Rep. Reagan Paul

Maddy summaryLD 543 requires all Maine public and private secondary schools to teach firearm hunter safety courses by grade 9, directly affecting all students. The course covers essential topics including safe firearm handling, wildlife conservation, hunting laws, ethics, landowner relations, survival skills, and map/compass navigation. Successful completion earns a hunter safety certificate that satisfies Maine’s requirement for obtaining an adult hunting license. This policy aims to integrate conservation education into school curricula while supporting the state’s hunting traditions.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires healthcare facilities (like hospitals and nursing homes) to obtain written consent from a parent or legal guardian before withholding life-sustaining measures or creating a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order for an unemancipated minor under 18. It prohibits facilities from hindering parents seeking second opinions or transferring their child to another provider, and mandates they continue life-sustaining care during transfers. The bill establishes a presumption that continuing life is in the minor’s best interest, meaning courts cannot override parental objections to life-sustaining care unless there is complete destruction of the minor’s brain, circulatory, and respiratory systems. It applies directly to minors under 18 who are not emancipated, under state supervision, or in military service.

Maddy summaryLD 313 requires all paper ballots used in Maine state elections (excluding sample ballots) to include a unique identifier. Voting devices must record this identifier alongside each vote cast, while preventing any connection between the identifier and the voter's identity. Municipal clerks must then publicly post a list of votes organized by unique identifier on their website after each election. This applies only to electronically counted ballots and does not affect paper ballots processed through other methods.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Maine's Public Utilities Commission to gather information about small modular nuclear reactors by issuing informational bids by October 1, 2024. These bids will ask companies to provide details on construction costs, potential locations, timelines, and annual operating expenses for reactors with a capacity of 350 megawatts or less. The information collected is not binding but will help the state evaluate the feasibility of future projects. By January 15, 2025, the commission must submit a report to the legislature summarizing the responses received.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution designates June 28, 2024, as Maine Acadian Day to honor the history and cultural contributions of Acadians and Franco-Americans in the state. The measure acknowledges the legacy of French settlers who established the first European community in Maine and endured the forced deportation of the Acadian people in the 18th century. By officially recognizing this date, the legislature aims to celebrate the significant role these communities play in Maine's heritage, particularly in the Saint John Valley region.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution expresses the Maine legislature's support for strengthening ties between Maine and Taiwan, highlighting their existing trade relationship and shared democratic values. The bill encourages the signing of specific agreements, such as a bilateral trade deal, an income tax agreement, and a driver's license reciprocity pact, while also promoting educational exchanges between the two regions. Additionally, it formally supports Taiwan's participation in international organizations and calls for increased people-to-people interactions. The resolution is intended to be sent to the President, state officials, and Taiwanese leaders to reaffirm the state's commitment to this partnership.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution honors Representative H. Sawin Millett, Jr. for his long career in public service as he retires from the Maine State Legislature. The bill recognizes his nearly 50 years of legislative work, during which he served multiple terms and held leadership roles on committees focused on finances, government oversight, and education. It also highlights his diverse background in teaching, farming, and various state administrative positions under several governors. The resolution expresses appreciation for his dedication and expertise but does not change any laws or policies.