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.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryLD 632 allows Maine municipalities to impose a 2% local sales tax on short-term lodging (such as hotels, vacation rentals, and tourist camps) if approved by a voter referendum. The tax revenue must fund affordable housing programs within the municipality, including construction, renovation, and rental assistance for lower and moderate income households. Specifically, 15% of the collected revenue goes to the Maine State Housing Authority for rural housing initiatives, while the remaining funds return to the municipality for local housing projects. The tax requires voter approval (a majority of votes cast with at least 20% turnout from the last gubernatorial election) and cannot take effect before January 1, 2026.
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 summaryLD 225 would impose a new 3% sales tax on the rental value of living quarters at hotels and lodging places in Maine, effective January 1, 2026. This tax applies to stays at hotels, motels, and similar accommodations, directly affecting businesses in the hospitality sector. The revenue generated must be sent directly to the Maine Department of Education to fund public school construction and K-12 education programs. The bill does not change existing property taxes but creates a dedicated funding stream for schools through this targeted tax.
Maddy summaryLD 811 requires municipalities to hold a public hearing and vote before approving a new sports wagering facility's physical location. Applicants must first get written approval from local municipal officers (or county commissioners for unincorporated areas), who must provide written reasons for their decision. An applicant can appeal a denial to the Gambling Control Unit director within 15 days, with the director holding a public hearing to review the case. The bill ensures a facility's license is valid only at the specific location approved by the municipality or county.
Maddy summaryThis joint resolution formally recognizes March 2025 as Social Work Month in Maine. It does not create new laws or policies but honors social workers for their advocacy and services supporting vulnerable populations, mental health access, veterans, and social justice. The resolution directs the Maine Legislature to send authenticated copies to Maine universities with social work programs and the National Association of Social Workers, Maine Chapter. It directly affects social workers and their institutions by publicly acknowledging their contributions.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes an impact fee for owners of large privately owned pleasure vessels, known as megayachts, that are docked in Maine for up to 30 consecutive days. The fee is calculated at $10 per foot for any length exceeding 150 feet and applies to any vessel meeting the size criteria, regardless of where it is registered. Collected funds are split evenly between the Department of Environmental Protection and the state, with half allocated to harbor infrastructure and sea level rise mitigation, and the other half dedicated to public transit projects. The legislation excludes commercial vessels, military ships, and boats built before 1950 from the fee, while allowing the Department of Environmental Protection to create rules for administering the program.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends an existing law to provide funding for a new state position dedicated to helping students facing educational disruptions. The added funds will support a program manager who establishes a network of liaisons to assist children experiencing homelessness, unstable housing, foster care placement, hospitalization, or incarceration. These liaisons will work directly with families and schools to ensure these students maintain access to education during times of crisis. The legislation allocates specific budget amounts for the position and related operational costs for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 fiscal years.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a procedural amendment that adds a fiscal note to a separate workforce development proposal. It does not create new laws or change policies on its own. The text simply directs the state legislature to include financial cost estimates for the related bill.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends existing laws to ensure that elementary and secondary schools in Maine's unorganized territory follow the state's established learning results and educational standards. It requires these schools to align their curriculum with the system set by the commissioner under Title 20-A, Section 6209 of the Maine Revised Statutes. Additionally, the schools must meet general standards for both regular and special education as defined by the state. This change directly affects the educational framework for students living in the unorganized territory of Maine.