Rep. Mark Cooper

Maddy summaryThis bill changes Maine's definition of "transient occupancy" in land use laws to allow temporary stays (like camping) of up to 150 days per year in unorganized townships, increasing the current limit from 120 days. It directly affects land use planning in Maine's unincorporated areas, particularly impacting outdoor recreation activities such as camping. The key provision amends 12 MRSA §682 to establish the new 150-day annual limit for temporary occupancy. This adjustment aims to support both Maine residents and visitors engaging in outdoor recreation while aligning with state planning principles for these regions.

Maddy summaryLD 1274 caps state reimbursements to municipalities for general assistance programs at 50% of the total annual funds allocated for all municipalities. This directly affects Maine towns and cities that receive state funding to support low-income residents through general assistance. The bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure no single municipality receives more than half of the total reimbursement pool each fiscal year. It does not change eligibility for assistance but limits the maximum amount any one municipality can be reimbursed. The bill is procedural, focusing solely on the reimbursement structure.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $500,000 from the state's Federal Expenditures Fund to replace tracks on a 31-mile rail corridor between Fryeburg and Standish. The funding implements recommendations from the Mountain Division Rail Use Advisory Council for track replacement. The one-time allocation directly supports the state's transportation department in upgrading this specific rail infrastructure.

Maddy summaryLD 603 exempts maple sugarhouses - buildings primarily used to process or store maple sap or syrup - from Maine's Uniform Building and Energy Code requirements. This bill directly affects maple syrup producers and operations across Maine by removing certain building and energy code compliance burdens for these specific facilities. It amends Maine law to add maple sugarhouses explicitly to the list of agricultural buildings already exempt from the code, alongside livestock barns and crop storage. The change clarifies existing exemptions without altering the code's requirements for other buildings.

Maddy summaryLD 932 changes Maine's agricultural fair licensing rules by extending the license term from 3 years to 4 years. This bill directly affects organizers of agricultural fairs who must obtain state licenses to operate. The key provision updates the statute to require licenses to be issued for four consecutive years instead of three, while maintaining existing requirements for fair dates and annual premium spending. The change simplifies the licensing process for fair organizers by reducing how often they need to apply for a new license.

Maddy summaryLD 939 amends Maine law to increase the maximum diameter for recreational campfires from 36 inches (3 feet) to 42 inches (3.5 feet), while maintaining a 3-foot height limit. It directly affects individuals building campfires in non-licensed outdoor settings, such as wilderness camping areas or backcountry sites. The bill makes no other changes to campfire regulations or enforcement. This is a technical adjustment to existing size limits, applying year-round except when ground is snow-covered or on frozen water (where the same size limits apply).

Maddy summaryLD 1557 aligns Maine's definition of PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in pesticide regulations with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's federal definition. This change directly affects pesticide manufacturers and sellers in Maine by clarifying that the existing ban on selling pesticides containing intentionally added PFAS applies consistently. The bill modifies two key sections of Maine law to adopt the EPA's definition of "PFAS" and "pesticide" for enforcement purposes. It does not create new restrictions but ensures the current prohibition is applied uniformly under the Maine Pesticide Control Act. The policy change simplifies compliance for businesses and regulators by matching state law to federal standards.

Maddy summaryLD 864 amends Maine law to allow businesses that sell or service campers and motor homes to use transporter plates for moving these vehicles. Specifically, it adds these businesses to the list of authorized users (alongside garages, tow services, and others) who can obtain transporter plates to transport trailers or motor homes owned by or in their custody. The bill clarifies that transporter plates may be used for trailers and permits these businesses to charge a fee for the transport service. It does not change registration requirements for regular vehicle owners.

Maddy summaryLD 488 allows Maine property owners to seek permits for fortifying existing homes located in coastal sand dune systems or wetlands, directly affecting owners of pre-January 1, 2025 dwellings in high-risk flood zones (V-zones, special flood hazard areas, or high-risk storm surge areas). The bill permits up to 500 cubic yards of fill (covering ≤2,500 sq ft, no more than 50 feet beyond the foundation), requiring all filled areas to be covered with riprap/rocks and native vegetation. It amends Maine’s Natural Resources Protection Act to establish these specific conditions for department-approved fortification, while requiring rules for implementation. The policy change provides a limited pathway for coastal homeowners to strengthen existing structures without full regulatory prohibitions.

Maddy summaryLD 69 repeals Maine's existing law that restricted the use of recycled paper bags, reusable plastic bags, and single-use carry-out bags. This bill directly affects retailers and consumers by removing legal barriers to selling and using these bag types. The key mechanism is the repeal of Section 38 MRSA §1611, which previously limited bag availability. The policy change allows businesses to resume offering these bag options without regulatory constraints.