Rep. Kim Haggan

Maddy summaryLD 482 requires Maine public schools to allow students enrolled in state-recognized "equivalent instruction programs" (like homeschooling alternatives) to participate in regular classes, receive academic credit, access special education services, and join extracurricular activities under clear, non-discriminatory rules. Students must apply in writing for approval, meet academic and behavioral standards like all students, and provide their own transportation for class participation. Schools cannot unreasonably deny these opportunities, and credit must be awarded for meeting standard course requirements. This bill directly affects homeschooling families and public school districts across Maine by standardizing access to school resources.

Maddy summaryLD 637 directs Maine's Department of Health and Human Services to evaluate whether the existing database for municipal general assistance programs can be upgraded. The goal is to determine if the system can identify applicants who have been denied assistance in one town but are seeking help in another municipality. If upgrading the current database isn't feasible, the department must research and recommend a replacement system. The department must submit a report with a timeline for implementation by December 3, 2025, to the Health and Human Services Committee. This procedural resolution affects local assistance programs and applicants seeking aid across municipal boundaries.

Maddy summaryLD 349 would repeal Maine's current law allowing same-day voter registration and set a new deadline for in-person voter registration to the close of business on the Thursday before election day. This change means voters can no longer register in person on election day or the day before, requiring registration by the Thursday prior instead. The bill directly affects voters who rely on same-day registration for in-person voting, particularly those who may not have registered in advance. It also repeals existing provisions permitting same-day registration and amends related deadlines for mail and online registration, but the key policy change is the earlier in-person registration cutoff.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes Maine's Hope and Inclusion Scholarship Program, providing state-funded scholarships for students attending approved private schools or receiving home instruction under state education law. It creates "hope accounts" managed by a state board to cover qualifying education expenses (like tuition or materials) for eligible students who are Maine residents under 21 and not primarily enrolled in public schools. The program requires parents to apply for accounts, with funds renewed annually if students meet residency, age, and educational enrollment criteria. The Hope and Inclusion Scholarship Board, composed of state officials and community members, administers the program per the bill's provisions.

Maddy summaryLD 429 requires Maine hospitals to collect and report aggregate medical costs for patients identified as asylum seekers, defined as individuals applying for asylum through U.S. processes or asserting asylum in removal proceedings. Hospitals must inform patients they aren't required to provide immigration status and that it won't affect their care access. Starting January 1, 2027, hospitals must submit quarterly cost reports to the Department of Health and Human Services, which will then annually report totals to the Governor and legislature. The department must also seek annual federal reimbursement from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for these costs beginning July 1, 2027. The bill focuses solely on tracking costs and pursuing federal reimbursement, not altering asylum policies or patient eligibility.

Maddy summaryThis bill (LD 701) requires Maine's Department of Education to submit a report by December 31, 2025, examining how financial literacy is taught across all public schools. The report must assess current implementation of personal finance standards under Maine's "Spiraling K-12" approach - where financial topics build progressively from kindergarten through 12th grade - and evaluate school performance against these standards. It must include recommendations for improving student achievement in financial literacy education. The report will be submitted to the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee, which could propose new legislation based on the findings. The bill does not change current standards but mandates a review to inform future policy.

Maddy summaryThis Maine legislative joint resolution commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Mayaguez incident (May 12-15, 1975), recognized as the last U.S. combat mission in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. It honors the 18 U.S. service members who died and 50 wounded during the rescue operation involving the seized SS Mayaguez cargo ship and Marines on Koh Tang Island. The resolution specifically acknowledges Maine’s connection, noting 48,000 Mainers served in Vietnam, 343 are memorialized at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and 11 remain missing. It expresses gratitude for all Maine veterans’ service and sacrifice during the conflict, with no policy or financial provisions.

Maddy summaryLD 1249 delays Maine's Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefits Program implementation. It moves the program's effective date from January 1, 2026 to July 1, 2027, and postpones when claims processing begins from May 1, 2026 to November 1, 2027. The bill also adjusts related deadlines, including the actuarial study requirement for fund solvency from February 1, 2026 to August 1, 2027. This directly affects employers (who must start contributions on January 1, 2025) and employees (who will access benefits starting July 2027).

Maddy summaryLD 492 is a constitutional amendment resolution proposing to add language to Maine's Constitution stating that parents or guardians hold inherent rights to direct their minor children's upbringing, education, and care for physical, mental, and spiritual health until the child reaches adulthood or is emancipated. The amendment explicitly states that state entities may not infringe on these parental rights except in cases of parental abuse/neglect or criminal acts by the minor. If passed by the Legislature, it would require a statewide voter referendum in November to ratify the change. This amendment would directly affect parents/guardians of minors and state agencies, establishing a constitutional limit on government intervention in family decisions.

Maddy summaryLD 644 removes current restrictions that limit work hours and conditions for minor students aged 16-17 in Maine. It repeals specific rules prohibiting minors from working more than 50 hours weekly when school is out, 24 hours when school is in, and set time limits (like not working after 10:15 p.m. the night before school or before 7 a.m. on school days). The bill also eliminates the ban on minors working during school hours and removes employer record-keeping requirements for minor employees' work schedules. As a result, minor students gain greater flexibility in scheduling work around school without these legal constraints.