Rep. Melanie Sachs

Maddy summaryLD 1259 prohibits Maine local law enforcement agencies and officers from entering into any written or oral agreements with federal immigration authorities. The bill specifically bans contracts that would grant federal immigration enforcement powers to local agencies, including those under federal 8 U.S. Code §1357(g). This directly affects all Maine municipal police departments, sheriffs' offices, and individual officers who interact with federal immigration enforcement. The law aims to clarify and limit local law enforcement's role in federal immigration enforcement activities.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution designates March 2026 as Social Work Month in Maine to honor the contributions of social workers to community well-being and social justice. The bill highlights how these professionals support vulnerable populations, advocate for civil rights, and improve access to mental health and educational services. It directs that copies of the resolution be sent to several state universities with social work programs and the Maine chapter of the National Association of Social Workers.

Maddy summaryThis bill (LD 411) changes Maine law regarding firearms seized as part of criminal cases. It requires all firearms forfeited under certain criminal sentences - including those used in murder or unlawful homicide - to be destroyed by the state, removing a previous exception that allowed third parties to claim ownership. The bill also aligns juvenile court procedures for firearm forfeiture with these updated adult sentencing rules. These changes apply to both adult criminal cases and juvenile proceedings involving firearms used in qualifying offenses.

Maddy summaryLD 1500 establishes the Maine Community Development Financial Institution Fund within the Department of Economic and Community Development to provide grants and loans to certified community development financial institutions (CDFIs). The fund, initially capitalized with $500,000 from the General Fund's unappropriated surplus, will support small businesses, rural economic development, and affordable housing projects in underserved communities as defined by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. CDFIs receiving funds must deploy them as loans, grants, or forgivable loans to underserved communities within Maine. The Department of Economic and Community Development will administer the program and provide biannual reports to the Legislature on fund usage.

Maddy summaryThis bill approves the construction and operation of a new electric transmission line in northern Maine. The line will connect renewable energy projects, such as wind and solar farms, to the New England power grid operated by the Independent System Operator. The approval is required under Maine law (Title 35-A, section 3132, subsection 6-C) for the project to move forward. It directly affects renewable energy developers in northern Maine by enabling them to deliver clean energy to the broader regional grid.

Maddy summaryLD 694 requires developers seeking approval for high-impact interstate electric transmission lines in Maine to include specific conservation funding in their petitions. The bill mandates an annual payment of $10,000 per megawatt of the line's capacity to Maine's Land for Maine's Future Trust Fund, with at least 20% directed to the Conservation Land Management Fund. This applies directly to transmission line developers submitting petitions to the Public Utilities Commission for project approval. The law aims to tie infrastructure development to ongoing conservation funding, without altering the commission's approval process for the lines themselves.

Maddy summaryLD 802 directs Maine's Department of Health and Human Services to contract with an independent provider to design a mentoring program specifically for youth who have or have had extended care and support agreements (Maine's term for foster care services for youth aged 18-21). The program must include evidence-based mentoring models, mandatory training for mentors/staff/youth, data collection, and direct input from youth with lived experience, including compensation for their participation. The Department must submit a final report with recommendations to the Legislature by January 2, 2027, detailing the provider's findings and youth input. This bill does not create new law but mandates a study and program design to support youth transitioning out of foster care.

Maddy summaryLD 1270 establishes the Department of Energy Resources in Maine by creating the positions of Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Energy Resources. The bill amends Maine's salary structure to include these roles in the appropriate pay ranges and designates the Commissioner as an ex officio nonvoting director on the Maine Technology Institute's board. This legislation sets up the foundational organizational structure for the new department within the state government without detailing specific policy programs or operational duties.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits the doxing of minors (people under 18) by making it illegal to knowingly share their personal identifying information - such as home addresses, phone numbers, or social security details - without consent when that disclosure causes stalking, physical harm, property damage, or fear for safety. It allows a minor's family member, legal guardian, or representative to file a civil lawsuit seeking damages, attorney fees, or injunctive relief if doxing occurs. The law includes enhanced penalties (treble damages) if the doxing was motivated by bias based on a minor's race, gender, disability, or other protected characteristic. Key defenses permit disclosures made to law enforcement or for constitutionally protected speech about public concerns.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires landlords in Maine to provide tenants with energy efficiency disclosure statements starting January 1, 2030, detailing a rental unit’s energy performance. Beginning January 1, 2035, landlords must meet minimum insulation standards for rental units, with tenants able to terminate leases or receive 50% of monthly heating costs (if they pay for heat) until standards are met. Exemptions apply to owner-occupied buildings with three or fewer units, short-term rentals under 30 days, and units rented less than two years in a five-year period. The law also prohibits landlords from retaining security deposits for lease terminations due to non-compliance and protects tenants from retaliation if they assert these rights.