Rep. Sam Zager

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution formally recognizes the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists on the occasion of its 75th anniversary. It highlights the organization's role in representing over 62,000 health care professionals nationwide, including 217 members in Maine who provide obstetric and gynecologic care. The bill commends the college for its efforts to improve maternal health and protect patient access to care. Finally, it directs that an authenticated copy of the resolution be sent to the organization as a gesture of appreciation.

Maddy summaryLD 1643 establishes the Maine Life Science Innovation Center as a state agency to coordinate and grow Maine's life science sector. The center will manage a new fund providing grants, loans, and incentives to certified life science businesses (defined as entities meeting specific health and innovation criteria), while developing strategic growth plans and workforce programs. It will work with state agencies, universities, and businesses to align with Maine's economic development goals and improve health outcomes related to life sciences. This directly affects life science businesses seeking funding and Maine's broader economic development strategy.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates February 3, 2026, as Older Mainers Day to honor the contributions of Maine residents aged 65 and older. The resolution acknowledges the significant roles older adults play in the state's economy, community service, and civic institutions while highlighting the projected growth in this population. It encourages residents and organizations to recognize the value of older Mainers and their challenges, promoting a commitment to supporting aging with dignity and independence. The measure does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic recognition of the state's dedication to inclusive communities.

Maddy summaryLD 1301 prohibits Maine health insurance companies and their contractors from using artificial intelligence to deny, delay, or modify health insurance claims starting January 1, 2026. It requires that any denial based on medical necessity must be made by a clinical peer (a healthcare professional) who reviews the patient’s medical history and provider’s recommendation. The bill also mandates that AI use must be transparent to patients, cannot discriminate based on protected characteristics, and must be reviewed for accuracy. This directly affects health insurers and their third-party reviewers handling claim decisions in Maine.

Maddy summaryThis bill (LD 411) changes Maine law regarding firearms seized as part of criminal cases. It requires all firearms forfeited under certain criminal sentences - including those used in murder or unlawful homicide - to be destroyed by the state, removing a previous exception that allowed third parties to claim ownership. The bill also aligns juvenile court procedures for firearm forfeiture with these updated adult sentencing rules. These changes apply to both adult criminal cases and juvenile proceedings involving firearms used in qualifying offenses.

Maddy summaryLD 1126 requires firearms dealers in Maine to permanently mark all firearms they sell with unique serial numbers. It also bans the manufacture, sale, possession, or transfer of "undetectable firearms" (defined as weapons undetectable by standard security scanners under federal law). Violations carry criminal penalties, with stricter charges for possessing such weapons near schools, courthouses, polling places, or government buildings. The law applies directly to firearms dealers and anyone handling undetectable firearms.

Maddy summaryLD 1738 establishes a grant program to fund community efforts in safely disposing of used hypodermic needles (biohazard waste), directly supporting community organizations (like needle exchange programs) and local health departments. The program provides funding for purchasing disposal containers, hiring staff to collect discarded needles, and running public education campaigns. Grants prioritize projects in areas with rising reports of improperly discarded needles and those using collaborative or innovative approaches. The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention will administer the program and submit annual reports to the legislature on outcomes and funding needs.

Maddy summaryLD 1389 creates Maine's "Building Opportunity Through Out-of-School Time Program," a competitive grant program administered by the Department of Health and Human Services. The program directly supports at-risk school-age youth (ages 5-13 facing educational challenges due to factors like poverty or limited English) by funding structured after-school, before-school, and summer activities provided by eligible community nonprofits, libraries, or statewide youth organizations. Key provisions establish a nonlapsing fund to expand or create out-of-school programming, require the department to set clear grant application rules and publish award details online, and ensure funding complements existing support like section 1053-B. The program aims to improve youth outcomes through evidence-based activities focused on academic success, safety, career exploration, and reducing risky behaviors.

Maddy summaryLD 166 prohibits pharmacies and retail stores containing pharmacies from selling tobacco products. It makes such locations ineligible for tobacco retail licenses, requiring them to stop all tobacco sales, including through vending machines or free distribution. Violations carry civil fines up to $2,000 per day, with each day of noncompliance counted separately. The law takes effect on January 1, 2026, directly affecting pharmacies and drugstores that currently sell tobacco.

Maddy summaryLD 802 directs Maine's Department of Health and Human Services to contract with an independent provider to design a mentoring program specifically for youth who have or have had extended care and support agreements (Maine's term for foster care services for youth aged 18-21). The program must include evidence-based mentoring models, mandatory training for mentors/staff/youth, data collection, and direct input from youth with lived experience, including compensation for their participation. The Department must submit a final report with recommendations to the Legislature by January 2, 2027, detailing the provider's findings and youth input. This bill does not create new law but mandates a study and program design to support youth transitioning out of foster care.