Rep. Paul Flynn

Maddy summaryThis resolution proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Maine's Governor to wait 90 days after the Legislature adjourns without setting a return date before convening a special session. Currently, the Constitution allows the Governor to call the Legislature at any time on extraordinary occasions, but this amendment would add a specific 90-day waiting period for adjournments without a specified return date. The amendment must be approved by voters in a statewide referendum held in November of the year following the resolution's passage to take effect. If approved, it would change how the Governor and Legislature interact during special session calls.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a refundable tax credit for Maine small businesses with annual gross sales under $2.4 million that accept credit or debit cards. The credit offsets fees these businesses pay to card issuers for processing transactions, calculated as the lesser of the actual fees paid or 2.5% of the business's sales tax remitted to the state. Businesses must maintain records of their transaction fees and annual sales to claim the credit. The credit is refundable, meaning businesses can receive a cash refund if the credit exceeds their tax liability.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends the maximum duration for a temporary chiropractic intern license in Maine from 6 months to 9 months. It directly affects chiropractic interns who need temporary licenses to practice under supervision while completing their training. The key change modifies the statute to allow the Board of Chiropractic Licensure to issue nonrenewable temporary licenses for up to 9 months, instead of the current 6-month limit. The bill makes a straightforward procedural update to the licensing timeframe without altering other requirements.

Maddy summaryLD 266 requires Maine voters to update their registration signatures every five years, beginning January 1, 2026. Municipal registrars must annually review the central voter registration system, notify voters whose signatures expire that year, and provide them with a signature update form. This bill directly affects all registered Maine voters and municipal registrars, mandating a recurring process for signature verification. The law changes current practice by requiring periodic signature updates to maintain accurate voter records, without altering voting procedures.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how utilities compensate property owners when they take land for transmission lines over 5,000 volts using eminent domain. It requires utilities to set aside 1% of revenue from the line's construction, rebuilding, or relocation each year. This amount is paid annually over 20 years to affected property owners, with payments based on the number of acres taken from each owner. The bill directly affects landowners whose property is used for utility infrastructure and replaces previous compensation rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Maine's SNAP program by requiring households receiving benefits to spend at least 10% of each monthly benefit within a 50-mile radius of their home address. It also mandates that SNAP-authorized retailers source at least 10% of their perishable food inventory (including fresh produce, dairy, meats, and bakery items) from within Maine. These requirements supplement existing federal SNAP rules and apply to both beneficiaries and participating retailers. The bill directs the state department to create implementing rules, which will be classified as routine technical rules under Maine law.

Maddy summaryLD 1155 requires each Maine county to appoint two county employees and one sheriff's department employee as "dedimus justices" to administer oaths for civil officers. This directly affects county governments (through the two appointees) and county sheriffs (through the one appointee). The bill mandates the Secretary of State maintain a public online roster of all appointed dedimus justices, updated annually with verification of their continued eligibility. If an appointee cannot be verified for two consecutive years, their name is removed from the roster. The law modifies existing appointment rules without changing the core duties of the position.

Maddy summaryThis bill (LD 1075) requires the Maine State Housing Authority to submit an annual report starting in 2026 to the Legislature's housing and economic development committee about Maine's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The report must detail total funds distributed, breakdown by fuel type (like electricity or heating oil), administrative costs, all funding sources, and the number of households helped in each county. The bill does not change program eligibility or funding levels but mandates transparency by requiring specific data on how the federal program operates in Maine. This reporting requirement directly affects the Maine State Housing Authority (which must file the reports) and provides lawmakers with detailed program data.

Maddy summaryLD 908 proposes eliminating Maine's 8% sales tax on prepared foods served in restaurants (excluding alcohol) to support the hospitality industry. The bill requires the Department of Economic and Community Development to run an advertising campaign promoting tax-free dining to boost tourism. To offset lost revenue, it directs the state to broaden the tax base by increasing rates on luxury items like high-end electronics, recreational gear, and non-medical procedures, while reviewing tax exemptions and auditing state spending for savings. This policy change directly affects restaurants, diners, and state tax revenue streams.

Maddy summaryLD 871 prohibits the State of Maine from requiring any person, including health care and emergency services personnel, to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The bill amends state law to eliminate mandates by state agencies, health care facilities, and other state-regulated entities for the vaccine. This applies broadly to all residents and workers in Maine who might have faced state-imposed requirements. The bill does not affect private sector policies or federal vaccine mandates.