Maddy summaryLD 260 is a resolution proposing a constitutional amendment to Maine's constitution that would guarantee equal rights under the law for all residents, prohibiting discrimination by the state or local governments based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, ancestry, or national origin. This amendment would directly affect all Maine residents by legally requiring state and local entities to provide equal treatment without regard to these protected characteristics. The resolution requires a statewide referendum in the next November election, where voters would decide whether to adopt the amendment by answering "Yes" or "No" on a ballot. If approved by a majority of voters, the amendment would become part of Maine's constitution, giving the Legislature authority to create enforcing laws.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Maine's Department of Health and Human Services to reimburse child care providers for subsidies based on enrollment (number of children registered) rather than attendance (number present each day). It directly affects child care providers participating in Maine's Child Care Affordability Program who serve families receiving federal Child Care and Development Fund assistance. The key provision mandates that reimbursement rates must align with standard private-pay child care market practices to support provider stability and encourage participation in the subsidy program. The law also requires the department to develop rules ensuring payments aren't reduced due to child absences and to examine current industry payment practices. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.
Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits MaineCare (Maine's Medicaid program) from restricting coverage for individuals with opioid use disorder who need both methadone maintenance treatment and concurrent intensive outpatient programs or other outpatient services for substance use or behavioral health disorders. It directly affects MaineCare enrollees seeking integrated treatment for opioid addiction, removing barriers to receiving both medication-based care and counseling services simultaneously. The key provision requires the Department of Health and Human Services to adopt implementing rules within 90 days to ensure coverage is not denied or restricted for these concurrent services. The bill mandates that coverage must be provided for medically appropriate combinations of methadone treatment and outpatient programs without prior authorization hurdles.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Maine's Department of Health and Human Services to apply for federal approval by December 31, 2025, to establish continuous health insurance coverage for children under 6 years old enrolled in Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Once approved, these children would maintain coverage until their 6th birthday, regardless of changes in their family's income. Coverage could end only if the child moves out of state, a parent requests termination, the child dies, or eligibility was mistakenly granted due to fraud or error.
Maddy summaryThis bill allocates state funding to add 15 State Trooper and 9 State Police Corporal positions specifically for rural counties in Maine. It directly affects rural counties (including Northern Field Troop, Aroostook, Somerset/Franklin, and Androscoggin) by providing dedicated state police patrols to support local sheriff departments. The funding covers salaries and related expenses for these positions over the 2025-2027 fiscal years. The key provision is the targeted deployment of officers to address public safety needs in underserved rural areas, as outlined in the bill's budget allocations.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Maine Department of Health and Human Services to provide free water testing for arsenic and PFAS (perfluoroalkyl substances) to low-income rural households using private wells. It expands existing testing programs by adding PFAS testing through state-approved labs, funded by the department's dedicated testing account, with no fees charged to eligible residents. The bill also mandates educational outreach to inform low-income well owners about the free testing and eligibility for state grants to install water treatment systems if contaminants exceed state standards. These provisions directly affect rural low-income residents relying on private wells, aiming to improve access to safe drinking water through expanded testing and treatment support.
Maddy summaryLD 1720 (An Act Regarding Benefits And Training For Long-Term Care Workers) expands benefits and provides funding for nursing homes and residential care facilities in Maine. It directly affects nurses, certified nursing assistants, direct care workers, and housekeeping/dietary staff employed in these facilities by: (1) granting them access to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System and state group health plan; (2) requiring MaineCare to reimburse facilities for staff training costs (including English language training for non-native speakers); and (3) requiring reimbursement for interpreter services for both staff and residents. The bill also mandates that the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation offer certified nursing assistant exams in French, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, and Filipino by January 2026. These provisions aim to improve workforce support and accessibility for long-term care facilities and their employees.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the State of Maine to pay 100% of the Medicare Part B premium for retired state employees and retired teachers who enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. It applies specifically to retirees not eligible for federally approved Medicaid services. The policy change takes effect January 1, 2026, covering the full cost of Medicare Part B premiums under approved Medicare Advantage plans. This directly affects retired state workers and educators by eliminating their out-of-pocket expense for this Medicare coverage. The bill creates a new state financial obligation for these specific retiree groups.
Maddy summaryLD 415 provides $1 million annually from the General Fund to fund the Statewide Hunger Relief Program under the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. This funding supports contracts with nonprofit organizations that deliver hunger relief services across Maine. The bill allocates $1 million for each of the 2025-26 and 2026-27 fiscal years, creating ongoing financial support for these community-based services. It directly affects nonprofit groups providing food assistance by securing stable, multi-year funding for their operations.
Maddy summaryLD 311 requires Maine's Commissioner of Agriculture to designate state inspectors for meat and poultry processing facilities as "essential," ensuring inspections continue on state holidays or beyond regular work hours if inspectors are available. Processing facilities must cover all overtime costs and related expenses for these extended inspections to keep plants operational. This law directly affects all meat and poultry processing facilities in Maine that require state inspection under current law, aiming to maintain consistent food safety oversight without shutdowns. The bill amends Maine law to make inspection continuity mandatory rather than optional, with facilities bearing the financial responsibility for overtime.