Rep. Morgan Rielly

Maddy summaryLD 895 establishes the Outdoor School for All Maine Students Program, providing immersive outdoor education for grades 4-8 in publicly funded schools starting in the 2025-2026 school year. The program, administered by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Service, provides grants to outdoor education providers to partner with schools, prioritizing historically underserved communities including rural schools, students of color, English language learners, and those qualifying for free/reduced lunch. It requires curricula focused on Maine's natural resources, science, sustainability, and hands-on learning in outdoor settings, with grants ensuring annual participation for the same grade level. The bill directly affects Maine public school students in grades 4-8 and outdoor education providers partnering with school districts.

Maddy summaryLD 1456 expands Maine liquor licensing rules to allow manufacturers to operate more retail locations. It increases the limit from one to up to three on-premises retail licenses per manufacturing facility for owners of a single facility, and up to six licenses for owners of multiple facilities producing at least 1,000 barrels annually. This change directly affects breweries, distilleries, wineries, and other liquor manufacturers seeking to sell directly to consumers at additional retail sites. The bill modifies existing law to permit these expanded retail operations under specific ownership and production volume conditions. It does not change sampling rules or excise tax requirements.

Maddy summaryLD 1845 establishes the Working Waterfront Advisory Council to address challenges facing Maine's working waterfronts, which include ports, harbors, and coastal areas used for fishing, shipping, and maritime industries. The council, appointed by the Maine Office of Community Affairs with up to 15 members representing tribes, municipalities, industries, and other stakeholders, must meet at least four times yearly and submit annual reports by February 1 to legislative committees on issues like access, climate resilience, workforce housing, and economic development. The bill also requires the Maine Office of Community Affairs to submit similar annual reports on working waterfront initiatives to the same committees, focusing on progress and recommendations from coalitions and tribal partnerships.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment allowing Maine municipalities to tax different property types (like homes vs. businesses) at varying rates based on classification, rather than taxing all property equally by value. It would take effect after a statewide referendum in November 2025, requiring voter approval to change the state constitution. If approved, municipalities could implement this system starting April 1, 2027, following future state legislation defining the classification process. The change directly affects local governments and property owners, as it alters how property taxes are calculated at the municipal level.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Maine's Marine Resources Commissioner to allocate one scallop dragging license per year for each of 14 specific island communities (including Chebeague, Monhegan, and Vinalhaven), issuing licenses only to residents of the designated community. Licenses cannot be transferred to residents of other island communities, and unissued licenses after three consecutive years may be reallocated to another qualifying island. The commissioner must collaborate with local officials and organizations to verify residency, manage allocations, and identify potential needs for additional licenses. The policy aims to support year-round residents of these coastal communities by ensuring local access to scallop fishing licenses.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Maine's Commissioner of Marine Resources to allocate one commercial menhaden fishing license for each of 14 specific island communities (including Chebeague, Monhegan, and Vinalhaven), exclusively to residents of those communities. Licenses cannot be transferred to residents of other islands, and unissued licenses after three consecutive years may be reallocated to another community on the list. The commissioner must collaborate with local officials to verify residency and manage the program. This policy directly affects island residents seeking commercial fishing opportunities in the menhaden fishery, aiming to support local economic activity on these coastal communities.

Maddy summaryLD 1415 requires Maine legislators and lobbyists to report "behested payments" - payments made for legislative, governmental, or charitable purposes at a legislator's suggestion or in coordination with them. Legislators must report payments of $200 or more made on their behalf within 45 days, while lobbyists must report payments totaling $200 or more to a single organization or $400 or more to multiple organizations within 15 days of the following month. Reports must include the payment amount, organization's name and purpose, the lobbyist's details, and the legislator's name. This bill directly affects legislators and lobbyists who engage in these types of transactions.

Maddy summaryThis Maine legislative joint resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Mayaguez incident (May 12-15, 1975), recognized as the last U.S. combat mission in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. It honors the 18 U.S. service members who died and 50 wounded during the rescue operation involving the seized SS Mayaguez cargo ship and Marines on Koh Tang Island. The resolution specifically acknowledges Maine’s connection, noting 48,000 Mainers served in Vietnam, 343 are memorialized at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and 11 remain missing. It expresses gratitude for all Maine veterans’ service and sacrifice during the conflict, with no policy or financial provisions.

Maddy summaryLD 808 requires all Maine public school boards and approved private school governing bodies to implement wearable panic alert systems in every school building starting with the 2026-2027 school year. The bill mandates that each staff member receive a wearable device capable of instantly contacting 9-1-1 and triggering a campuswide lockdown, with annual staff training required. School entities must also ensure security data (including camera feeds and maps) is accessible to local law enforcement while keeping physical security records confidential under Maine's Freedom of Access Act. This law directly affects school staff and security protocols in all covered schools across Maine.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a legislative bill with policy changes. Maine's 132nd Legislature passed HP 1242 to formally honor Pope Francis following his death on April 21, 2025. The resolution commemorates his life, papacy, and legacy of service to the marginalized, citing his teachings and writings. It has no direct effect on policy, funding, or specific groups, as it is purely symbolic.