Rep. Abden Simmons

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a refundable tax credit for Maine small businesses with annual gross sales under $2.4 million that accept credit or debit cards. The credit offsets fees these businesses pay to card issuers for processing transactions, calculated as the lesser of the actual fees paid or 2.5% of the business's sales tax remitted to the state. Businesses must maintain records of their transaction fees and annual sales to claim the credit. The credit is refundable, meaning businesses can receive a cash refund if the credit exceeds their tax liability.

Maddy summaryLD 1845 establishes the Working Waterfront Advisory Council to address challenges facing Maine's working waterfronts, which include ports, harbors, and coastal areas used for fishing, shipping, and maritime industries. The council, appointed by the Maine Office of Community Affairs with up to 15 members representing tribes, municipalities, industries, and other stakeholders, must meet at least four times yearly and submit annual reports by February 1 to legislative committees on issues like access, climate resilience, workforce housing, and economic development. The bill also requires the Maine Office of Community Affairs to submit similar annual reports on working waterfront initiatives to the same committees, focusing on progress and recommendations from coalitions and tribal partnerships.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Maine high school students to complete an internship, apprenticeship, or cooperative education experience before graduation starting in 2027 (Sec. 1). It mandates the Department of Education to develop career exploration modules for middle and high school students focused on high-demand fields, connect students with employers, and fund this through repurposed underperforming programs (Sec. 2). Schools must track and report post-graduation outcomes like employment in high-demand fields, apprenticeship enrollment, and retention rates in postsecondary education (Sec. 3), while removing incentives that steer students toward 4-year degrees (Sec. 5). The bill also requires schools to provide information about apprenticeships, certification programs, and local employment opportunities to all high school students (Sec. 38) and redirect infrastructure funds to upgrade career and technical education facilities (Sec. 7).

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 618 amends Maine law to allow minors under 16 to work until 9 p.m. during the school year and until 10 p.m. during summer vacation. It corrects a typo in the current law that previously misstated school-year work restrictions, ensuring minors can work until 9 p.m. without ambiguity. The summer work hour limit remains unchanged at 10 p.m. This change directly affects minor workers and their employers in Maine by clarifying allowable work hours.

Maddy summaryLD 422 requires the State of Maine to obtain a municipality's prior written approval before placing noncitizens within that municipality's borders. Municipalities would be allowed to set a specific numerical limit on how many noncitizens the State may place within their boundaries. The bill prohibits the State from exceeding this approved number without additional municipal authorization. This policy directly affects municipalities (cities and towns) and the State government's ability to house noncitizens, such as asylum seekers or immigrants, within local communities. The bill does not change who qualifies as a noncitizen under Maine law.

Maddy summaryLD 1633 establishes a streamlined certification process for construction materials reclamation facilities - businesses that sort, refurbish, and resell materials from demolition debris. It creates the Construction Materials Reclamation Fund to provide grants, loans, and support for facility development, operator training, and public education. The bill exempts certified facilities from needing a separate solid waste facility license and requires the state department to maintain a public list of environmentally responsible contractors. This directly affects construction companies, demolition firms, and contractors handling construction debris by making reuse more accessible and financially supported.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Maine's municipal general assistance program to include broadband internet access and wireless network technology as essential needs. It directly affects individuals receiving municipal general assistance, allowing them to qualify for help covering these services. The key change adds "broadband Internet access service" and "wireless access point technology" to the list of basic necessities already covered, such as food, shelter, and medical care. This update aligns with modern needs by recognizing reliable internet access as fundamental for daily life, education, and work opportunities.

Maddy summaryLD 1352 amends Maine's scallop fishing licensing rules to make the system more predictable for fishermen. It prohibits using lotteries to award apprentice licenses (which cost $250 annually) and requires new fishermen to wait until an existing license expires before applying for a hand-fishing or dragging license. The bill also directs the Department of Marine Resources to end rotational access to fishing areas, requiring all licensed fishermen to have equal access to limited areas simultaneously. These changes, effective October 2026, aim to create a more transparent entry process for the scallop fishery.

Maddy summaryLD 1334 requires retail stores selling alcohol to position any liquor accessible to customers (not behind counters or in display cases) at least 48 inches away from cash registers or payment terminals. This applies directly to retailers who sell liquor at checkout areas, such as convenience stores or gas stations with alcohol sales. The key provision mandates a physical separation between alcohol displays and payment points to reduce impulse purchases near checkout. The bill does not affect liquor stored behind counters or in locked display cases.