Maddy summaryThis bill requires Maine's Department of Health and Human Services to collect annual data on service gaps and residential transitions for individuals receiving home and community-based services through the Lifespan Waiver. It directly affects people with intellectual/developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, or related conditions who rely on this waiver program. Key provisions mandate collecting specific data points - including unmet service needs, missed service hours, residential living arrangements, and housing transitions - and publishing an annual public report on the department's website and to the Legislature by February 28th each year. The bill also expands rulemaking requirements to ensure all significant policy changes related to the waiver involve legislative oversight.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryLD 433 clarifies Maine's requirements for school bus driver licenses. It states that drivers must meet federal safety regulations only if no waiver exists, and specifies that the required vehicle operation exam does not cover combination vehicles (like truck tractors with semitrailers). The bill directs Maine's Secretary of State to seek federal waivers for two specific testing components: the "under-the-hood" pre-trip inspection and the requirement to use a federal examiner manual. The Secretary must report progress on these waivers to the Transportation Committee by December 3, 2025. This bill affects all individuals seeking or renewing school bus driver endorsements in Maine.
Maddy summaryThis bill imposes a $250 annual surcharge on owners of electric vehicles (defined as fully electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles) in Maine. The fee must be paid yearly (or in two installments) when registering the vehicle. All collected funds are directed to the Highway Fund, which supports road maintenance and infrastructure projects. This requirement applies specifically to electric vehicle owners and does not affect other vehicle types.
Maddy summaryLD 1209 creates a working group to study three specific road safety topics in Maine: (1) the potential safety and regulations for small lightweight vehicles like mini trucks, (2) the current systems for antique vehicles, and (3) broader road safety improvements. The group, composed of officials from the Secretary of State’s office, vehicle safety experts, insurance representatives, and industry stakeholders, will analyze safety comparisons, review other states’ laws, and recommend registration, inspection, and potential legislation. The working group must submit findings and recommendations to the Transportation Committee by December 3, 2025, with no funding for members and using existing state resources. This resolution does not change current laws but sets the stage for future legislative action based on the group’s report.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a legislative bill with policy changes. Maine's 132nd Legislature passed HP 1242 to formally honor Pope Francis following his death on April 21, 2025. The resolution commemorates his life, papacy, and legacy of service to the marginalized, citing his teachings and writings. It has no direct effect on policy, funding, or specific groups, as it is purely symbolic.
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 summaryThis bill is a ceremonial resolution recognizing the Maine Forest Service for its 2024 out-of-state mobilizations. It acknowledges that the service sent personnel and equipment to 25 incidents across nine states (including Hurricane Helene in North Carolina) through mutual aid agreements, involving 43 staff members. The resolution expresses legislative appreciation for their work but does not create new laws, funding, or policy changes.
Maddy summaryThis Maine bill (LD 401) requires property sellers to disclose whether a property has an overboard discharge system (a sewage system that releases waste directly into waterways) during real estate transactions. It also creates income-based grant programs to help homeowners and businesses replace these systems, covering 25-100% of costs depending on household or business income relative to Maine's median. The grants apply to single-family homes, seasonal dwellings, and commercial properties, with higher income levels receiving lower reimbursement rates. The bill directly affects property sellers, buyers, and property owners seeking to upgrade outdated sewage systems.
Maddy summaryLD 1557 aligns Maine's definition of PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in pesticide regulations with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's federal definition. This change directly affects pesticide manufacturers and sellers in Maine by clarifying that the existing ban on selling pesticides containing intentionally added PFAS applies consistently. The bill modifies two key sections of Maine law to adopt the EPA's definition of "PFAS" and "pesticide" for enforcement purposes. It does not create new restrictions but ensures the current prohibition is applied uniformly under the Maine Pesticide Control Act. The policy change simplifies compliance for businesses and regulators by matching state law to federal standards.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends Maine's elver fishing regulations to allow a license holder (who has a tag on a net) to permit another person with an elver fishing license to empty that net, provided the second person is under the license holder's direct supervision. It directly affects commercial elver fishers using fyke nets, changing who can handle the nets during the fishing season. The key provision removes a previous restriction that prevented license holders from delegating net-emptying tasks to other licensed individuals. This emergency measure takes immediate effect to ensure the change is in place for the March 2025 elver fishing season.