Rep. Lori Gramlich

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution formally recognizes May 2026 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Maine to increase public understanding of mental health conditions and reduce associated stigma. The bill cites statistics regarding suicide rates, the prevalence of serious mental illness among adults and children, and shortages of mental health professionals within the state. It emphasizes the importance of open dialogue and access to professional services for supporting recovery and breaking cycles of mental illness.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution designates April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Maine to raise public awareness about the issue. It emphasizes that preventing child abuse requires a collaborative effort involving government agencies, schools, healthcare providers, and community organizations. The bill also highlights how access to financial resources, stable housing, and quality education supports healthy child development.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a centralized complaint process managed by the Maine Attorney General's Office to allow crime victims to report violations of their legal rights by state, county, or local authorities. The Attorney General's Office will develop procedures for receiving and investigating these complaints, with the power to recommend corrective actions to relevant agencies and require responses within 30 days. The legislation also clarifies and expands specific victim rights, including the right to receive timely notice of hearings involving victim records and the right to comment on proposed early termination of probation or administrative release. Additionally, the bill requires the Attorney General's Office to submit biennial reports to state leaders summarizing complaint trends, outcomes, and recommendations for improving the victim complaint system.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires courts to impose a $500 assessment on individuals convicted of specific crimes related to commercial sexual exploitation and human trafficking, with a $1,000 fee for repeat offenders. The funds collected from these assessments must be transferred to the Victims' Compensation Fund and used exclusively to support victims and survivors of these crimes. Courts may waive or reduce the assessment based on the convicted person's ability to pay, and the bill ensures that unpaid balances are communicated to correctional authorities.

Maddy summaryLD 882 adds critical incident stress management peer support to the legal definition of "health care" in Maine law, protecting communications between these providers and people they assist. The bill designates peer support providers as mandatory reporters for suspected child abuse or neglect, requiring them to report such cases under state law. It establishes a legal privilege preventing these providers from being forced to testify about confidential communications during peer support sessions, except when a person's physical or mental condition is in question or a court deems disclosure necessary for justice. This protects the confidentiality of sensitive support conversations while ensuring child safety reporting obligations are met.

Maddy summaryLD 1821 requires licensed firearm dealers in Maine to implement specific security measures by July 1, 2026, including certified alarm systems, reinforced doors/windows, and 2-year video recording of all sales areas. It mandates background checks for all employees handling firearms and requires dealers to provide annual training developed by the Department of Public Safety on recognizing straw purchases, illegal activity, theft prevention, and gun safety education. The training must cover federal/state firearm laws, identifying suspicious transactions, and safe storage practices. This bill directly affects all licensed firearm dealers operating in Maine, aiming to reduce illegal sales and theft through standardized security and employee protocols.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $1.1 million in one-time state funds to help build a psychiatric residential treatment facility for at-risk youth under 21 years old in Maine. The money is designated for capital expenditures within the Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Behavioral Health. The legislation directs these funds specifically toward construction costs for the new facility, which aims to provide residential mental health care services to young people in need.

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 designates February 2026 as Children's Dental Health Month in Maine to promote public awareness of preventive dental care for children. The bill cites the high prevalence of tooth decay among children and notes that regular checkups and good hygiene habits can significantly reduce dental illness and school absences. It encourages parents and caregivers to prioritize oral health education and routine dental appointments for their children.

Maddy summaryLD 1572 strengthens legal protections in domestic violence cases involving nonfatal strangulation or suffocation. It requires prosecutors to pursue these cases without dismissal or unnecessary delay, prohibits plea deals for lesser charges, and allows victim statements to be admitted as evidence without the victim’s presence. The bill directly affects victims, prosecutors, courts, and law enforcement by mandating annual training on strangulation/suffocation for legal professionals and clarifying that such acts constitute aggravated assault (Class B or Class A crimes) under Maine law. Key provisions include defining strangulation/suffocation in legal terms, requiring prosecutors to review cases for aggravation, and banning plea agreements for repeat offenders in these cases. These changes aim to ensure consistent prosecution of severe domestic violence incidents.