Rep. Woody Woodsome

Maddy summaryThis bill (LD 686) is a procedural resolution renaming a specific bridge. It directs Maine's Department of Transportation to officially designate Bridge 2432 on Federal Road between Porter and Parsonsfield (crossing the Ossipee River) as the "Kezar Falls Veterans Memorial Bridge." The change honors veterans but does not alter any laws, funding, or regulations affecting residents or infrastructure. It is purely a ceremonial name change with no substantive policy impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows adult hunters (18 or older) with a valid antlerless deer permit to transfer that permit to a junior hunter (a person with a junior hunting license). To transfer, the adult must write the junior hunter's name and address on the permit, provide any additional requested details, and return the permit to the state department within 48 hours. After the transfer, the adult can no longer hunt antlerless deer and must directly supervise the junior hunter while they hunt. The junior hunter must carry the transferred permit to legally hunt antlerless deer.

Maddy summaryThis bill (LD 133) amends Maine's definition of a "nuisance dog" to explicitly include dogs or wolf hybrids that disturb an individual's peace through excessive barking, howling, or yelping when the person is not on the dog owner's property. It allows any affected person to file a written complaint with law enforcement or animal control within 30 days of the noise disturbance. Authorities must investigate and may issue a civil violation summons if the complaint is validated. The law applies directly to dog owners and neighbors impacted by disruptive noise, while excluding incidents involving police dogs, provoked attacks, or crimes.

Maddy summaryThis legislative amendment modifies an existing bill by removing the section that details funding allocations for farmland conservation and farmer transition planning. As a result, the specific budget provisions intended to support these agricultural initiatives are no longer included in the final version of the act. The change does not alter the bill's overall purpose but eliminates the financial mechanisms that would have provided resources to farmers and land conservation efforts.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Maine to issue up to $100,000,000 in bonds to refill the School Revolving Renovation Fund, which provides money for public school renovations and capital repairs. The funds would be managed by the Department of Education and can only be used for the specified school projects, with any leftover money after the projects are done going toward paying off other state debt. Before the bonds can be issued, the bill must be approved by voters in a statewide election held after the legislature passes it. If voters approve the measure, the state treasurer will sell the bonds and use the proceeds strictly for the school fund as outlined in the law.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the legislation creating a seat for a tribal member on the Baxter State Park Authority. It removes a provision that would have allowed the Governor to appoint a representative from any federally recognized tribe if the Mi'kmaq Nation did not unanimously recommend a candidate. The change ensures that the appointment process relies solely on the Mi'kmaq Nation's joint recommendation without a backup appointment mechanism.

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.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution honors Representative H. Sawin Millett, Jr. for his long career in public service as he retires from the Maine State Legislature. The bill recognizes his nearly 50 years of legislative work, during which he served multiple terms and held leadership roles on committees focused on finances, government oversight, and education. It also highlights his diverse background in teaching, farming, and various state administrative positions under several governors. The resolution expresses appreciation for his dedication and expertise but does not change any laws or policies.