Rep. Allison Hepler

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Maine's tax law by removing wharves and piers used for commercial fishing from the definition of "working waterfront land." Currently, properties meeting this definition qualify for a lower tax rate based on their current use (commercial fishing) rather than market value. By excluding these structures from the definition, the bill ensures wharves and piers used by commercial fishermen will no longer be eligible for this tax benefit. The change directly affects property owners who previously used this classification for their waterfront infrastructure.

Maddy summaryLD 1763 regulates nonwater-dependent floating structures (like docks, gazebos, and floating pools) and establishes new safety standards for houseboats in Maine. The bill requires houseboats to include features such as propulsion systems, navigation lights, safety equipment, wastewater discharge compliance, and a motor for primary use - moving away from purely stationary structures. Owners of homemade watercraft (including houseboats and nonwater-dependent structures) must obtain a hull identification number and a marine surveyor's inspection before registering their vessel. These rules apply to all owners of such structures and will be enforced by local law enforcement and harbor masters under Maine's existing watercraft laws.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Maine's growth management laws to enhance housing affordability, infrastructure development, and environmental protection. It amends key definitions - such as setting "affordable housing" at 80% of area median income - and adds new funding categories for mixed-use housing projects, bicycle/pedestrian infrastructure, and public utility systems. The bill also revises program goals to prioritize affordable housing for low/moderate-income households, protect water resources, and support marine industries. These changes directly affect Maine municipalities implementing growth management plans and state agencies overseeing land use and housing policies.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a 24-month pilot program to provide free early cancer screenings for Maine firefighters. It requires the Commissioner of Public Safety to offer active and retired municipal and volunteer firefighters (as defined in Maine law) a comprehensive screening package including a multi-cancer blood test, organ ultrasounds, and lung CT scans. Firefighters may opt out of screenings, and those who pay for any part of the screenings after January 1, 2025, can seek reimbursement up to $1,300. A committee will develop the program's implementation plan and report on participation, results, and costs after 12 and 24 months.

Maddy summaryLD 1702 amends Maine election law to restrict candidate activities near polling places on election day. It prohibits candidates and one representative per candidate from asking voters to sign campaign petitions or request campaign donations within 250 feet of a polling place entrance or inside the polling location. The bill also clarifies that existing rules preventing voter influence apply to all candidates on the ballot - including write-in candidates - regardless of whether their name appears on the ballot. These changes directly affect candidates and their representatives by limiting campaign solicitation in close proximity to voting sites.

Maddy summaryLD 1653 establishes Maine's Credentialed Workforce Program to help recent graduates with student loans by repaying a portion of their debt. The program targets individuals with bachelor's or graduate degrees (earned within 2 years) who have eligible student loans and agree to work in designated "priority occupations" for 4 years in Maine. Participants can receive up to $25,000 annually (capped at $100,000 total or 50% of their debt) for up to 4 years, contingent on annual employment verification in qualifying roles. The Finance Authority of Maine administers the program using a dedicated revolving fund, which combines state appropriations, federal funds, and private contributions to cover repayments. Priority occupations are defined using the state's economic development strategy.

Maddy summaryLD 1786 requires Maine's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to publicly share current federal or state standards for PFAS chemicals in drinking water (measured in parts per trillion) on its website. It also mandates that the DEP directly notify private well owners via mail or email when contamination is suspected, upon request, or when test results are reported. The information provided must include the current standards, easy-to-understand test results comparing to those standards, and resources for remediation and financial assistance. This bill directly affects public health transparency for Maine residents using private drinking water wells.

Maddy summaryLD 1462 protects Maine artisans and performers who sell creative work by prohibiting municipalities from banning the vending of "expressive matter" (defined as art, books, photography, or performances with creative content, excluding purely commercial transactions). It allows local governments to impose limited time, place, and manner restrictions - such as for public safety, park preservation, or ADA compliance - but only if those restrictions are narrowly tailored and necessary. The bill directly affects vendors of creative goods and performances by ensuring they cannot be outright barred from selling in public spaces. This law clarifies existing rights for creative vendors and prevents broad municipal bans while permitting reasonable, health/safety-focused limitations.

Maddy summaryLD 1928 prohibits lodging establishments (like hotels, motels, resorts, and bed-and-breakfasts) from providing personal care products (such as shampoo, soap, and lotion) in small single-use plastic containers under 6 ounces to guests. Starting January 1, 2030, larger properties (50+ units) must comply, with smaller properties (fewer than 50 units) required to comply by January 1, 2032. The law allows refillable plastic containers and non-plastic single-use packaging, while exempting small stand-alone cabins. Violations incur a $100 civil penalty.

Maddy summaryLD 1323 prohibits the use of neonicotinoid pesticides on crops during flowering, on soybeans and cereal grains, and on certain vegetables (like leafy greens and herbs) after flowering, as well as on ornamental plants. It also bans the sale and use of seeds treated with neonicotinoids for soybeans and cereal grains. The bill allows limited exemptions for environmental or agricultural emergencies only if a written order proves less harmful alternatives are ineffective and includes measures to protect pollinators and ecosystems. This law directly affects farmers, agricultural businesses, and gardeners who currently use or sell these pesticides and treated seeds.