Rep. Sue Salisbury

Maddy summaryThis bill is a procedural amendment that adds a fiscal note to a resolution proposing a constitutional change. The resolution itself would establish that all residents of Maine have equal rights under the law. The amendment does not alter the substance of the proposed constitutional language but includes required financial documentation for the legislative process.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new special retirement plan for employees of the Maine Department of Corrections and related departments who work in correctional facilities or interact with prisoners and offenders. Under the new plan, these workers can retire after completing 25 years of service in their current capacity, regardless of whether that time was earned before or after the plan's creation. The legislation also temporarily extends eligibility for the existing 1998 Special Retirement Plan until September 30, 2024, for certain staff members who were previously covered under different rules. Additionally, the bill includes provisions allowing employees whose positions were moved between departments to keep their original retirement benefits if they meet the requirements of their former plan.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Maine Department of Corrections to evaluate how well its current reentry services meet the employment needs of people leaving prison. To do this, the department must collaborate with community organizations and employers to identify any gaps in support. By January 31, 2025, the department must submit a report detailing its findings and recommendations to the legislature's criminal justice committee. The committee may then use this information to introduce new legislation in the following year to address the identified issues.

Maddy summaryThis bill defines "solitary confinement" for laws governing Maine jails and correctional facilities. It specifies that solitary confinement occurs when a resident is isolated in a cell or single housing for 22 hours or more within a 24-hour period, with exceptions made for necessary medical or mental health reasons. The definition explicitly excludes isolation lasting up to five days if it is based on reasonable suspicion that a resident has ingested or inserted a contraband item.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends an existing law to fund the delivery of emergency medical services in Maine by adjusting how the Emergency Medical Services Commission is managed and financed. It sets a specific date of June 30, 2027, for repealing the commission and removes rules regarding member appointments and term lengths. The legislation also directs the Department of Public Safety to use existing program funds rather than general funds to pay for a consultant who will analyze funding needs for regional EMS collaboration. Additionally, it allocates $150,000 in special revenue funds for the 2024-25 fiscal year to cover the cost of this analysis while providing smaller annual payments to legislators serving on the commission.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends an existing law to adjust how much money can be spent on administrative costs for a new fund designed to support public safety workers and volunteers. It removes a previous 5% cap on administrative expenses for grant recipients and establishes a new 10% limit for the Department of Public Safety to use when managing the program. The change allows the department to allocate a larger portion of the grant funding toward the operational costs of running the health and wellness reimbursement initiative.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the State Controller to move $162,500 from a special emergency management fund to the state's general fund by June 1, 2025. The transfer is intended to help maximize available resources for emergency medical services. It does not create new programs but reallocates existing money within the state budget. The measure affects the state's financial management and the funds available for emergency response efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends an existing outdoor education program to require providers to follow state licensing rules for guides and trip leaders. Specifically, it mandates that anyone leading outdoor school activities in Maine must hold the appropriate licenses for guides, youth camp leaders, or educational trip leaders as defined by state law. The change ensures that all participants in the Outdoor School for All Maine Students Program are supervised by qualified, licensed professionals.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution designates June 28, 2024, as Maine Acadian Day to honor the history and cultural contributions of Acadians and Franco-Americans in the state. The measure acknowledges the legacy of French settlers who established the first European community in Maine and endured the forced deportation of the Acadian people in the 18th century. By officially recognizing this date, the legislature aims to celebrate the significant role these communities play in Maine's heritage, particularly in the Saint John Valley region.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution expresses the Maine legislature's support for strengthening ties between Maine and Taiwan, highlighting their existing trade relationship and shared democratic values. The bill encourages the signing of specific agreements, such as a bilateral trade deal, an income tax agreement, and a driver's license reciprocity pact, while also promoting educational exchanges between the two regions. Additionally, it formally supports Taiwan's participation in international organizations and calls for increased people-to-people interactions. The resolution is intended to be sent to the President, state officials, and Taiwanese leaders to reaffirm the state's commitment to this partnership.