Maddy summaryLD 481 allows water districts created by special legislative acts to borrow money and request repayment from their constituent municipalities *before* they default on debt payments. Specifically, if a district determines its water charge revenues won’t cover operating expenses for the current fiscal year, it may borrow funds to pay principal, interest, and borrowing costs, then immediately issue a reimbursement request to the municipalities it serves. The district must include all available funds and expected expenses in its revenue calculation and submit a financial management plan to the commission within 30 days. This applies only to districts that have previously approved the provision or obtain new approval. The bill changes existing law to provide an early financial tool for districts facing cash flow shortfalls.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryLD 1073 amends definitions in the Maine Metallic Mineral Mining Act, clarifying terms like "fugitive emission" (unintentional leaks from mining equipment) and "mine waste" (materials removed during mining). The bill updates these definitions to better describe mining operations but does not introduce new requirements or policies related to health equity. It does not directly affect vulnerable populations or advance health equity, as the amendments only revise technical terminology without changing regulatory obligations. The bill's focus is purely definitional, not substantive policy.
Maddy summaryLD 1122 amends Maine's existing law banning single-use carry-out bags by clarifying definitions to ensure the ban only applies to bags not meeting specific reuse or recycled material standards. It requires reusable fabric and plastic bags to withstand 125 uses, hold 18 pounds, and be machine washable, while recycled paper bags must contain at least 20% post-consumer recycled material and be 100% recyclable. Retailers must comply with these definitions when providing bags, and fees may apply for recycled paper or reusable plastic bags. This refines the 2020 ban to better distinguish prohibited single-use bags from reusable or recycled alternatives.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Maine high schools to organize annual voter registration drives starting in the 2026-2027 school year, directly affecting students aged 16+ and school staff. Schools must designate a coordinator (staff or external partner) to distribute voter registration forms (both online and paper), provide eligibility information, and submit completed forms to town clerks or the Secretary of State within 5 days of the drive and no later than 21 days before election day. Activities must occur during social studies, homeroom, or assemblies, with registration materials kept accessible before and after drives. The law aims to streamline student voter registration through school-based programs while complying with state election deadlines.
Maddy summaryMaine's legislature has passed a resolution (SP 173) applying to Congress to call an Article V convention for proposing a constitutional amendment on campaign finance reform. The resolution specifically targets issues like money's role in elections, corruption risks, and the *Citizens United* Supreme Court decision, but only if Congress fails to propose such an amendment by December 2026. Maine's application is part of a broader state effort to reach the required 38 states (two-thirds) for a convention, though it does not commit Maine to support any specific amendment. This is a procedural step - Maine is not creating new law but seeking to initiate a federal constitutional process.
Maddy summaryLD 2237 allocates $17.3 million to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services to expand mental health crisis intervention services available around the clock. The funding specifically supports mobile response teams by hiring peer support specialists, recovery coaches, and behavioral health liaisons, while also covering travel costs and critical incident response. Additionally, the bill amends the text to ensure the Public Utilities Commission coordinates with relevant agencies in the implementation of these safety measures. These changes aim to provide more immediate and accessible mental health support to individuals in crisis situations across the state.
Maddy summaryThis bill allocates a one-time $20 million General Fund appropriation to Maine's Department of Health and Human Services to support at-risk youth and those involved in the juvenile justice system. The funding is designated to enhance existing programs and create new ones that are spread across the state, ensuring these young people have easy access to shelters, youth centers, needs assessments, and wraparound services. By replacing a previous draft, the legislation focuses on providing concrete financial resources to improve housing and support options for this specific population.
Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the issuance of up to $25 million in state bonds to fund research, development, and commercialization projects within Maine's marine technology and aquaculture sectors. The money would be distributed through a competitive process to both public and private entities for infrastructure, equipment, and technology upgrades, with the goal of helping organizations gain market share and preserve or create jobs. The legislation requires voter approval through a referendum before the funds can be used and mandates that any unspent money be returned to the state treasury within ten years.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Maine's school funding formula to require specific staffing ratios for student support roles in public schools. It lowers the student-to-guidance staff ratio for elementary and middle schools from 350:1 to 250:1 and establishes new requirements for a clinical mental health provider ratio of 250:1 and a school psychologist ratio of 500:1 across all school levels. The legislation defines clinical mental health providers to include licensed social workers, counselors, and pastoral counselors, and allocates over $81 million in state funds to cover the costs of hiring staff to meet these standards. Additionally, the bill authorizes a pilot program to train 15 to 20 public school employees as behavior analysts in collaboration with the University of Southern Maine.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Maine's family medical leave law to allow employees to take unpaid time off to care for grandparents and great-grandparents with serious health conditions. The amendment removes specific language that previously defined eligible relatives based on blood, adoption, legal custody, marriage, or domestic partnership, thereby broadening the scope of who can be covered. This change ensures that the leave provision applies to these family members regardless of their specific legal relationship to the employee.