Rep. Katrina Smith

Maddy summaryLD 1131 changes the signature requirement for citizens to trigger agency rulemaking in Maine. Instead of needing 150 signatures, a petition now requires at least 1% of the votes cast for Governor in the previous gubernatorial election. If met, agencies must begin rulemaking within 60 days. This affects anyone seeking to change agency rules, making the process more responsive to broader public input, and specifies that rules adopted this way are "major substantive rules" subject to legislative review.

Maddy summaryLD 150 proposes a constitutional amendment to change how Maine's Treasurer of State is selected. Currently appointed by the Legislature, the Treasurer would instead be elected directly by voters every two years, starting in 2026, in the same statewide election as state senators and representatives. The amendment would require a statewide referendum vote to ratify, with approval needing a majority of votes cast on the question "Do you favor amending the Constitution of Maine to provide that the Treasurer of State be elected by the people biennially..." If approved, the change would take effect after the Governor proclaims the referendum results. This directly affects the Treasurer's office and the election process for that position.

Maddy summaryLD 1154 requires healthcare providers to inform women seeking an abortion for a fetus diagnosed with a lethal fetal anomaly (a condition likely to cause the baby's death within three months after birth) about perinatal hospice services as part of the informed consent process. Providers must discuss these services in person at least 24 hours before the procedure and provide a written list of available perinatal hospice providers, which the state will maintain. If the woman declines hospice services and chooses to proceed with the abortion, she must sign a written certification confirming her decision. This requirement does not apply in cases of medical emergencies or for abortions related to ectopic pregnancy or spontaneous miscarriage.

Maddy summaryLD 1930 defines "unborn child" as the offspring from conception until birth for certain criminal laws in Maine. It specifies that the terms "person" and "human being" in murder, manslaughter, and assault statutes include an unborn child, meaning violence harming a fetus during pregnancy could be prosecuted under these laws. The bill includes exceptions for acts committed by the mother, lawful medical procedures performed at the mother's request, or the administration of prescribed medication. This directly affects cases involving violence against pregnant people where fetal harm occurs, expanding criminal liability for such acts under existing statutes.

Maddy summaryLD 1823 requires Maine's Attorney General, District Court clerks, Superior Court clerks, and the Unified Criminal Docket clerk to post final decisions from criminal cases on publicly accessible websites within 60 days of a case's resolution. This applies to all criminal cases decided across the state, making court outcomes more readily available to the public. The law mandates that these entities publish the final rulings - such as verdicts, sentences, or dismissals - online without requiring individuals to visit physical court locations. The requirement takes effect on January 1, 2026, aiming to increase public access to criminal justice outcomes.

Maddy summaryLD 682 requires healthcare providers to report abortion procedures to Maine's Department of Health and Human Services, including patient demographics like race, marital status, and education level, as specified by national public health standards. It changes the standard for abortions after fetal viability to allow them only when medically necessary to preserve the mother's life or health, or when a fetus has a "lethal fetal anomaly" (a condition likely to cause the baby's death within three months after birth). The bill reinstates criminal penalties for unlicensed individuals performing abortions or assisting unlicensed providers, and clarifies that only licensed physicians, physician assistants, or advanced practice nurses may perform abortions. These changes directly affect abortion providers, patients receiving care, and state health data collection.

Maddy summaryLD 1479 creates a faster eviction process for senior homeowners (65 or older) who rent a room in their home through a "home-sharing agreement." The bill defines this as a tenancy where a senior homeowner leases a room to a tenant in their occupied residence. Under the law, landlords must give written notice of the violation, requiring tenants to leave within seven days. If tenants don't vacate, they're treated as trespassers, their belongings are considered abandoned, and landlords can request law enforcement assistance for eviction.

Maddy summaryThis bill repeals the law that created the Maine Retirement Savings Board and related provisions in Maine's statutes. It specifically removes the legal foundation for the board's existence and its authority to administer retirement plans. The repeal affects the board itself and any retirement programs it managed under the repealed law, ending its official role in overseeing these programs. The bill does not create new retirement programs or alter existing retirement benefits.

Maddy summaryLD 149 proposes a constitutional amendment to require Maine voters to directly elect the Attorney General every two years, starting in 2026, instead of the current system where the Governor appoints the position. The amendment specifies that the Attorney General would be elected "in the same manner as provided for the election of Senators and Representatives." If approved by voters, this change would shift selection authority from the Governor to the public, with vacancies during legislative recess still filled by gubernatorial appointment (subject to confirmation). The resolution requires a statewide referendum in November 2026 to ratify the amendment.

Maddy summaryLD 1593 requires state agencies, local governments, and educational institutions in Maine to publicly define the term "equity" whenever they claim to make decisions "to advance equity" (such as in policies, contracts, or hiring). The bill mandates that these entities post both their specific definition of "equity" and the measurable metrics used to assess it on their publicly accessible websites. This applies directly to any decision-making process referencing "equity," ensuring transparency about how the term is interpreted and measured. The law does not define "equity" itself but requires public entities to clarify their own usage. This is a transparency measure focused on concrete disclosure, not policy content.