Rep. Parnell Terry

Maddy summaryLD 1595 amends Maine law (17 MRSA §2807) to explicitly protect aquaculture businesses from private nuisance lawsuits. It expands the definition of "commercial fishing activity" to include aquaculture operations and related commercial activities like equipment manufacturing or seafood processing. The bill repeals a previous section that excluded aquaculture, ensuring these businesses receive the same legal protection as traditional commercial fishing operations. This change directly affects Maine aquaculture businesses operating on working waterfronts, shielding them from nuisance complaints related to their operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Maine's Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to provide at least 8.5 by 11 inches of space on existing informational kiosks at state boat launch facilities for municipalities and locally recognized lake associations. These groups can post information about their water quality initiatives and efforts to prevent invasive aquatic species. The department must also share details about these organizations and their programs with the public. The policy applies to all state boat launch facilities with such kiosks.

Maddy summaryLD 1442 modifies Maine's licensing rules for personal care agencies by removing the requirement that agencies must operate from a physical business location in the state. It adds new training options for direct care staff, including department-provided programs, and updates supervision rules to require initial and ongoing observations within specific timeframes. The bill also changes client notification procedures, requiring agencies to inform clients within 3 business days of service plan updates instead of requiring their signature for changes. These changes apply directly to personal care agencies and their direct care staff operating in Maine.

Maddy summaryLD 702 designates January 6th each year as "A Day to Remember" in Maine, requiring the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging reflection on democracy and civic values following the January 6, 2021 Capitol events. It directs the State Archivist, with the Maine Historical Society, to collect and preserve firsthand accounts from Maine residents, the state's congressional delegation, and relevant law enforcement or historians who witnessed or responded to those events. The bill mandates creating educational materials from these accounts for schools and libraries, with all interviews and materials made publicly accessible through an online archive and physical exhibits starting in 2026. The measure focuses on documenting history and promoting civic education, not on political commentary.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a refundable tax credit for Maine small businesses with annual gross sales under $2.4 million that accept credit or debit cards. The credit offsets fees these businesses pay to card issuers for processing transactions, calculated as the lesser of the actual fees paid or 2.5% of the business's sales tax remitted to the state. Businesses must maintain records of their transaction fees and annual sales to claim the credit. The credit is refundable, meaning businesses can receive a cash refund if the credit exceeds their tax liability.

Maddy summaryThis bill sets a new state target requiring at least 300 megawatts of long-duration battery storage capacity in Maine by December 31, 2035. Long-duration storage is defined as systems using commercially available technology capable of storing energy for eight hours or more. The Governor's Energy Office must reevaluate and potentially increase this goal every two years starting in 2024, reporting updates to the legislature. This policy directly affects energy storage developers, utilities, and infrastructure projects working to meet these targets within Maine.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Maine's Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to create a pilot program for electronically tagging deer that hunters have harvested. It would affect hunters in designated areas who must use electronic tags instead of traditional paper tags at specified registration stations. The department can set rules for the program's duration, location, and requirements, then must report findings to the wildlife committee by December 3, 2025. The committee may propose new legislation based on the pilot's results.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits eating establishments and grocery stores in Maine from using dynamic pricing, which changes prices based on demand, weather, consumer data, or AI algorithms. It requires fixed prices for at least one business day, visible to customers through menus, price tags, or displays. Excluded from the ban are standard discounts, limited-time specials (like lunch menus), and market-based pricing for traditionally volatile goods such as seafood (set only once daily). Violating this rule is classified as an unfair trade practice under Maine law.

Maddy summaryThis Maine legislative joint resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Mayaguez incident (May 12-15, 1975), recognized as the last U.S. combat mission in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. It honors the 18 U.S. service members who died and 50 wounded during the rescue operation involving the seized SS Mayaguez cargo ship and Marines on Koh Tang Island. The resolution specifically acknowledges Maine’s connection, noting 48,000 Mainers served in Vietnam, 343 are memorialized at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and 11 remain missing. It expresses gratitude for all Maine veterans’ service and sacrifice during the conflict, with no policy or financial provisions.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a legislative bill with policy changes. Maine's 132nd Legislature passed HP 1242 to formally honor Pope Francis following his death on April 21, 2025. The resolution commemorates his life, papacy, and legacy of service to the marginalized, citing his teachings and writings. It has no direct effect on policy, funding, or specific groups, as it is purely symbolic.