Rep. Deqa Dhalac

Maddy summaryLD 1507 requires owners and operators of oil terminal facilities in Maine to create and implement community notification plans. These plans must allow the public to sign up for electronic text message alerts (via SMS or similar technology) about oil transfers occurring at or near their facility. The alerts must include details like the transfer time, oil type, vessel name, and potential hazards, and must be sent once daily for upcoming transfers. Existing terminals must submit their plans for review by the Department of Environmental Protection and their local municipality by January 1, 2026, and implement them by July 1, 2026, with annual updates required thereafter.

Maddy summaryLD 1587 establishes criminal penalties for employers who intentionally violate Maine's labor laws, such as wage and hour requirements, affecting businesses operating in the state. It classifies these violations as a Class E crime, imposing fines up to $10,000 (with no jail time for first-time offenders) and requiring the Labor Director to investigate and refer cases to the Attorney General for prosecution. The Attorney General must respond within 30 days of receiving a referral and explain any decision to decline prosecution. The bill also mandates that the Department of Labor include detailed data on these referrals, fines collected, and reasons for declined prosecutions in its annual report.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Maine to divest public funds - including those managed by the Maine Public Employees Retirement System - from companies, financial institutions, or entities operating in, benefiting from, or associated with countries or governing bodies determined by independent international bodies (like the UN or International Criminal Court) to have committed apartheid, ethnic cleansing, genocide, or war crimes. It mandates full divestment within 12 months of such a determination and directs the Treasurer’s Office to create a commission to monitor human rights reports and submit annual compliance reports to the legislature. Exceptions cover humanitarian aid, food, medicine, and essential supplies, and the Governor may waive divestment to prevent significant harm to Maine residents or protect national security.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution from the Maine Legislature formally recognizes Lunar New Year 2026, which marks the beginning of the Year of the Horse. The bill highlights the historical and cultural significance of the holiday for Asian communities and the broader diaspora, noting that it is celebrated by over a billion people worldwide. It encourages local, state, and national observances as well as educational programs to inform the public about the history and symbolism of the tradition. Additionally, the resolution expresses support for increasing visibility and safety for communities that face marginalization, while reaffirming the state's commitment to its multicultural identity.

Maddy summaryLD 1259 prohibits Maine local law enforcement agencies and officers from entering into any written or oral agreements with federal immigration authorities. The bill specifically bans contracts that would grant federal immigration enforcement powers to local agencies, including those under federal 8 U.S. Code §1357(g). This directly affects all Maine municipal police departments, sheriffs' offices, and individual officers who interact with federal immigration enforcement. The law aims to clarify and limit local law enforcement's role in federal immigration enforcement activities.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution from the Maine Legislature formally recognizes the beginning of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan in 2026. It acknowledges that millions of Muslims, including those in Maine, observe this period through fasting and spiritual reflection. The text highlights the contributions of Muslim residents to Maine society, noting their roles in various professions and charitable efforts. The resolution serves as a ceremonial gesture of respect and extends best wishes to Muslims worldwide for their observance.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution designates March 2026 as Social Work Month in Maine to honor the contributions of social workers to community well-being and social justice. The bill highlights how these professionals support vulnerable populations, advocate for civil rights, and improve access to mental health and educational services. It directs that copies of the resolution be sent to several state universities with social work programs and the Maine chapter of the National Association of Social Workers.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution officially recognizes February 2026 as Black History Month, marking the 100th anniversary of its inception by Dr. Carter G. Woodson in 1926. The bill does not create new laws or regulations but serves as a formal statement from the Maine legislature to honor the contributions and history of African Americans. It specifically highlights Maine's historical involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, noting that local merchants and shipbuilders were deeply entangled in the global economy of enslavement for over a century. By passing this resolution, state lawmakers aim to encourage residents to learn more about these past experiences and their impact on the development of the state and nation.

Maddy summaryLD 471 establishes a 2-year pilot program at the University of Maine and University of Southern Maine to expand intensive English language learner programs for individuals aged 16+ whose primary language is not English. The program provides financial help for child care, transportation, and living expenses to students who don't qualify for existing aid programs, funds two staff members to assist students with accessing Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits, and requires students to teach English in Maine after completing a master's program. Enrollment is capped at 150 students per semester in year one and 300 in year two, with the University of Maine System required to offer full scholarships for a Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages master's program. The program mandates reports on student demographics, employment outcomes, and barriers to success by 2027 and 2028.

Maddy summaryLD 943 requires Maine's Department of Health and Human Services to directly administer the ASPIRE-TANF program (which supports Temporary Assistance for Needy Families recipients) using state employees starting January 1, 2027. It phases out contracts with outside public and private agencies by December 31, 2026, except for specific services like job training, child care, and transportation assistance. The bill also mandates an annual report to the Legislature detailing program staffing, participant outcomes, and administrative challenges. This change affects TANF program participants and shifts service delivery from contracted providers to state employees.