amends Maine law to clarify and expand options for elementary students to attend public schools in different school districts. The bill allows students living in areas without nearby public schools to transfer to adjacent districts in Maine or neighboring states if space is available, with the home district covering tuition and transportation costs. It also specifies that students can transfer to other districts for capacity reasons with the receiving district's consent, and ensures students in districts with school contracts (under Section 2701) can attend those schools with home district payment. The bill requires receiving districts to notify home districts of accepted students, aiming to increase access to public education for families in remote or underserved areas.

Maddy summaryLD 1593 requires state agencies, local governments, and educational institutions in Maine to publicly define the term "equity" whenever they claim to make decisions "to advance equity" (such as in policies, contracts, or hiring). The bill mandates that these entities post both their specific definition of "equity" and the measurable metrics used to assess it on their publicly accessible websites. This applies directly to any decision-making process referencing "equity," ensuring transparency about how the term is interpreted and measured. The law does not define "equity" itself but requires public entities to clarify their own usage. This is a transparency measure focused on concrete disclosure, not policy content.

Maddy summaryLD 147 proposes a constitutional amendment to change how Maine's Secretary of State is selected. Currently appointed by the Legislature, the Secretary of State would instead be elected directly by voters every two years, starting in 2026, using the same voting process as for state Senators and Representatives. The amendment requires voter approval in a statewide referendum held during the November 2025 election, asking "Do you favor amending the Constitution of Maine to provide that the Secretary of State be elected by the people biennially?" If approved, the change would take effect upon the Governor's proclamation. This directly affects Maine voters and the office of Secretary of State, shifting selection from legislative appointment to popular election.

Maddy summaryLD 1341 is a resolution directing Maine's Department of Marine Resources to evaluate how two licensed lobster or scallop fishermen can operate from a single vessel without increasing the total catch. The department must consult with lobster advisory councils and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission during its review. It must submit a report to the Marine Resources Committee by January 14, 2026, which may include recommendations for new legislation. This resolution does not change current fishing rules but initiates a process to potentially adjust them based on the findings.

Maddy summaryLD 1439 requires Maine public schools to obtain written parental consent before conducting evaluations that test a student's intellectual, emotional, behavioral, psychological, or physical development, or that diagnose conditions related to these areas. The bill applies to all school administrative units in the state and directly affects parents or legal guardians of public school students. Schools must now secure a signed consent form for these specific evaluations, overriding any existing policies that might not require such permission. This policy change ensures parents have a formal role in decisions about these assessments before they occur.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Maine schools offering comprehensive family life education to include a human growth and development curriculum starting no later than third grade. The curriculum must feature two specific videos: an ultrasound showing early fetal development of the brain, heart, and sex organs, and a video detailing fertilization and fetal development stages from conception to birth. Schools that fail to comply may face civil lawsuits initiated by the Attorney General. The bill applies to all schools providing required family life education, adding these video components without altering existing course standards.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Maine's Commissioner of Marine Resources to add up to five limited-access area fishing days during the scallop season. It directly affects Maine scallop fishermen who operate in designated limited-access zones, allowing them to harvest scallops on additional days when weather or population conditions permit. The commissioner may establish these days via rulemaking if inclement weather caused lost fishing days or if scallop populations support extra harvesting. The policy change is limited to a maximum of five days per season and requires the commissioner's determination of both weather impacts and population sustainability.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows qualifying agricultural landowners in Maine to receive one free antlerless deer permit for the 2025 hunting season. It directly affects landowners who already hunt without a license on their own property (under 12 MRSA §11108). The key provision provides one free permit at no cost, while additional permits require payment through the standard lottery system. The policy change takes effect immediately to align with the September 2025 hunting season. This is a specific permit adjustment targeting agricultural landowners to address crop protection needs.

Maddy summaryThis bill reorganizes prosecutorial districts in Downeast Maine by splitting the existing District 7 (covering both Hancock and Washington Counties) into two separate districts. It creates Prosecutorial District 7 solely for Hancock County voters and establishes a new Prosecutorial District 9 for Washington County voters. Under this change, each county will elect its own district attorney through separate countywide elections, rather than sharing one attorney for both counties. The bill directly affects voters in Hancock and Washington Counties by altering how their local prosecutors are elected. This is a procedural adjustment to Maine’s election law for district attorneys, with no new funding or policy changes beyond the reorganization.

Maddy summaryThis 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.