Rep. Reagan Paul

Maddy summaryThis bill (LD 568) limits standard-offer electricity service contracts in Maine to a maximum of six months. It requires the Public Utilities Commission to continue the current contract if no new bids are accepted at expiration, ensuring service stability. Additionally, if the current provider submits a bid for a new contract with a higher electricity rate, they must provide justification for the increase. These changes directly affect electricity service providers and the Public Utilities Commission in managing contract renewals and rate adjustments.

Maddy summaryLD 1852 requires Maine property tax assessors to lower the taxable value of properties that directly border solar energy developments (ground-mounted solar arrays) or grid-scale wind energy developments (wind turbines and associated facilities). This applies to tax years beginning April 1, 2026, and directly affects property owners whose land physically abuts these clean energy projects. The bill mandates that assessors reduce valuation based on proximity to such developments when determining a property's "highest and best use" for tax purposes. It does not change property tax rates but adjusts the assessed value of adjacent properties to address potential undervaluation concerns.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Maine's zoning laws to increase housing options in larger municipalities. It requires towns with populations over 10,000 to allow up to four residential units on a single lot (instead of two) if the lot has no existing home and is in a designated growth area or has certain utility infrastructure. It also mandates that these municipalities permit accessory dwelling units (like guest houses) on single-family lots in all residential zones. The law applies only to municipalities exceeding 10,000 residents and does not restrict existing zoning rules for smaller towns.

Maddy summaryLD 830 requires solar energy developments in Maine to be concealed from view using a barrier like trees, bushes, or fencing that hides the panels from adjacent properties. The Department of Environmental Protection must verify this concealment before approving any new solar project. This bill directly affects solar developers, who must design projects with such barriers, and the Department, which gains authority to enforce this requirement during approvals.

Maddy summaryLD 406 repeals Maine's paid family and medical leave program and requires the state to refund all contributions collected from employers and employees since January 1, 2025. The bill stops future contributions and mandates immediate refunds to taxpayers to address economic harm to businesses and workers. As an emergency measure, it bypasses Maine's standard 90-day legislative waiting period for immediate effect. This directly affects Maine employers and employees who had begun paying into the program in 2025.

Maddy summaryLD 1573 requires Maine's Governor to obtain legislative approval before reissuing, renewing, or issuing a substantially similar emergency proclamation after one has expired or been terminated by the Legislature. This bill directly affects the Governor's emergency powers, limiting their ability to extend emergency declarations without consent from the state legislature. The key provision prohibits the Governor from continuing emergency measures without explicit legislative authorization. This change aims to strengthen legislative oversight of emergency powers during crises.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Maine's renewable energy law to include electricity generated by new nuclear power plants (constructed after January 1, 2025) as a qualifying renewable resource. It directly affects competitive electricity providers in Maine, who must meet renewable energy requirements under the state's portfolio standard. The key change adds new nuclear plants to the definition of "renewable capacity resource" in the law, allowing them to count toward compliance. This applies only to plants built after 2025, not existing nuclear facilities. The bill does not alter current renewable energy standards for existing sources like wind or solar.

Maddy summaryThis resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to require U.S. citizenship for voting in Maine state and local elections. It would amend the Maine Constitution to explicitly state that only U.S. citizens may vote in elections for governor, state legislators, county officials, and municipal positions. The amendment must be approved by voters in a referendum held during the November election following the bill's passage, with a specific question asking whether to permit only U.S. citizens to vote in such elections. If approved by a majority, the change would become part of the Maine Constitution.

Maddy summaryLD 1395 requires school library databases used by Maine K-12 students to block child pornography, obscene material, and content depicting sexual exploitation of minors. Schools must withhold payment from non-compliant providers and treat repeated failures as a contract breach. The bill also removes an exception allowing schools to share obscene material for "educational purposes," closing a prior loophole. Additionally, it permits schools to integrate human trafficking prevention lessons into curricula, teaching students to recognize signs of sexual abuse and exploitation, and mandates staff training on these topics. These changes directly affect schools, library providers, and students across Maine.

Maddy summaryLD 885 would amend Maine law to allow individuals aged 21 or older who hold a valid concealed handgun permit under Title 25, Chapter 252 to possess and discharge firearms on school property. This exception applies only to non-student permit holders, removing a general prohibition that previously barred all firearms on school grounds. The bill specifically targets permit holders meeting the age and non-student criteria, without altering restrictions for students or unpermitted individuals. It creates a clear, limited exception to existing school firearm rules for this specific group.