Rep. Tiffany Roberts

Maddy summaryLD 1224 establishes Maine's Consumer Privacy Act, setting new rules for how businesses handle personal data of Maine residents. It requires businesses to obtain clear, affirmative consent before collecting personal data, prohibits deceptive "dark patterns" on websites, and gives consumers the right to access, correct, or delete their data. The law specifically protects children under 13 and restricts the use of biometric data (like fingerprints or facial scans), while exempting health data covered under federal law. It applies to businesses operating in Maine that process data of Maine residents, excluding data handled in employment or commercial contexts.

Maddy summaryLD 138 exempts airports from specific Maine state protections for endangered and threatened species habitats. The bill removes requirements for the state commissioner to identify special management needs or develop protection guidelines for habitats on airport property, and it excludes airport projects from restrictions on habitat alteration or violation of protection guidelines. This directly affects airports (defined as facilities under Title 6, section 101) by allowing them to develop or manage their land without these species habitat considerations. The policy change modifies three existing laws to explicitly exclude airport properties from the application of these habitat protections.

Maddy summaryLD 1516 updates Maine's state procurement rules to prioritize the Maine Development Foundation for certain purchases. It revises thresholds for simplified bidding (allowing informal quotes for $25,000 or less and single-source purchases for $10,000 or less) and adds a new provision requiring state agencies to consider the Foundation first if buying its goods or services is most economical, effective, and appropriate. The bill also adjusts the Foundation's board structure, setting a minimum of 15 directors with staggered 4-year terms, a 5-year service limit for directors, and requiring balanced representation from private and public sectors. These changes directly affect state agencies purchasing goods or services under the specified financial thresholds.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases Maine's small claims limit for home construction disputes from $6,000 to $25,000 (excluding interest and costs). It directly affects homeowners and contractors involved in disputes over payments or damages related to home construction contracts. The key change modifies the definition in state law to allow these specific disputes to be handled in small claims court up to the new $25,000 threshold. The amendment applies to claims under Title 10, section 1486, subsection 4, as defined by Maine law.

Maddy summaryLD 1393 requires licensed architects in Maine to complete 12 hours annually of approved continuing education focused on health, safety, and welfare to renew their licenses. This applies to all active practicing architects, excluding retirees and newly licensed architects (who receive a 2-year exemption from initial licensing). The Maine State Board for Licensure will establish rules for approved courses and verify compliance through submitted records. The bill mandates this requirement for license renewal cycles starting after the law takes effect.

Maddy summaryLD 1789 amends Maine's CPA licensure laws to create reciprocity for out-of-state licensed CPAs and firms. It establishes "firm practice privilege reciprocity" (allowing out-of-state CPA firms to practice in Maine without a new Maine license if they meet requirements) and "individual practice privilege reciprocity" (allowing individual CPAs from other states to practice in Maine under similar conditions). The bill also updates education requirements to mandate a minimum 150 semester hours, including a bachelor's degree with accounting/auditing coursework, and revises experience requirements for initial licensure (e.g., 2 years of experience with a bachelor's degree or 1 year with a master's degree). These changes directly affect CPAs and firms seeking to practice or expand services in Maine without obtaining a new state license.

Maddy summaryLD 1330 clarifies that business software licenses and subscriptions are not considered "leases" for Maine's sales and use tax purposes. The bill amends Maine's tax code (36 MRSA §1752) to explicitly exclude business software access fees from the definition of "lease or rental." This change applies only to transactions entered into or renewed after the law takes effect, directly affecting businesses that pay for software access rather than purchasing it outright. The policy change simplifies tax treatment for these business software agreements, ensuring they are not subject to lease-based taxation.

Maddy summaryLD 1170 transfers responsibility for managing and developing state-owned surplus land from individual state agencies to the Maine Redevelopment Land Bank Authority. It requires state agencies to consult with the Land Bank before selling surplus land and gives the Land Bank the first right to purchase such property. The Land Bank can then develop this land for affordable housing projects targeting low- and moderate-income households, prioritizing offers to local public housing authorities in communities with existing programs. This change aims to streamline the use of surplus state land for housing development rather than general sales.

Maddy summaryLD 1364 is a study resolution directing Maine's Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to examine the impacts and risks of lead-based hunting ammunition on wildlife, humans, and the environment. The department must study ways to minimize these risks and submit a report with recommendations to the relevant legislative committee by November 4, 2026. This resolution does not change current laws but will inform potential future legislation based on the study's findings. It directly affects the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, which is tasked with conducting the research.

Maddy summaryLD 970 establishes strict time limits for reviewing and approving permits for affordable housing projects seeking funding from the Maine State Housing Authority. Municipalities must notify applicants within 30 days whether an application is complete, and if they fail to do so, the application is automatically considered complete. Once complete, municipalities must approve or deny the permit within 120 days. Additionally, the Department of Environmental Protection must approve or deny site location permits for these projects within 30 days of receiving the application.