Rep. Amy Kuhn

Maddy summaryLD 817 removes a restriction that previously prevented Maine school administrative units (like school districts) from using cooperative purchasing programs for nonbuilding real property, such as athletic fields. The bill amends state law to explicitly allow these units to make such purchases through the Bureau of General Services, a state agency that coordinates group buying for cost savings. This change applies specifically to the purchase, repair, or alteration of nonbuilding real property and does not affect existing competitive bidding rules for building projects over $250,000. School districts will now have access to cooperative purchasing options for athletic fields and similar projects, aligning them with other state entities like municipalities.

Maddy summaryHP 900 is a ceremonial joint resolution recognizing April 6-12, 2025, as National Library Week in Maine. It formally expresses the Legislature’s appreciation for Maine’s libraries - spanning school, academic, special, and public libraries - without creating new policies or funding. The resolution highlights libraries’ community roles, including providing digital access, job resources, educational programs, and emergency services like weather centers. As a symbolic gesture, it directly honors libraries and their staff serving over 3 million Mainers annually.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies that Maine's Commission on Public Defense Services must pay for court-appointed attorneys for low-income parents and minors in specific civil cases, including parental rights termination, adoption proceedings, and cases where a minor's interests need representation. It ensures that indigent parents (those unable to afford a lawyer) facing legal actions like termination of parental rights or adoption hearings are entitled to free legal counsel. The law explicitly requires the Commission to cover all reasonable costs of appointed attorneys, removing ambiguity about funding responsibilities. This change directly affects low-income parents and minors in family court cases, ensuring they have access to legal representation without financial barriers.

Maddy summaryLD 155 requires all Maine public schools serving grades 6-12 to provide free menstrual products (tampons and pads) in every school bathroom at no cost to students. This applies to all school administrative units across the state. The bill directly affects students in middle and high schools by ensuring immediate access to essential hygiene products during school hours. It mandates that schools make these products available in all bathrooms, eliminating cost barriers for students who need them. The policy change is a straightforward requirement for school facilities, not a funding mechanism or new program.

Maddy summaryLD 966 allows state agencies (including the Department of Health and Human Services, the Attorney General's office, and disability advocacy agencies) and licensed hospitals to access confidential court records in adult guardianship and conservatorship cases when the court determines it serves the public interest or the individual's best interest. The court must approve access only if it does not endanger the individual's welfare or financial interests. These entities may use the information solely for official public interest purposes and must follow all confidentiality laws. The bill aims to help agencies and hospitals address urgent health and safety concerns for vulnerable adults without compromising court record confidentiality.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes the Maine Speedy Trial Act to set specific deadlines for when criminal trials must begin, directly affecting defendants and the state court system. It creates a phased schedule starting in 2026 that progressively shortens the time allowed between arraignment and trial, with the strictest limits of six months for lower-level crimes and 24 months for murder or Class A offenses taking effect by 2030. The law also outlines which delays, such as those requested by the defendant or related to mental competency evaluations, do not count toward these time limits.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a five-member advisory council to oversee a technical review and revision of Maine's Criminal Code and other criminal statutes. The council, which includes a prosecuting attorney, a defense attorney, a legal educator, a retired judge, and the Attorney General as chair, will hire an outside consultant to identify obsolete provisions, clarify confusing language, and reorganize the laws. Various state departments can submit recommendations to the council, which must reach a consensus on all decisions before making suggestions to the Legislature. The council is required to submit its final report and any proposed legislation by February 1, 2026, and the bill provides specific funding to cover the council's public member expenses and consulting services.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a grant program in Maine to help colleges create inclusive education plans for students with intellectual, developmental, or autism spectrum disorders. The legislation provides $330,400 in funding to support the initial setup and ongoing operation of these programs, which are designed to offer scholarships and educational opportunities to eligible students. Key provisions allow recipients to enroll without a high school diploma and require that their plans follow federal transition guidelines as a flexible model.

Maddy summaryLD 2237 allocates $17.3 million to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services to expand mental health crisis intervention services available around the clock. The funding specifically supports mobile response teams by hiring peer support specialists, recovery coaches, and behavioral health liaisons, while also covering travel costs and critical incident response. Additionally, the bill amends the text to ensure the Public Utilities Commission coordinates with relevant agencies in the implementation of these safety measures. These changes aim to provide more immediate and accessible mental health support to individuals in crisis situations across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends a larger education act to add specific funding for raising the minimum annual salary for certified and career and technical education teachers in Maine. The legislation directs the state to increase this salary floor from $40,000 in the 2023-24 school year to $50,000 by the 2027-28 school year. To support these higher wages, the bill allocates approximately $3.5 million from the general fund, which also covers additional costs for employer retirement contributions. These financial provisions apply to the Department of Education and affect local schools across the state.