Rep. Traci Gere

Maddy summaryLD 1338 requires all state agencies and semiautonomous state agencies to submit by October 1, 2025, a list of properties they deem surplus and eligible for redevelopment under Maine law. The Maine Redevelopment Land Bank Authority must then compile these lists and report by December 3, 2025, on the redevelopment potential of these properties, particularly for housing and economic development. This procedural bill directs state agencies to provide property data to facilitate future redevelopment planning, without creating new regulations or funding.

Maddy summaryLD 989 exempts Maine residents with an FCC-issued amateur radio license from paying the annual administrative fee for vanity license plates displaying their radio call sign. It directly affects licensed amateur radio operators who choose to display their call sign on vehicle plates. To qualify, owners must provide proof of their valid FCC license and comply with standard vehicle registration rules. The fee waiver will only take effect after the state updates its DMV software, with implementation delayed until at least 90 days after the legislative session ends.

Maddy summaryLD 521 prohibits housing discrimination in Maine based on source of income, military status, or veteran status. It amends Maine’s housing law to explicitly protect renters and prospective tenants from discrimination related to housing vouchers, government benefits (like Social Security or child support), military service, or veteran status. Landlords, agents, and brokers are now barred from refusing to rent, charging different terms, or advertising in ways that discriminate based on these categories. The law applies to all housing accommodations and aligns with existing protections for race, gender, disability, and other categories under Maine law.

Maddy summaryLD 79 is a resolution that directs the Maine Department of Transportation to rename Bridge 3423 on Main Street between Biddeford and Saco from its current name "Main Street Bridge" to the "General Wallace H. Nutting Memorial Bridge." This change applies solely to the bridge's official designation and does not alter its structure, function, or any operational responsibilities. The resolution is purely ceremonial and honors General Wallace H. Nutting, with no impact on transportation policies or infrastructure management.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes Maine's system for managing commercial lobster and crab fishing licenses in limited-entry zones. It requires that when a license holder leaves the system (e.g., retires or sells), a new license is issued to replace them at a strict one-to-one ratio. This directly affects commercial fishermen seeking licenses in these regulated zones by ensuring every available license is immediately offered to the next qualified applicant on the waiting list. The change modifies existing law to guarantee a predictable, equal replacement rate for license availability.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $200,000 to the Department of Corrections to fund a pilot program that partners with a community organization to help adults recently released from state prisons. The program will provide temporary housing and a master leasing service to assist participants with rent support, life skills coaching, and other transitional services. This one-time funding is intended to test the effectiveness of this approach before considering broader implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes changes to Maine's Farm and Open Space Tax Law to adjust how open space land is valued and taxed. It establishes a new method for calculating the base value of open space land by doubling the highest forest valuation in each county and allows landowners to receive additional tax reductions for specific conservation actions. Owners can qualify for up to 50% total reductions by agreeing to allow public access, permanently protecting land from development, or completing certified wildlife and climate-friendly practices. The legislation also creates a reimbursement system that distributes funds to municipalities based on the amount of tax revenue lost due to these valuation reductions.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new commission in Maine dedicated to improving relationships between landlords and tenants who use rental assistance programs like housing vouchers. The commission will consist of 14 appointed members representing diverse groups, including legislators, advocates for tenants and landlords, legal experts, and individuals with direct experience using rental assistance. Its primary duties involve investigating discrimination against renters based on their income source, reviewing existing incentives for landlords, and exploring ways to increase the availability of housing for assisted tenants. The commission is required to submit a final report with its findings and legislative recommendations by November 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates the definitions used in Maine's Growth Management Program laws to clarify terms related to housing, land use, and community planning. It directly affects municipalities and developers by establishing specific criteria for affordable, attainable, and age-friendly housing, as well as defining protected areas like critical rural and waterfront zones. Key provisions include setting income thresholds for affordable housing at 80% of the median income and introducing new categories such as "cluster development" and "accessory dwelling units" to guide future zoning decisions. By refining these legal definitions, the legislation aims to provide clearer guidance for local governments as they implement comprehensive plans and manage land development.

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.