Rep. Jim Dill

Maddy summaryLD 866 modifies Maine's antlerless deer permit program to provide free permits to landowners who keep their property open for public hunting. Eligible landowners who apply and are selected through a special process will not be charged for these permits, and the law requires that at least 25% of antlerless deer permits in each wildlife management district be reserved for them. If a landowner is not selected in the special process but later obtains a permit through the regular lottery, they will also receive it at no cost. This policy directly affects landowners in Maine who manage hunting access on their property.

Maddy summaryLD 1430 allows disabled veterans in Maine to receive moose hunting permits from specific eligible groups, including individual permit holders, nonprofit veteran aid organizations, their employees/volunteers, and registered Maine guides. The bill establishes a process for these groups to transfer permits to a disabled veteran who meets state eligibility requirements, either directly or by returning the permit to the state department for redistribution. Crucially, the transferor (the individual or organization giving the permit) will be eligible to apply for a new permit and restart accumulating points for the public drawing the year following the transfer. This policy change provides disabled veterans with access to moose hunting opportunities while maintaining future permit eligibility for transferors.

Maddy summaryThis bill replaces Maine's old "WE CARE" program with the new "Make Change for Wildlife" program. It allows businesses to collect voluntary customer contributions at checkout (up to $10,000 annually per business) and deduct those amounts from their corporate income tax for tax years starting January 1, 2026. All funds collected through this program must be deposited into the Maine Endangered and Nongame Wildlife Fund. The program directly affects businesses that participate in collecting contributions and the wildlife fund, which supports conservation efforts for non-game and endangered species in Maine.

Maddy summaryThis bill permits distilleries and out-of-state alcohol manufacturers to ship spirits directly to consumers in Maine, subject to state licensing and regulations. Businesses must obtain a license, only ship spirits they produced or own for personal use (not resale), and ensure all packages are labeled with a clear adult signature requirement upon delivery. The law establishes a regulatory framework for direct alcohol shipments to Maine residents aged 21 or older, requiring state oversight through the bureau for compliance and safety.

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 summaryThis bill amends Maine law to clarify landowner authority regarding abandoned ladders and observation stands on private property. It specifies that landowners or their representatives may take ownership of such abandoned equipment after consulting the Bureau of Warden Service, and may remove, destroy, sell, or keep it. The law directly affects landowners, their representatives, and individuals using ladders or observation stands on private land without permission. Key provisions require clear labeling of authorized equipment and define "abandoned" as property left without the landowner's consent. The bill focuses on clarifying existing property rights rather than creating new restrictions.

Maddy summaryLD 1782 requires state-owned landfills, like the Juniper Ridge Landfill in Old Town, to charge a $5.00 per ton base fee on waste disposal. Fifty percent of the fee revenue must go to the host municipality (Old Town) to offset costs, and 50% to the local school district to reduce property tax impacts. The bill also mandates free household waste disposal for residents of host communities and imposes a surcharge on municipalities not meeting state recycling goals. It further requires the state to develop a comprehensive waste management plan for state landfills through consultation with affected municipalities and waste operators. The law directly affects Old Town (as the host community), residents of Old Town, the local school district, and all municipalities sending waste to state landfills.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies Maine's child care quality rating system by specifying that accredited providers must receive the highest rating. It requires the Department of Health and Human Services to automatically assign the top rating to child care centers accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the National Association for Family Child Care, the Council on Accreditation, or Head Start programs meeting national standards. This directly affects accredited child care providers by guaranteeing them the highest quality differential payment rate from state funds. The change ensures these providers receive maximum funding for meeting nationally recognized quality standards, without altering existing rules for other programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.

Maddy summaryThis bill (LD 1953) adds liability protections for Maine landowners who grant perpetual public access for recreation or harvesting activities through recorded easements or legal agreements. It ensures that landowners and their successors permanently retain these liability protections when they grant such access, as long as the agreement is recorded in the county deeds. The bill directly affects landowners who manage conservation land and the public who use that land for activities like hiking, hunting, or foraging. Key provisions include creating a permanent "vested property right" to liability protection that transfers to heirs and assigns, and requiring access agreements to be formally recorded. This change aims to encourage landowners to allow public access without fear of legal liability for visitor injuries.

Maddy summaryLD 623 updates Maine law to expand support services for individuals with acquired brain injuries, specifically targeting underserved groups including veterans, domestic violence survivors, people experiencing homelessness, those ineligible for MaineCare, and individuals with brain injuries from opioid overdoses. The bill requires the Department of Health and Human Services to contract with Maine-based brain injury organizations or their state affiliates - directed by affected families, caregivers, and individuals - to provide "core brain injury support." Key new provisions include access to an online screening and support system, a joint state-national helpline, and collaboration on federal grants. This policy change directly affects vulnerable brain injury patients by improving access to coordinated, community-based resources through state partnerships.