Rep. John Eder

Maddy summaryLD 658 increases Maine's homestead property tax exemption from $25,000 to $50,000 of a home's assessed value for property tax years beginning on or after April 1, 2025. This directly affects homeowners who live in their primary residence (homestead) and pay property taxes in Maine. The bill reduces the taxable value of a home by $25,000 more than current law, lowering property tax bills for eligible homeowners. The exemption applies to the home's assessed value, meaning taxes are calculated on the value above the $50,000 threshold.

Maddy summaryLD 927 requires all public schools in Maine to employ or accept as a volunteer at least one chaplain to provide support services for students, staff, and parents. Chaplains must be certified by a faith group recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense, pass a criminal background check, and not be listed on a sex offender registry. The bill also grants chaplains legal immunity from civil lawsuits for their actions while providing services, except for malicious or intentionally harmful acts. This applies directly to every school administrative unit in Maine, including public school districts and charter schools.