Rep. Billy Bob Faulkingham

Maddy summaryLD 1593 requires state agencies, local governments, and educational institutions in Maine to publicly define the term "equity" whenever they claim to make decisions "to advance equity" (such as in policies, contracts, or hiring). The bill mandates that these entities post both their specific definition of "equity" and the measurable metrics used to assess it on their publicly accessible websites. This applies directly to any decision-making process referencing "equity," ensuring transparency about how the term is interpreted and measured. The law does not define "equity" itself but requires public entities to clarify their own usage. This is a transparency measure focused on concrete disclosure, not policy content.

Maddy summaryLD 1707 requires all individuals to be U.S. citizens to receive most state or local financial assistance in Maine, including municipal aid programs. The bill exempts general purpose school funding distributed under Title 20-A, Chapter 606-B. It also makes municipalities ineligible for state funding (like revenue sharing or general assistance) if they prohibit local officials from sharing immigration status information with federal authorities, aligning with federal immigration law (specifically the 1996 Illegal Immigration Reform Act). This policy directly affects non-citizen residents seeking financial aid and requires municipal compliance with federal immigration information-sharing requirements.

Maddy summaryLD 147 proposes a constitutional amendment to change how Maine's Secretary of State is selected. Currently appointed by the Legislature, the Secretary of State would instead be elected directly by voters every two years, starting in 2026, using the same voting process as for state Senators and Representatives. The amendment requires voter approval in a statewide referendum held during the November 2025 election, asking "Do you favor amending the Constitution of Maine to provide that the Secretary of State be elected by the people biennially?" If approved, the change would take effect upon the Governor's proclamation. This directly affects Maine voters and the office of Secretary of State, shifting selection from legislative appointment to popular election.

Maddy summaryLD 1341 is a resolution directing Maine's Department of Marine Resources to evaluate how two licensed lobster or scallop fishermen can operate from a single vessel without increasing the total catch. The department must consult with lobster advisory councils and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission during its review. It must submit a report to the Marine Resources Committee by January 14, 2026, which may include recommendations for new legislation. This resolution does not change current fishing rules but initiates a process to potentially adjust them based on the findings.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how Maine sets lobster size limits. Currently, the Marine Resources Commissioner can adjust minimum and maximum sizes via routine rules to comply with regional fisheries plans. The bill removes this authority, requiring the department to submit new legislation to the Legislature instead whenever size changes are needed for compliance with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's American Lobster management plan. This directly affects the Marine Resources Department's process and lobster fishermen who must follow size regulations.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals Maine's mandatory paid family and medical leave program, making participation voluntary instead. It limits the program to employers with 50 or more employees and requires the Department of Labor to refund all contributions made under the previous mandatory system to both employers and employees by June 2026. Unappropriated funds from the leave program must be transferred to the state's general fund by June 30, 2026. The changes take effect retroactively to October 25, 2023.

Maddy summaryMaine's LD 553 asserts the state's legal authority over ocean waters and marine resources within 12 nautical miles of its coast, directly affecting Maine's commercial fishing industry - particularly lobster operations dependent on herring as bait. The bill amends state law to declare Maine's ownership and control of these waters and their living resources, requiring the Attorney General to take legal actions (including negotiations or lawsuits) to enforce this sovereignty by May 1, 2025. It also mandates a report to the Marine Resources Committee detailing progress on these efforts. This change aims to counter federal restrictions on herring fishing in the Gulf of Maine that threaten local fisheries.

Maddy summaryLD 1333 updates Maine's Paid Family and Medical Leave program to clarify eligibility and administration. It requires employees to have worked for an employer for at least 120 days to qualify, shortens the deadline for filing leave applications from 90 to 30 days after leave begins, and adjusts employer contribution rules: companies with 15+ workers can deduct 50% of premiums from employee wages and send 100% to the fund, while smaller employers send 50%. The bill also specifies that leave under this program runs concurrently with federal FMLA, and defines "self-employed" to include small business owners with fewer than 15 employees. These changes directly affect Maine workers seeking leave and their employers managing contributions.

Maddy summaryLD 1553 proposes amending Maine's Constitution to require a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers to raise existing tax rates or impose new taxes. Currently, legislative consent is required for taxes, but this bill would strengthen that requirement by mandating a supermajority vote instead of a simple majority. The amendment would also allow tax changes to be approved through direct citizen initiative (a public vote) as an alternative to the legislative supermajority. This resolution must be approved by the legislature and then ratified by Maine voters in a statewide election to become part of the state constitution. If adopted, it would directly affect how the legislature passes tax-related legislation.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates new certification paths for industrial arts teachers in Maine who have significant hands-on industry experience but lack traditional teaching credentials. It allows teachers to earn a conditional certificate or a separate endorsement for specific industrial arts areas (like automotive repair, welding, electrical work, carpentry, or CAD) by meeting three key requirements: completing a registered apprenticeship, earning a 2-year technical degree, or having 36 months of paid work experience (including 12 months at a supervisory level in the past 5 years). The State Board of Education must adopt rules to implement these pathways, directly affecting current and prospective industrial arts teachers seeking to qualify through practical experience rather than standard teaching programs.