Maddy summaryThis bill establishes three dedicated state funds to mitigate the impact of potential federal cuts to health insurance and Medicaid for Maine residents. It creates a Rural Hospital Stabilization Program that provides grants to rural health care providers to cover operating costs and prevent service closures, with an initial appropriation of $50 million. Additionally, it sets up a Health Care Premium Stabilization Fund to offer state subsidies for insurance premiums if federal Affordable Care Act benefits are reduced or repealed, funded by $17.3 million. The legislation also creates a MaineCare Federal Response Fund, allocated $105 million, to supplement state Medicaid funding and support administrative changes required by new federal eligibility rules. Finally, the bill appropriates $80 million to increase reinsurance for the 2027 coverage year to help stabilize health insurance costs.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryLD 1099 would remove sales tax on disposable and reusable diapers, including diaper covers, wraps, and fasteners, starting January 1, 2026. This exemption applies to diapers marketed for use by children or adults, including those designed for individuals with incontinence. The bill directly affects consumers who purchase diapers by eliminating the sales tax on these essential items, reducing their out-of-pocket cost. Retailers selling qualifying diaper products will no longer collect sales tax on these items beginning the effective date.
Maddy summaryLD 1879 imposes a 1.07% tax on corporate income exceeding $3.5 million starting in 2026, targeting large businesses to generate revenue for Maine's agricultural sector. The funds will directly support agricultural programs, including $5 million for business incentives, $1 million for property tax exemptions on qualifying agricultural buildings, and $5 million for an agriculture investment fund. It creates a 10-year property tax exemption (2026-2036) for agricultural buildings constructed or renovated after January 2026, with municipalities reimbursed 100% by the state for lost revenue. The bill allocates specific annual funding amounts to existing agricultural programs without creating new initiatives.
Maddy summaryThis bill raises the cap on retirement benefits eligible for automatic annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) from $24,186.25 to $40,000, effective July 1, 2026. It directly affects retired state employees and teachers who retired on or before June 30, 2011, or their beneficiaries. The key provision increases the maximum benefit amount subject to COLA - automatically adjusted each year based on the Consumer Price Index - without requiring separate legislative action. This change applies only to benefits up to the new $40,000 threshold, which will be adjusted annually for inflation. The bill does not alter the COLA calculation method, only the maximum amount covered.
Maddy summaryLD 1611 reduces the required retirement contribution rate for Maine teachers and state employees. Starting July 1, 2026, participants in the State Employee and Teacher Retirement Program will contribute 6.2% of their earnable compensation instead of the current 7.65%. The bill amends Maine law to implement this change, which applies to all members of the program without exceptions. The reduction directly lowers the financial obligation for these workers beginning the effective date.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the State of Maine to pay 100% of Medicare Part B premiums for certain retired state employees. It applies to retirees not eligible for Social Security benefits whose base annual pension is projected to be at or below a specific threshold (defined as the maximum retirement benefit subject to cost-of-living adjustments) as of January 1, 2026. The state will cover the full premium cost for eligible retirees, eliminating this expense from their retirement income. The policy change takes effect for qualifying retirees starting January 1, 2026.
Maddy summaryLD 260 is a resolution proposing a constitutional amendment to Maine's constitution that would guarantee equal rights under the law for all residents, prohibiting discrimination by the state or local governments based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, ancestry, or national origin. This amendment would directly affect all Maine residents by legally requiring state and local entities to provide equal treatment without regard to these protected characteristics. The resolution requires a statewide referendum in the next November election, where voters would decide whether to adopt the amendment by answering "Yes" or "No" on a ballot. If approved by a majority of voters, the amendment would become part of Maine's constitution, giving the Legislature authority to create enforcing laws.
Maddy summaryThis bill increases the state's funding for retired teachers' health insurance in Maine. It requires the state to pay 65% of the premium cost for retired teachers' health insurance from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and 70% starting July 1, 2026. This directly affects retired public school teachers in Maine who receive health insurance through the state program. The bill amends existing law (20-A MRSA §13451) to implement these higher state contribution rates, building on current 60% coverage through 2025.
Maddy summaryLD 823 establishes a grant program administered by the Maine Technology Institute to fund statewide, hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) competition programs for high school students. The bill requires grant recipients to partner with national STEM programs, broaden participation for underrepresented students (including those from rural areas, Title I schools, and diverse backgrounds), and partner with the University of Maine System. Organizations receiving grants must provide matching funds and report measurable outcomes, ensuring programs reach all 16 counties and all school types (public, private, homeschool). The program aims to increase equitable access to STEM competitions and college opportunities for Maine high school students.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the State of Maine to pay 100% of the Medicare Part B premium for retired state employees and retired teachers who enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. It applies specifically to retirees not eligible for federally approved Medicaid services. The policy change takes effect January 1, 2026, covering the full cost of Medicare Part B premiums under approved Medicare Advantage plans. This directly affects retired state workers and educators by eliminating their out-of-pocket expense for this Medicare coverage. The bill creates a new state financial obligation for these specific retiree groups.