Rep. Laura Supica

Maddy summaryLD 1267 is a resolution directing Maine's Department of Labor to form a task force to study the gap between what workers produce (economic output) and what they earn (wages). The task force, including labor unions, business groups, economic policy experts, and nonprofit representatives, will examine whether current wage laws keep pace with productivity, analyze reporting requirements for employers, and review similar policies in other states. The task force must submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Labor Committee by December 3, 2025, which could inform future legislation. This bill does not change current law but initiates a study to understand wage-productivity trends.

Maddy summaryLD 1185 raises Maine's minimum marriage age to 18 by eliminating the previous exception that allowed 17-year-olds to obtain a marriage license. The bill directly affects minors under 18 who would previously have been eligible for a marriage license with certain exceptions. It amends state law to prohibit clerks or the State Registrar of Vital Statistics from issuing marriage licenses to anyone under 18 years of age. This change removes the existing allowance for 17-year-olds to marry, requiring all applicants to be at least 18. The policy shift applies statewide to all marriage license issuers.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a joint resolution recognizing April 2025 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Maine. It expresses the legislature's support for survivors of sexual violence and directs the Secretary of State to send a copy of the resolution to the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault. The resolution serves as a symbolic gesture to raise community awareness about sexual violence, without creating new laws or allocating funding.

Maddy summaryLD 1289 amends Maine's election recount process by reducing the vote percentage thresholds for required deposits by half. For legislative/single-county races, deposits now apply to margins over 0.75% (previously 1.5%) instead of 1.5%, with tiered fees ($500 for 0.75%-2%, $1,000 for 2%-3%, etc.). For statewide races, deposits apply to margins over 0.5% (previously 1%) or 500 votes (previously 1,000). Candidates must pay actual recount costs (including state worker payroll) after the process, with refunds if deposits exceed costs or additional payment if costs exceed deposits. Deposits become forfeited once ballots are secured by law enforcement, even if the candidate withdraws.

Maddy summaryMaine's LD 1235 requires towns and counties that receive opioid settlement funds (as plaintiff subdivisions under the 2022 and 2023 Memoranda of Understanding) to report annually to the Attorney General. These reports must detail the total funds received and spent in the prior year, including specific descriptions of each expenditure. The first report is due by January 15, 2026, with annual submissions thereafter. The bill aims to increase transparency in how local governments use these settlement funds. It applies only to municipalities and counties identified in the settlement agreements' Exhibit 3.

Maddy summaryThis bill, LD 80, would designate the Seppala Siberian Sleddog as Maine's official state dog by amending state law to add a new section (§232) naming the breed. The designation is purely ceremonial and does not alter any laws, regulations, or obligations for residents or businesses. It would add the Seppala Siberian Sleddog to Maine's list of official state symbols, joining existing emblems like the state flower and bird. The bill has no financial impact or policy implications beyond this symbolic recognition.

Maddy summaryLD 951 requires political committees in Maine that spend over $50,000 in an election cycle to disclose the sources of campaign contributions exceeding $10,000 from a single donor. It mandates committees to notify contributors about disclosure requirements, with donors having 21 days to confirm if funds are "original" (e.g., earned income) or "pass-through" (funds from others). If pass-through funds are used, donors must identify all sources contributing $2,500 or more and detail the transfer chain. Committees must retain these records for five years and provide them to the election commission upon request. This bill directly affects large campaign committees and wealthy donors who contribute significant sums.

Maddy summaryLD 1244 requires every county and municipality in Maine to provide accessible warming shelters open outside normal venue hours when temperatures are expected below 40°F. These shelters must be located at appropriate public venues and operate during extreme cold conditions. The bill directly affects local governments by mandating this service, ensuring consistent access for people experiencing homelessness during winter. It creates a clear, time-bound requirement for shelter availability based on temperature thresholds.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Secretary of State to designate sworn law enforcement officers from their department to investigate alleged violations of election laws. It also mandates that the Attorney General designate a Deputy or Assistant Attorney General to assist in investigating and prosecuting such violations. The bill does not affect current district attorney authority to handle election law cases. These changes clarify and expand state-level roles in election enforcement without altering existing local prosecution pathways.

Maddy summaryLD 929 removes the requirement for seniors (65+ years old) and veterans to obtain a doctor's written certification to qualify for Maine's medical cannabis program. Instead, they can use government-issued identification (like a senior ID card or VA veteran ID) to prove eligibility. This change directly affects Maine residents in these categories who previously needed a medical provider's note to access cannabis for treatment. The bill amends Maine's medical cannabis law to streamline access without altering other program rules or benefits.