Rep. Amy Kuhn

Maddy summaryLD 1109 prohibits possession of ammunition feeding devices (like magazines, drums, or boxes) that hold more than 10 rounds, making it a Class D crime. It defines "large-capacity" as devices holding over 10 rounds or easily convertible to do so. The law exempts active military, law enforcement officers, and existing owners who modify, surrender, or sell devices within 180 days of the law's effective date. It does not apply to antique firearms or devices transported by licensed dealers.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Maine firearm dealers and gunsmiths to display a standardized public health warning sign at their business locations and provide a brochure to every firearm purchaser or transferee. The warning states that firearms in the home increase risks of suicide, domestic violence fatalities, and unintentional deaths (especially among children), and advises secure storage practices. The Department of Health and Human Services must develop these materials, distribute them to businesses, and monitor compliance. Violations result in a written warning for a first offense and fines up to $500 for repeat violations.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Maine public and private schools to implement specific safety measures for students with epilepsy or other seizure disorders. Starting July 1, 2026, schools must employ at least one staff member trained to recognize seizures and assist with administering seizure rescue medication, following national guidelines. Schools must also collaborate with parents to create individualized seizure action plans for affected students, keep these plans on file, and provide annual one-hour self-directed staff training on seizure disorders. Additionally, schools must offer age-appropriate seizure education to all students beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, and require parental written authorization with physician documentation for medication administration.

Maddy summaryLD 1727 prohibits businesses from using artificial intelligence chatbots to conduct commercial transactions with Maine consumers if the interaction misleads them into thinking they are communicating with a human. Specifically, it requires businesses to clearly inform consumers they are interacting with AI, rather than a human, before or during the transaction. Violations would be treated as breaches of Maine’s Unfair Trade Practices Act, allowing the Attorney General to seek penalties or injunctions. This bill directly affects businesses selling goods or services to consumers in Maine through digital interactions involving AI.

Maddy summaryLD 1657 expands Maine municipalities' ability to use tax increment revenue for affordable housing by adding specific allowable costs. The bill allows funds to cover development, purchase, operation, and financial support of affordable housing projects, including costs for creating municipal loan or grant programs that assist qualifying homebuyers. Crucially, it removes the requirement that these housing projects must be located within designated affordable housing development districts. This change gives municipalities greater flexibility to support affordable housing initiatives and workforce recruitment efforts outside existing tax increment zones.

Maddy summaryLD 1797 requires Maine public agencies to provide written denial notices within 5 business days for public records requests, including the specific statute authorizing the denial. This applies to all state agencies, local governments, and officials handling public records. The bill implements a recommendation from the Right to Know Advisory Committee to clarify the legal basis for denials. It replaces existing requirements to ensure transparency in how denials are justified.

Maddy summaryLD 1813 requires state and local officials to complete a 2-hour training course on Maine’s public records laws within 120 days of taking office. It applies to over 30 roles, including the Governor, state agency heads, legislators, county officials, municipal officers, school board members, and regional district leaders. The training covers legal requirements for public records, handling record requests, and consequences for non-compliance, with completion documented via written or electronic record. The bill implements recommendations from Maine’s Right to Know Advisory Committee to improve transparency and ensure officials understand their obligations under existing open government laws.

Maddy summaryLD 1826 creates a new law (§25012 in Title 5) requiring the Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous and Tribal Populations to keep personally identifiable information confidential. This applies to data the commission collects for research on historically disadvantaged groups, including names, addresses, dates of birth, email addresses, and IP addresses. The commission may only share such information if it first obtains the individual's written consent. The bill directly affects the commission and the people whose personal details they gather for their research.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Maine's Commission on Public Defense Services to create a procedure helping individuals file motions to seal their criminal history records after a conviction. It directly affects people with past criminal convictions who seek to legally erase or restrict access to their court records under Maine law. The key provision mandates the Commission to develop a clear process for assisting these individuals with their post-judgment sealing requests. The bill implements a recommendation from the Criminal Records Review Committee to improve access to this record-sealing process. It does not change the eligibility rules for sealing records, only the support system for those who qualify.

Maddy summaryMaine's LD 1324 prohibits motor vehicle dealers and manufacturers from misleading consumers about gasoline-powered hybrid vehicles by falsely suggesting they are electric. The law bans specific deceptive advertising terms like "EV," "electric," "E," or "range," and imagery such as lightning bolts or battery symbols that imply hybrids run primarily on electricity. It applies to all marketing formats, including print, online, radio, TV, and dealership signage. The Maine Attorney General enforces the law, with violations treated as unfair trade practices under existing state law. This directly affects consumers shopping for vehicles and ensures advertising accurately reflects whether a vehicle is a true electric vehicle or a gasoline hybrid.