Rep. Grayson Lookner

Maddy summaryLD 273 clarifies that when Maine's Legislature creates a committee with authority to gather evidence (such as administering oaths, issuing subpoenas, or taking testimony), the Legislature itself retains sole authority to determine the committee's membership and scope. This bill ensures that lawmakers, not other entities, control the composition and purpose of these investigative committees. It applies specifically to committees delegated investigative powers, reinforcing legislative oversight. The bill is procedural, amending existing law to prevent external bodies from influencing committee structure.

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 summaryThis bill prohibits MaineCare (Maine's Medicaid program) from restricting coverage for individuals with opioid use disorder who need both methadone maintenance treatment and concurrent intensive outpatient programs or other outpatient services for substance use or behavioral health disorders. It directly affects MaineCare enrollees seeking integrated treatment for opioid addiction, removing barriers to receiving both medication-based care and counseling services simultaneously. The key provision requires the Department of Health and Human Services to adopt implementing rules within 90 days to ensure coverage is not denied or restricted for these concurrent services. The bill mandates that coverage must be provided for medically appropriate combinations of methadone treatment and outpatient programs without prior authorization hurdles.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new independent auditor position within Maine's Attorney General's Office to oversee the Maine Information and Analysis Center (MIAC). The auditor will monitor MIAC's operations to ensure legal compliance, protect privacy and civil liberties, and maintain public transparency. Key provisions require the auditor to publish de-identified reports online annually, including progress on oversight goals and responses to data requests, while safeguarding confidential information. The bill also clarifies that non-classified MIAC information shared with private entities is subject to Maine's public records law. This directly affects MIAC's operations and provides the public with greater visibility into its activities.

Maddy summaryLD 740 creates a new program allowing Maine law enforcement to refer youth (under 18) to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for a needs assessment *before* filing a court petition or making an arrest, instead of proceeding through the criminal justice system. This applies to youth who may have committed minor offenses, with the program requiring consent from both the youth and their parents/guardians. If consent is given, the youth is referred to DHHS for a strengths-based assessment using evidence-based tools, and statements made during this referral process cannot later be used against them in court. The law aims to address underlying needs (like mental health or family issues) rather than punish, while preserving the option for arrest if consent is denied or if immediate safety is a concern.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires that public safety dispatchers in Maine serve a minimum one-year probationary period before becoming fully employed. It directly affects individuals whose primary job duties involve dispatching emergency medical services, coordinating public safety responses, managing municipal fire protection calls, or directing law enforcement officers. The law defines these dispatchers by their specific roles in emergency communication centers and municipal fire services. By setting this minimum timeframe, the legislation standardizes employment conditions for these critical public safety positions.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $1 million in one-time state funding to the Maine Community College System to support ongoing training programs for emergency medical services technicians and paramedics. The funds are designated for the 2026-27 fiscal year and are intended to maintain existing educational initiatives that prepare individuals for emergency medical response roles. By providing financial resources to the community college system, the legislation aims to ensure continued availability of training for healthcare workers in emergency services. The measure does not create new programs but rather sustains current training efforts through direct financial support.

Maddy summaryLD 1682 (2025) amends Maine's income tax code to create new higher tax brackets and rates for tax years beginning in 2025. It directly affects high-income earners: single filers with income over $300,000, heads of household over $450,000, and married couples filing jointly over $600,000. The bill increases the top tax rate from 7.15% to 10.15% for these income levels, while raising the income thresholds where higher rates apply compared to current brackets. The changes apply to all three filing statuses (single, head of household, married joint returns) and are effective starting January 1, 2025.

Maddy summaryLD 747 establishes a Maine State Housing Authority program providing direct rental subsidies to homeless students in public elementary and secondary schools. The bill allocates $2 million annually from the General Fund to fund this program, which will provide housing assistance directly to homeless students or their guardians. It removes a previous requirement to specifically address minors without adult guardians, while directing the Housing Authority to coordinate with the Department of Education and Health and Human Services. The program aims to reduce homelessness among school-aged children by connecting them with stable housing through direct financial support.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Maine's rules for transporting prisoners to court and using force with them. It clarifies that sheriffs (or their deputies) must transport prisoners safely per court orders, and requires written copies of court orders to be left with prison/jail staff. It also defines when correctional staff, transport officers, or law enforcement may use nondeadly force (to prevent escapes or enforce rules) or deadly force (only for self-defense, to stop imminent deadly threats, or during escapes involving weapons). The law explicitly states that only state employees may use deadly force for escapes, and requires officers to warn prisoners before using it.