Rep. Nina Milliken

Maddy summaryLD 260 is a resolution proposing a constitutional amendment to Maine's constitution that would guarantee equal rights under the law for all residents, prohibiting discrimination by the state or local governments based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, ancestry, or national origin. This amendment would directly affect all Maine residents by legally requiring state and local entities to provide equal treatment without regard to these protected characteristics. The resolution requires a statewide referendum in the next November election, where voters would decide whether to adopt the amendment by answering "Yes" or "No" on a ballot. If approved by a majority of voters, the amendment would become part of Maine's constitution, giving the Legislature authority to create enforcing laws.

Maddy summaryLD 1816 establishes a statewide tracking system for evidence kits used in sexual assault cases and requires law enforcement to inventory all existing kits currently held by them. It mandates that all completed kits be stored for 20 years - regardless of whether the victim reports the crime to police - and creates a system accessible to hospitals and law enforcement to track each kit's status. The Department of Public Safety will operate the tracking system, which must collect specific details for each kit to ensure proper handling and accessibility. This system aims to prevent kit loss or mismanagement, supporting victims who may later decide to report an assault.

Maddy summaryThis bill transfers $18 million from the state's unappropriated General Fund surplus to the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Parks program. The funds are specifically designated for the ongoing maintenance, preservation, and promotion of Maine's state historic sites. The transfer occurs as a priority at the close of the 2024-2025 fiscal year, after all other required budget transfers and deductions. This is a funding mechanism, not a new policy, directly affecting state historic site operations managed by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits MaineCare (Maine's Medicaid program) from restricting coverage for individuals with opioid use disorder who need both methadone maintenance treatment and concurrent intensive outpatient programs or other outpatient services for substance use or behavioral health disorders. It directly affects MaineCare enrollees seeking integrated treatment for opioid addiction, removing barriers to receiving both medication-based care and counseling services simultaneously. The key provision requires the Department of Health and Human Services to adopt implementing rules within 90 days to ensure coverage is not denied or restricted for these concurrent services. The bill mandates that coverage must be provided for medically appropriate combinations of methadone treatment and outpatient programs without prior authorization hurdles.

Maddy summaryLD 715 increases property tax relief for Maine residents aged 65 or older with low incomes. Starting in 2024, the maximum credit amount for seniors rises to $2,000 (up from $1,500), and beginning in 2026, seniors earning $36,000 or less (adjusted for inflation) will qualify for a credit calculated using 3% of income instead of the current 4%. Married couples filing jointly qualify if at least one spouse is 65 or older, but separate filers do not. The bill does not change the existing credit for taxpayers under 65.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new independent auditor position within Maine's Attorney General's Office to oversee the Maine Information and Analysis Center (MIAC). The auditor will monitor MIAC's operations to ensure legal compliance, protect privacy and civil liberties, and maintain public transparency. Key provisions require the auditor to publish de-identified reports online annually, including progress on oversight goals and responses to data requests, while safeguarding confidential information. The bill also clarifies that non-classified MIAC information shared with private entities is subject to Maine's public records law. This directly affects MIAC's operations and provides the public with greater visibility into its activities.

Maddy summaryLD 762 authorizes Maine to issue $18 million in bonds for the capital costs of maintaining, preserving, and promoting state historic sites, directly affecting the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry's Bureau of Parks and Lands. The bill requires voter approval through a November referendum, where residents would vote on "Do you favor an $18,000,000 bond issue to fund the capital costs associated with the ongoing maintenance, preservation and promotion of state historic sites?" Proceeds must be used exclusively for historic site projects and cannot be carried over after 10 years if unspent.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes new procedures for restricting access to state property, state services, and communication with state entities in Maine. It requires state agencies to provide factual reasons when issuing restrictions and limits such restrictions to 90 days unless a formal protection from harassment complaint is filed with the Bureau of State Police. The legislation applies to all state offices, departments, agencies, and institutions, ensuring that any denial of access or communication is documented and time-limited.

Maddy summaryLD 740 creates a new program allowing Maine law enforcement to refer youth (under 18) to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for a needs assessment *before* filing a court petition or making an arrest, instead of proceeding through the criminal justice system. This applies to youth who may have committed minor offenses, with the program requiring consent from both the youth and their parents/guardians. If consent is given, the youth is referred to DHHS for a strengths-based assessment using evidence-based tools, and statements made during this referral process cannot later be used against them in court. The law aims to address underlying needs (like mental health or family issues) rather than punish, while preserving the option for arrest if consent is denied or if immediate safety is a concern.

Maddy summaryLD 1941 reestablishes Maine's State Parole Board, which was previously abolished, by amending statutes to create a 7-member board within the Department of Corrections. Key provisions require the board to include at least one formerly incarcerated person, a mental health professional, an attorney, and someone with expertise in treating sexual violence offenses, while also mandating that the board's racial and gender composition reflect the demographics of individuals in state correctional facilities. The bill also requires the board to provide annual training on parole evaluation best practices and mandates the Department of Corrections to submit an annual report starting in 2026, including data on implementing the new parole system. This legislation directly affects individuals in state correctional facilities who may seek parole under the reestablished system.