Maddy summaryLD 585 amends Maine law to allow the use of certain payments from regional transmission organizations for both heat pumps and electric vehicles as part of energy efficiency programs. The bill removes a previous time limit (2019-2025) that restricted these funds to heat pumps only and requires that such payments support cost-effective measures that reliably reduce electricity rates over time. This change directly affects the Maine Energy Efficiency Board, which manages the Heating Fuels Efficiency and Weatherization Fund, and benefits residents and businesses by expanding eligibility for energy efficiency incentives. The bill updates existing language to ensure these funds promote broader "beneficial electrification" while maintaining the requirement to lower electricity costs.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Class C crime for drivers convicted of operating under the influence (OUI) who cause the death of a pet. It directly affects drivers whose impaired driving results in a pet's death and pet owners who suffer the loss. Key provisions include mandatory penalties: a $2,100-$7,000 fine, 6 months-2 years in jail, a 3-year driver's license suspension, and animal welfare community service. Offenders must also pay restitution covering veterinary costs, the pet's market value, and up to $3,000 for the owner's emotional distress.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a special commemorative license plate for Maine vehicles to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States (1776-2026). The plate, available for $25 starting January 1, 2026, must be displayed over the existing front license plate and can only be used through December 31, 2026 (not on truck tractors). Revenue from the $25 fee is split: $9 covers production costs, and $16 funds the Maine State Cultural Affairs Council. The plate is purely symbolic, with no impact on vehicle registration requirements or fees beyond the commemorative plate.
Maddy summaryHP 900 is a ceremonial joint resolution recognizing April 6-12, 2025, as National Library Week in Maine. It formally expresses the Legislature’s appreciation for Maine’s libraries - spanning school, academic, special, and public libraries - without creating new policies or funding. The resolution highlights libraries’ community roles, including providing digital access, job resources, educational programs, and emergency services like weather centers. As a symbolic gesture, it directly honors libraries and their staff serving over 3 million Mainers annually.
Maddy summaryThis resolution honors former Maine State Representative Lois Galgay-Reckitt, who served four terms in the Maine House of Representatives and was a lifelong Boston Red Sox fan, by recognizing her contributions during the Red Sox's April 4, 2025 home opener at Fenway Park. It is a ceremonial tribute with no legislative effect, commemorating her public service and advocacy for women. The resolution does not create new policies or affect any laws. It specifically references her role as a "self-proclaimed Number One Red Sox fan" and her belief in the team's community impact.
Maddy summaryLD 1173 establishes a study group to review Maine's current laws on adult guardianship and parental rights for parents of disabled adults (18+). The 8-member group - appointed from the Legislature, disability rights organizations, and the Attorney General's office - will examine existing guardianship alternatives and parental rights protections for adults with disabilities that impair their physical health, safety, or self-care. The group must submit findings and recommendations, including potential legislation, by December 3, 2025, to the Health and Human Services and Judiciary committees. This procedural resolution does not change laws but sets the stage for future legislative review.
Maddy summarySP 319 is a Maine legislative resolution recognizing the 60th anniversary of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery marches, which were pivotal in advancing voting rights and led to the passage of the federal Voting Rights Act of 1965. The resolution honors the civil rights activists - including those from Maine - who participated in the nonviolent marches and the broader struggle for equality and voting access. It serves as a symbolic commemoration, not a policy change, expressing the legislature's acknowledgment of this historic civil rights milestone.
Maddy summaryThis bill (LD 97) exempts "credit improvement loans" from standard restitution and fine collection rules for incarcerated individuals in Maine. Specifically, it amends statutes to ensure funds received as credit improvement loans (under Title 34-A, section 3039, subsection 6) are not subject to the usual 25% deduction for restitution or fines paid to victims, courts, or facilities. This directly benefits residents of Maine Department of Corrections facilities who access these loans, as the full loan amount remains available to them. The key mechanism is removing the 25% deduction requirement for these specific loans, allowing incarcerated people to retain the full funds to improve their credit scores.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs the University of Maine System to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of rehabilitation, vocational, and educational programs within the Department of Corrections. The assessment must examine whether these programs provide equal access to all residents regardless of race, gender, or other factors, and determine if they effectively prepare individuals for employment and self-sufficiency upon release. The evaluation process requires the university to consult with a wide range of stakeholders, including corrections officials, formerly incarcerated people, law enforcement, victim advocates, and civil rights organizations. Following the study, the university is required to submit an interim report by March 1, 2025, and a final report by January 1, 2026, which may lead to new legislation to improve correctional programs. The state will provide $175,000 in funding for the fiscal year 2024-25 to support this evaluation effort.
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.