Rep. Chad Perkins

Maddy summaryLD 1074 removes the maximum probation period for individuals convicted of aggravated attempted murder in Maine. Currently, probation for such crimes is capped at 4 years (the same limit as for other Class A offenses), but this bill eliminates that cap. The law now specifies that probation for aggravated attempted murder can be set for any term of years, meaning there is no maximum length. This directly affects sentencing for this specific offense, granting judges discretion to impose probation without time restrictions.

Maddy summaryMaine's LD 1257 requires food sellers to label any animal-based food product (from aquaculture, livestock, or poultry) that contains genetically engineered ingredients with a clear, visible statement. This directly affects food producers and retailers selling such products within Maine. The law mandates that labels must explicitly state "genetically engineered" and be prominently displayed, with non-compliant products subject to stop orders until properly labeled. Enforcement falls to the Department of Agriculture, which will adopt implementing rules. The bill focuses solely on labeling transparency without altering other food safety or agricultural regulations.

Maddy summaryLD 1485 requires Maine's Chief Medical Examiner to preserve and retain tissue samples and evidence for children under three who die of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or whose cause of death remains unknown, upon request by a parent or legal guardian. The evidence must be stored for one year after the child's death and made accessible to the parent or guardian. This applies specifically when a medical examiner has determined SIDS as the cause or cannot identify the cause of death. The bill directly affects parents and guardians seeking potential future clarification of a child's death cause.

Maddy summaryThis bill removes legal immunity for school administrative units and school superintendents in Maine for specific actions, including negligence, violations of education laws, failure to ensure student safety (such as physical harm or unreported abuse), and failure to report student abuse or threats. It requires schools to establish mandatory reporting policies for student safety concerns, maintain sufficient liability insurance, and gives plaintiffs 60 days' written notice before filing a lawsuit. School staff acting within their duties remain generally protected, though schools must indemnify them for claims involving gross negligence, willful misconduct, or criminal activity. The law takes effect October 1, 2026, and mandates annual reports on its impact starting in 2027.

Maddy summaryLD 1535 requires a permit for residential buildings to install or upgrade electrical service to 300 amps or more, calculated by summing all electrical panels in the building. Electric utilities must report specific high-power usage events - such as 300+ amp installations, transformer issues, or power consumption increases over 500% - to local code enforcement authorities, including the property size and known reason for the increase. The bill applies to all residential properties in Maine and is titled to reduce illegal cannabis operations by targeting excessive electricity use, which is commonly associated with unauthorized grow operations.

Maddy summaryLD 1169 allows Maine employers with private paid family and medical leave plans approved by the Department of Labor before January 1, 2025, to request refunds for premiums they paid toward the state's program. These employers, who previously paid 1% of employee wages (with 50% potentially covered by employees), can now submit a refund request form to get back all premiums paid before their plan was approved, plus interest. The Department of Labor must process these requests within 90 days and make the refund form available online within 45 days of the bill's effective date. The bill does not change eligibility for the leave program itself but refunds overpayments made by employers whose private plans were later approved as substitutes.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes the residency requirement for students to receive state-funded tuition at the Maine School of Science and Mathematics. Currently, students must have lived in Maine with a parent, relative, or guardian for six months before applying. The bill would instead require that the student's parent or guardian be a Maine resident at the start of the school year for which tuition is paid. This change directly affects students seeking state tuition assistance at the school, altering how residency eligibility is determined.

Maddy summaryLD 1372 establishes a Special Committee on Regulatory Review to examine routine technical rules created by state agencies. The committee, composed of 6 evenly split Senate and House members from each major party, will assess rules for necessity, efficiency, and public benefit, and decide whether to approve them with changes, approve them as-is, or reject them. The committee must develop a formal review process by February 1, 2026, and propose legislation to update the rules for adopting such technical rules. Starting in 2028, the committee will annually report to the Legislature on reviewed rules and recommend improvements to the regulatory process. This bill directly affects state agencies that issue routine technical rules and the Legislature through its new oversight committee.

Maddy summaryLD 660 requires Maine public school administrative units to post detailed curriculum and student data online for public access. It mandates schools to display 3 years of enrollment, subject offerings, and state assessment proficiency data on their websites, while prohibiting curriculum decisions based on student characteristics like race, gender, or disability. The bill also requires full transparency for state-funded professional development, including public posting of materials, schedules, attendance records, and costs for third-party contractors. This directly affects all Maine public schools, their administrative units, and the state education department, which must maintain centralized online portals for all curriculum materials and related expenses.

Maddy summaryLD 490 requires that most Maine state agency rules finalized after January 1, 2026, automatically expire five years later. Agencies can request renewal by submitting a cost-benefit analysis and a formal request 1-2 years before expiration, allowing the Legislature to extend the rule for up to five additional years. The Secretary of State must notify agencies of the expiration date at least 18 months in advance. This applies to all agency rules meeting the criteria, ensuring regular review without automatic continuation.