Rep. Amy Kuhn

Maddy summaryLD 1917 allows individuals convicted of conduct that is no longer illegal in Maine to seek to seal their criminal records. It specifically applies to convictions for offenses that were later decriminalized or legalized, such as certain marijuana-related crimes that are now legal. The bill removes the standard 4-year waiting period for these cases, enabling people to file for record sealing immediately after completing their sentences. This change provides a more timely process for clearing records of eligible convictions without requiring prolonged waiting.

Maddy summaryLD 818 amends Maine's Clean Election Act to allow certified candidates to use public campaign funds for paid caregiving services for their dependents. Specifically, it permits candidates or their spouses/domestic partners to cover costs of direct care for dependent family members when the need arises directly from campaign activities during an election cycle. This change explicitly adds caregiving services to the list of permissible campaign-related expenses under the Clean Election Fund, which previously restricted funds to standard campaign costs. The bill does not alter the fund's core purpose but expands its allowable uses to address practical needs tied to campaign schedules.

Maddy summaryLD 260 is a resolution proposing a constitutional amendment to Maine's constitution that would guarantee equal rights under the law for all residents, prohibiting discrimination by the state or local governments based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, ancestry, or national origin. This amendment would directly affect all Maine residents by legally requiring state and local entities to provide equal treatment without regard to these protected characteristics. The resolution requires a statewide referendum in the next November election, where voters would decide whether to adopt the amendment by answering "Yes" or "No" on a ballot. If approved by a majority of voters, the amendment would become part of Maine's constitution, giving the Legislature authority to create enforcing laws.

Maddy summaryLD 1805 establishes a new process in Maine for people convicted of crimes while being victims of sex trafficking or sexual exploitation to seek to reverse their convictions. It allows individuals to file a motion showing their crime was substantially caused by their exploitation, without court filing fees. The motion can be filed by the person, their attorney, or the court, and will be reviewed by the Superior Court. This directly affects individuals with documented victimization histories who were convicted of offenses stemming from their exploitation.

Maddy summaryLD 1022 requires Maine to appropriate $9.5 million annually starting July 1, 2026, for civil legal aid services targeting low-income residents. It directly affects approximately 356,500 Mainers living below 200% of the federal poverty level who face civil legal issues like eviction, domestic violence, or benefits disputes without representation. Key provisions mandate quarterly fund distribution through the Civil Legal Services Fund Commission, annual reporting on unmet legal needs (including attorney-to-resident ratios), and biennial legislative hearings to assess funding adequacy. The bill aims to sustain and improve access to justice by ensuring consistent, increased funding for legal assistance in civil matters.

Maddy summaryLD 340 establishes new time limits for criminal trials in Maine, requiring trials to begin within specific periods after arraignment based on the severity of the charges. For Class A crimes (like murder), trials must start within 24 months by 2027, tightening to 9 months by 2031. Less serious charges (Class D/E) have deadlines shrinking from 12 to 6 months over the same period. The bill directly affects defendants facing criminal charges in Maine courts, with time limits calculated from arraignment and excluding certain delays like mental evaluations or transportation.

Maddy summaryLD 34 sets new minimum salary levels for certified teachers and career and technical education teachers in Maine public schools, starting in the 2026-2027 school year. It requires school districts to establish minimums of $45,000 for 2026-27, increasing to $52,500 by 2029-30, with automatic annual cost-of-living adjustments after 2030 based on the Chained Consumer Price Index. The state will provide supplemental funding to cover these increases for school districts that previously paid below the new minimums. This directly affects public school teachers and districts in Maine, with the first salary adjustments taking effect for the 2026-2027 school year.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that deputy and assistant district attorneys receive pay and benefits comparable to assistant attorneys general and public defenders. It directly affects state and local legal professionals working in prosecution (district attorneys' offices) and defense (public defenders' offices). The key mechanism mandates district attorneys to set compensation for these roles, subject to approval by the Attorney General and Governor, ensuring alignment with the pay standards of assistant attorneys general and public defenders. The bill focuses on standardizing compensation structures without altering job duties or legal responsibilities.

Maddy summaryLD 505 updates Maine's probate court filing fees and adds requirements for AI-generated documents. It automatically adjusts fees each year based on the Consumer Price Index (cost-of-living index), rounding changes to the nearest $5, and sets new reference years for calculations. The bill also requires anyone using AI to create court documents to submit an affidavit verifying accuracy, with potential sanctions for non-compliance. These changes directly affect people filing probate cases (like estate executors and attorneys) by increasing fees and adding new document verification steps. The law applies to all probate court filings starting in 2025.

Maddy summaryLD 1347 raises the maximum damages cap for claims against Maine governmental entities (like towns, cities, or state agencies) or their employees under the Maine Tort Claims Act from $400,000 to $1,250,000 per single incident. This change directly affects public entities facing lawsuits for negligence, such as accidents involving public vehicles or injuries at government facilities. The bill amends Section 14 MRSA §8105 to set this new cap, applying to all claims arising from one occurrence. It does not alter the process for filing claims but increases the financial limit for public entity liability.