Rep. Tavis Hasenfus

Maddy summaryLD 1355 requires Maine's Office of Tax Policy to study how renewable energy infrastructure - such as solar, wind, and battery storage systems - is taxed. The study must examine current tax rules, municipal taxation practices, revenue-sharing impacts, and whether a uniform tax per megawatt would fairly balance municipal revenue and project viability. The Office must consult with energy officials, industry representatives, and municipal leaders, and submit a report by December 3, 2025, to the Taxation Committee. This resolve does not change existing tax laws but may lead to future legislation based on the study's findings. It directly affects municipalities, renewable energy developers, and state tax policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Maine's mining excise tax laws by clarifying the definition of "commercial mining" (Section 10). It explicitly excludes certain activities from the tax, including limestone extraction for cement production, quarry operations for construction materials, and exploration activities. The changes directly affect mining companies whose operations fall outside this revised definition, potentially reducing their tax liability for these specific activities. The bill focuses on refining tax applicability through precise language rather than altering tax rates or creating new obligations.

Maddy summaryLD 215 establishes a rental assistance program administered by Maine's Department of Health and Human Services for residents of certified recovery residences with a capacity of 20 or more people. The program pays eligible individuals' monthly rent directly to the certified residence, not to the individual, provided they qualify for municipal general assistance under existing rules. It creates a dedicated interest-bearing fund to support this assistance, which carries over annually. The bill also modifies general assistance rules to prevent double-dipping, ensuring those receiving this rental aid are not also eligible for separate housing assistance under municipal programs.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Maine's rules for transporting prisoners to court and using force with them. It clarifies that sheriffs (or their deputies) must transport prisoners safely per court orders, and requires written copies of court orders to be left with prison/jail staff. It also defines when correctional staff, transport officers, or law enforcement may use nondeadly force (to prevent escapes or enforce rules) or deadly force (only for self-defense, to stop imminent deadly threats, or during escapes involving weapons). The law explicitly states that only state employees may use deadly force for escapes, and requires officers to warn prisoners before using it.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits life imprisonment without the possibility of supervised community confinement after 15 years for individuals convicted of crimes while under 26 years old. It directly affects people sentenced to life without parole for offenses committed before their 26th birthday. The key provision requires automatic review after 15 years of incarceration, allowing eligible individuals to transition to supervised community confinement. This applies to all crimes, including aggravated attempted murder under existing sentencing rules. The law creates a clear pathway for potential release after 15 years for this specific age group.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a sentencing alternative to imprisonment for defendants convicted of certain offenses who are primary caregivers. It directly affects individuals responsible for minors, elderly people (60+), or those with physical/mental disabilities. To qualify, a defendant must file a motion with an affidavit within 10 days of conviction, prompting the court to consider alternatives like probation or community service. The court must then make written findings weighing the offense, defendant's history, family circumstances, and impact on dependents before deciding. This change applies only to offenses that may result in jail time but don't require it.

Maddy summaryLD 1266 requires Maine's Attorney General to form a working group to create a plan expanding access to adult drug, family, and veterans treatment courts statewide. The group must include stakeholders like courts, corrections, health departments, prosecutors, and advocacy organizations to ensure every county has access to these specialty courts for defendants whose criminal involvement relates to substance use disorders. The working group must submit its recommendations and suggested legislation to the Judiciary Committee by January 1, 2026. This resolve does not change current law but directs a study to improve access to treatment-based court options.

Maddy summaryLD 1135 allows Maine law enforcement to use oral fluid testing, alongside blood, breath, and urine tests, to determine intoxication for drivers, aircraft operators, and hunters. It requires that personnel administering oral fluid tests be certified by the Department of Health and Human Services and that approved equipment is used. Test results from oral fluid testing are admissible in court as evidence, with defendants able to challenge the test's validity by providing written notice within 10 days. This bill updates existing chemical testing procedures without changing the core requirements for intoxication determination.

Maddy summaryLD 1979 directs Maine's Department of Corrections to form a working group to study creating a program that would award incarcerated individuals earned time credits for completing educational courses. The working group must analyze similar programs in other states, review data on sentence deductions, recidivism rates, and program impacts, and gather relevant information. The group must submit its findings and recommendations to the Criminal Justice Committee by December 3, 2025, which could lead to future legislation establishing the program. This resolve does not create the program itself but initiates a study to inform potential policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis bill (LD 1104) provides legal immunity to individuals who temporarily hold firearms for others under a written or oral "firearm hold agreement" when returning the firearm to the owner at the end of the agreement. It directly affects people who agree to store firearms for friends, family, or others (e.g., for safekeeping during travel or events). The key provision states that holders cannot be sued for returning the firearm as agreed, unless their conduct was already unlawful. The bill does not change firearm ownership laws or create new restrictions, only limiting liability for the return process itself.