Rep. Sam Zager

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 summaryLD 1497 establishes the Primary Care Advisory Council and requires the Maine Quality Forum to submit annual reports on primary care metrics starting January 2026. The bill mandates reports on four key areas: primary care spending as a percentage of health care costs, workforce capacity, timely access to services, and preventive care metrics. The advisory council - comprising 16 members including primary care providers, health insurers, employers, and consumer advocates - will assess primary care gaps and recommend policy changes to improve access, workforce distribution, and preventive care. This bill directly affects primary care providers (physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants), health insurers, employers, and Maine residents seeking accessible, affordable primary care. It does not change funding or create new regulations but sets a framework for data-driven policy recommendations.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Maine's insurance and hearing aid dealer laws to remove a barrier for people needing replacement hearing aids. It ensures health insurance (for both individual and group plans) cannot deny or delay coverage for a replacement hearing aid solely because the person is too ill or infirm to attend a required hearing examination. Similarly, it allows hearing aid dealers to sell replacements without an exam when the person is unable to safely attend due to illness, provided they are replacing an existing aid of the same type. The change directly affects Maine residents who require hearing aid replacements but face health challenges preventing them from completing routine exams.

Maddy summaryLD 733 is a concept draft that authorizes the Maine State Housing Authority to run a pilot project testing whether reporting rent payment histories to credit bureaus can help low-income renters improve their credit scores. The pilot will collect data on the effectiveness of this reporting method, with results to be shared with the Legislature by the next legislative session. Based on the pilot's findings, the bill would propose specific legal changes to implement successful strategies for improving credit access. This directly benefits low-income renters in Maine, who often struggle to build credit because their rent payments are not typically reported to credit agencies.

Maddy summaryLD 710 expands access to naloxone and similar opioid overdose-reversing medications in Maine. It removes training requirements for community overdose prevention programs and recovery residences that distribute these medications, and allows municipalities to place naloxone in public locations like wall-mounted boxes or vending machines in places such as libraries or parks. The bill also provides immunity from legal liability for anyone who administers these medications in good faith during an opioid overdose emergency. These changes apply to both naloxone hydrochloride and other approved opioid overdose-reversing medications.

Maddy summaryThis Maine bill (LD 1972) creates a new state review process for major health care transactions, such as hospital sales or mergers. It requires state review before changes in control of hospitals, clinics, or other health care providers (excluding nursing facilities), unless the deal involves subsidiaries of the same parent company. Key terms like "acquisition" and "change of control" are defined to clarify which transactions must undergo review. The law aims to increase transparency and protect consumers by ensuring such deals are evaluated before closing.

Maddy summaryThis resolution directs Maine's Office of Affordable Health Care to study the costs and funding mechanisms for a universal health care plan. The office must consult with the Department of Health and Human Services and use specific models (including Maine AllCare's All Maine Health Program) to analyze how a publicly funded, privately and publicly provided system could work. The study will conclude with a December 2025 report to the Health Coverage Committee, which may propose legislation based on the findings. This resolution does not create health care coverage but sets the groundwork for future policy decisions.

Maddy summaryThis bill ensures that housing assistance under Maine's general assistance program does not reduce support for other essential needs like food, utilities, or clothing. It extends the automatic eligibility period for homeless individuals in emergency shelters from 30 days to 180 days, reducing administrative hurdles for those seeking aid. The state will increase its reimbursement rate for municipal and tribal general assistance costs from 70% to 90%, while covering 100% of costs for emergency shelter services. These changes directly affect low-income households receiving aid and the local governments and tribal communities administering the program.

Maddy summaryLD 1799 directs Maine's Department of Health and Human Services to convene a stakeholder group to review the Progressive Treatment Program and the processes for involuntary psychiatric hospital admissions or court-ordered community treatment. The review will examine barriers in filing applications, enforcement of treatment plans, and the efficiency of current procedures to reduce delays in care. The stakeholder group must include patients, families, healthcare providers, legal representatives, and community advocates, and will submit recommendations by December 3, 2025. These findings may inform future legislation but do not change current laws or policies.

Maddy summaryLD 1703 establishes a pilot program to screen public school students in Cumberland, Androscoggin, and Washington counties for Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) - such as abuse or neglect - and conduct resiliency assessments to evaluate their ability to cope with stress. The program, run by Maine's Department of Health and Human Services with the Department of Education, will be offered voluntarily through school-based health centers during the 2026-2027 school year to identify students needing support. Licensed social workers must complete specific training on ACEs and resiliency before administering screenings, which will be confidential. The pilot requires collecting data on participation, scores, referrals, and feedback, with a report to the legislature by October 2027 to inform potential future expansion.