Rep. Vicki Doudera

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a state income tax deduction for property owners who sell more than 50% ownership in housing businesses (like apartment buildings or manufactured housing parks) to resident-owned cooperatives. The deduction excludes up to $750,000 of the sale gain from Maine state income tax, directly benefiting sellers transferring properties to cooperatives organized under Maine law. It specifically targets non-publicly traded housing businesses registered in Maine or operating within the state. The policy aims to preserve and increase affordable housing units by incentivizing conversions to cooperative ownership models, with performance measures tracking housing retention and economic impact.

Maddy summaryLD 400 requires the Maine State Fire Marshal to compile a statewide inventory of aqueous film-forming foam concentrate (AFFF), a firefighting foam, held by public and private entities possessing 5 gallons or more. Starting July 1, 2026, public entities (like state and local governments) must report their holdings within one year, while private entities must report over a two-year period. The completed inventory, made public as a record, must be submitted to the Maine Legislature by July 1, 2028, for review by environmental and public safety committees. This measure gathers data on AFFF distribution without changing its use or regulation.

Maddy summaryLD 1082 amends Maine's real estate transfer tax, increasing the rate for properties valued at $1 million or more to $5.00 per $500 of value (from $2.20 for properties under $1 million). It redirects 50% of the tax revenue to housing funds, requiring 25% of those funds to support new affordable housing units for low-income households. The remaining revenue is split between the General Fund and the Housing First Fund. This bill directly affects sellers of high-value properties while funding housing initiatives through tax revenue.

Maddy summaryLD 385 protects individuals who share information about sexual assault, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, cyberbullying, or discrimination from being sued over those communications. It shields people who made such statements "without malice" and had a reasonable basis to file a complaint (even if they never filed one). The bill amends Maine's public expression law to add this specific protection for these types of disclosures. This directly affects alleged victims who wish to report incidents without fear of legal retaliation for speaking about their experiences. The law applies to both written and oral communications related to these issues.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes Maine's licensing rules for residential real estate appraisers. It requires the Board of Real Estate Appraisers to include two banking industry representatives and specific licensed appraisers (including one certified general and one residential license holder). The bill also increases the transaction value limit for appraisers: complex residential properties (1-4 units) can now be appraised up to $400,000 (previously $250,000), while noncomplex properties remain at $1 million. These changes directly affect licensed residential appraisers and the board members who oversee their qualifications.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits individuals serving sentences for specific domestic violence crimes from participating in Maine's community confinement monitoring programs. It directly affects people convicted of domestic violence aggravated assault, elevated aggravated assault, or assault on a pregnant person against family/household members or dating partners (under Title 17-A, sections 208-D, 208-E, or 208-F). The law requires jail administrators to conduct thorough risk assessments, contact victims, and document safety considerations before any potential placement, but ultimately bars eligibility for these offenders. The policy change prevents these individuals from accessing community-based supervision programs while serving their sentences.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a concept draft (not a finalized proposal) that only states it aims to "update the laws regarding the Department of Environmental Protection." The provided text contains no specific policy details, provisions, or concrete changes to the department's authority or responsibilities. As a concept draft under Joint Rule 208, it has not yet outlined any actual mechanisms or affected parties. No substantive legislative language or voting record is available for this early-stage document.

Maddy summaryLD 1299 prohibits storing a handgun in an unoccupied motor vehicle unless it is kept out of plain view in a locked hard-sided container and the vehicle (including trunk) is locked. This applies to most individuals storing handguns in vehicles, with exceptions for law enforcement officers, licensed hunters engaged in hunting, participants in state hunter education programs, and National Guard members on active duty. Violations are civil offenses punishable by fines of $200-$500 for first offenses, increasing to $500-$1,000 for repeat violations. The bill directly affects vehicle owners and passengers storing handguns, aiming to prevent accidental access or theft. It does not apply to occupied vehicles or cases where the handgun is secured as required.

Maddy summaryLD 1138 requires Maine's Department of Transportation and the Maine Turnpike Authority to conduct greenhouse gas emissions and traffic impact assessments before approving new road expansions or capacity increases (like adding lanes or improving roadways). Starting July 1, 2026, these assessments must project 20-year emissions, net changes in vehicle miles traveled, and account for "induced demand" (increased driving from new road capacity). Projects found inconsistent with Maine's climate targets must be redesigned, include mitigation measures, or be canceled. The bill directly affects transportation planning decisions for state road projects and aims to align infrastructure development with the state’s climate action goals.

Maddy summaryLD 1109 prohibits possession of ammunition feeding devices (like magazines, drums, or boxes) that hold more than 10 rounds, making it a Class D crime. It defines "large-capacity" as devices holding over 10 rounds or easily convertible to do so. The law exempts active military, law enforcement officers, and existing owners who modify, surrender, or sell devices within 180 days of the law's effective date. It does not apply to antique firearms or devices transported by licensed dealers.