Rep. Sally Cluchey

Maddy summaryLD 1946 clarifies that certified recovery residences in Maine - defined as facilities certified under state law (Title 5, section 20005, subsection 22) - are eligible to accept housing vouchers from the Bridging Rental Assistance Program (BRAP) if they meet the program’s standards. It also ensures that individuals residing in these certified recovery residences can apply for BRAP vouchers on the same basis as others, with their residence type not acting as a barrier to eligibility. The Department of Health and Human Services must provide guidance to help these residences and housing programs understand the new rules, and may adopt necessary technical rules to implement the changes. This bill removes a previous barrier, allowing people in recovery housing to access rental assistance through BRAP without discrimination.

Maddy summaryLD 976 is a legislative resolve directing Maine's Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to develop a plan ensuring accessible, regularly scheduled public transportation for Swan Island in Perkins Township, Sagadahoc County. It specifically requires the department to create this plan and report it to the Joint Standing Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife by December 3, 2025. The report may include suggested legislation for the next legislative session. This resolve directly affects residents of Swan Island who currently lack accessible public transit options.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Maine's Department of Transportation to replace 33.5 miles of inactive railroad track along the Lower Road corridor (from Brunswick to Gardiner via Hallowell) with a temporary bicycle and pedestrian trail using the existing rail bed. The trail would be surfaced with pavement or stone dust, subject to available funding, necessary permits, and agreements with local municipalities. The conversion is designated as "interim" under state law, preserving the rail corridor for potential future rail use. The requirement stems from a majority recommendation by the Lower Road Rail Use Advisory Council, which met to address community requests for the corridor.

Maddy summaryMaine's LD 180 prohibits health insurance carriers and pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs) from discriminating against entities participating in the federal 340B drug pricing program or their contracted pharmacies. It bans PBMs from restricting patient pharmacy choices, imposing extra fees on 340B entities, or requiring special billing for 340B claims. The bill also mandates that PBMs reimburse pharmacies for drugs at no less than the national average drug acquisition cost (plus a Medicaid-level dispensing fee) at the time of dispensing, or the wholesale acquisition cost if the national average isn't available. Additionally, PBMs cannot reimburse pharmacies less than the amount they pay themselves or their affiliates for the same drug.

Maddy summaryLD 95 amends Maine's wildlife laws to simplify access to hunting and fishing licenses for three groups: seniors 70+ (who pay a one-time $8 fee for a lifetime license covering all permits), paraplegics (who receive free licenses at no cost), and disabled veterans (who also get free licenses). The bill requires license holders in all three categories to include specific deer hunting permits (one antlerless and one either-sex) for the special archery season if they qualify. It updates existing provisions to clarify eligibility, fee structures, and permit requirements without creating new programs. The changes directly affect qualifying Maine residents and nonresidents with reciprocal agreements, streamlining current provisions under Maine's wildlife licensing system.

Maddy summaryLD 403 requires Maine mortgage lenders to provide borrowers with written notice at least 35 days before initiating foreclosure due to payment defaults on residential mortgages. The notice must explain the borrower's right to cure the default by paying overdue amounts (including interest, fees, and attorney costs) and include a warning about fraudsters posing as legitimate negotiators who steal money and personal information. It also mandates that the notice state the total amount due excludes future payments and references available mediation options to avoid foreclosure. This law directly affects Maine homeowners facing mortgage distress, aiming to prevent fraud and clarify their rights during financial hardship.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill replaces Maine's old "WE CARE" program with the new "Make Change for Wildlife" program. It allows businesses to collect voluntary customer contributions at checkout (up to $10,000 annually per business) and deduct those amounts from their corporate income tax for tax years starting January 1, 2026. All funds collected through this program must be deposited into the Maine Endangered and Nongame Wildlife Fund. The program directly affects businesses that participate in collecting contributions and the wildlife fund, which supports conservation efforts for non-game and endangered species in Maine.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Pharmacy Benefits Managers (PBMs) from charging "spread pricing" fees in Maine - meaning PBMs cannot charge health plans extra fees beyond the actual drug cost plus the pharmacy's dispensing fee. It requires PBMs to charge only for actual services performed, banning fees tied to drug prices, rebates, or patient costs like deductibles. PBMs must annually certify compliance to the Insurance Superintendent, with violations subject to a $1,000 civil penalty per violation. The bill directly affects PBMs operating in Maine and health plans that contract with them, aiming to increase transparency in prescription drug pricing.

Maddy summaryLD 332 establishes mandatory minimum prison sentences for specific crimes involving children under 12. It requires courts to impose at least 25 years for gross sexual assault against children under 12 (with no suspended time), life imprisonment for repeat offenders convicted of similar crimes against children under 12, and a minimum 25-year sentence for aggravated sex trafficking involving children under 12. The bill directly affects defendants convicted of these offenses by removing judicial discretion for the minimum sentence length. These provisions apply to cases where the state proves the crime involved a child under 12, as specified in Maine’s criminal code.