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 increases the property tax exemption for legally blind residents of Maine, raising the maximum exempt value for primary residences from $4,000 to $10,000. To qualify, an individual must be certified as legally blind by a licensed doctor of medicine, osteopathy, or optometry. The exemption applies to property tax years beginning on or after April 1, 2026, directly reducing tax burdens for qualifying homeowners. The change provides a larger tax break for legally blind residents without altering eligibility criteria.
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 1744 modifies Maine's state civil service rules to allow agencies to offer recruitment and retention pay adjustments for specific job classifications facing hiring challenges. It requires agencies to prove high turnover or vacancies exist in a defined labor market, document competitive private-sector pay levels, and show that standard recruitment efforts have failed before requesting adjustments. A committee of agency, bureau, and union representatives must evaluate each request against these criteria, with a neutral third party resolving disputes. Adjustments must be reviewed every 2-4 years, and current employees cannot have their pay reduced if adjustments are later scaled back.
Maddy summaryLD 1975 repeals the Advanced Technology Infrastructure Act, which created the ConnectMaine Authority. This eliminates the state agency responsible for overseeing broadband infrastructure projects and funding in Maine. The bill removes ConnectMaine's role in managing broadband expansion policy but does not change current broadband service rules or funding mechanisms.
Maddy summaryLD 849 establishes a process allowing Maine voters to remove school board members through recall elections under specific conditions. It directly affects school board members and the voters in their municipalities or school administrative units. The bill permits recall only for three reasons: a criminal conviction (1+ year prison term) during the term, failure to perform legal duties, or misuse of public funds. To initiate a recall, voters must collect signatures from at least 25% of those who voted in the last gubernatorial election in the relevant area, then submit the petition to the municipal clerk for processing.
Maddy summaryLD 1743 allows Maine municipalities to adopt local rules prohibiting firearms in municipal buildings, voting places, and at municipal public proceedings. If adopted, these rules must post clear notices at entrances and may impose a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per violation. The rules must exempt law enforcement officers from the prohibition and cannot apply to non-municipal sections of buildings used for municipal meetings. The bill defines key terms like "municipal public proceeding" to clarify the rule's scope and implementation.
Maddy summaryThis bill expands how Maine municipalities and plantations can use tax increment financing (TIF) revenues. It allows up to 15% of captured tax revenue to fund construction or renovation of public safety facilities (including emergency shelters) and central administrative offices, provided these projects support local economic development. Specifically, it increases flexibility for municipal offices (up to 50% of capital costs) and clarifies eligibility for public safety facilities tied to economic growth. These changes apply only to existing TIF districts and do not create new funding. The bill directly affects local governments managing TIF programs under Maine law.
Maddy summaryLD 1838 establishes a regulatory framework for electronic games in Maine, specifically defining "electronic beano" (an electronic version of a traditional card game) and "electronic wagering terminals" (devices for betting on historical horse races, electronic beano, or virtual sealed tickets). The bill requires these terminals to use a central computer system to determine chance outcomes, prohibits cash payouts (allowing only vouchers or noncash items), and clarifies such devices are not classified as slot machines. It affects businesses seeking licenses to operate these terminals and the Gambling Control Unit, which will oversee enforcement and licensing. The bill's title references support for farms, tribes, and veterans' homes, but the text contains no provisions addressing these groups.
Maddy summaryLD 1681 updates Maine's legal definition of "public service infrastructure" to explicitly include municipal shelter facilities and housing projects managed by municipalities or municipal housing authorities. This change ensures these facilities are formally recognized as essential for public health, welfare, and safety under state law. The bill amends Section 5903, subsection 8-A of the Maine Revised Statutes to add these facilities to the existing list, which already covers sewage systems, water treatment, roads, and parks. It directly affects municipalities and housing authorities operating such facilities by clarifying their status under infrastructure regulations. The bill does not create new programs or funding but adjusts legal definitions for consistency.