Maddy summaryLD 1740 establishes a Maine Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) Education Matching Grant Program to fund hands-on learning experiences for K-12 students across the state. The program provides state grant funds to eligible organizations - including schools, public libraries, museums, youth groups, and nonprofits - which must contribute 33% of the grant amount as matching funds for the same STEAM activities. Grants support specific hands-on programs like robotics competitions, STEAM-focused film challenges, and creative problem-solving teams that promote critical thinking and innovation. The Maine Department of Education will administer the program, develop eligibility criteria, and review similar initiatives in other states to guide grant awards.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryLD 1649 establishes a 12-member Blue Ribbon Commission to study the Maine Legislature's operations. The commission, appointed by legislative leadership and including public members with specific expertise, will examine 18 aspects of legislative functioning - including committee structures, budget processes, transparency, and bill drafting - aimed at improving efficiency and public trust. It must submit findings and recommendations by December 3, 2025, to the next legislative session. This procedural resolution directly affects how the Maine Legislature organizes its work, with no new laws created.
Maddy summaryThis bill exempts certain over-the-counter (OTC) medicines from Maine's sales tax starting January 1, 2026. It applies to FDA-approved OTC medicines meeting specific labeling requirements, including antacids, contraceptive products, allergy medications, eye/ear/nose treatments, and opioid antagonists. The exemption covers medicines sold directly to consumers without a prescription, but excludes cannabis products. This change affects Maine residents purchasing these specific OTC health products, reducing their out-of-pocket costs for essential medications.
Maddy summaryLD 1773 defines "retail merchandise" to explicitly include gift cards under Maine's organized retail theft laws. This change directly affects individuals who steal gift cards from retailers, making such thefts subject to the same criminal penalties as other stolen retail items. The bill's key mechanism is expanding the legal definition in existing law to cover gift cards as a distinct form of stolen property. It does not create new penalties but clarifies that gift card theft falls under current organized retail theft statutes.
Maddy summaryLD 172 requires the Maine State Police to create and maintain a publicly accessible website listing all open missing person cases in Maine. For each case, the website must include a summary of details, a photograph of the missing person, and contact information for the investigating agency. This bill directly affects the Maine State Police, mandating they establish and manage this centralized resource, and benefits the public by providing a single, transparent source for missing persons information. The law aims to improve access to case details for families, law enforcement, and the public without changing existing procedures for handling missing persons reports.
Maddy summaryThis bill establishes 11 as the minimum age for Maine juvenile court jurisdiction for most offenses. It defines "juvenile" as a person aged 11-18 for crimes like drug possession, underage drinking, or traffic violations involving intoxicants (as specified in sections 3103 and 3303), but excludes serious crimes like murder, felony murder, or manslaughter (which remain subject to adult prosecution regardless of age). The bill also modifies time limits for prosecuting certain juvenile offenses and clarifies that some crimes (e.g., driving under the influence) may be handled as juvenile cases only if specific conditions are met. It directly affects minors aged 11-17 who commit non-violent offenses under Maine law.
Maddy summaryMaine's LD 1018, the "Protect Health Care for Rural and Underserved Communities Act," prohibits discrimination against clinics and hospitals participating in the federal 340B drug discount program. It specifically bans drug manufacturers from interfering with the acquisition or delivery of 340B drugs and bars health insurers or pharmacy managers from paying 340B providers lower rates or imposing extra fees, restrictions, or data requirements compared to non-340B providers. The law ensures these rural and underserved healthcare facilities receive fair reimbursement and access to discounted medications under the federal 340B program. It directly affects 340B entities (like community health centers) and their pharmacy partners in Maine.
Maddy summaryLD 532 expands Maine's assault law to specifically protect all health care workers in hospital emergency rooms. The bill defines assault on these workers as a Class C crime, covering anyone employed or contracted by a state-licensed health care entity (including hospitals and clinics) while performing their job in the emergency room. This change directly affects health care workers in Maine's emergency departments by strengthening legal consequences for assaults against them. The key provision amends existing statute §752-F to broaden the definition beyond previous limitations, ensuring all licensed health care workers in emergency settings receive the same legal protection.
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 1077 would exempt bottled drinking water from Maine's sales tax by including it in the tax-free "grocery staples" category. Currently, packaged drinking water (including bottled mineral and carbonated water) is excluded from this exemption and subject to sales tax. The bill amends Maine's tax code to explicitly add "drinking water placed in a container or package for human consumption" to the definition of grocery staples. This change would directly affect consumers purchasing bottled water and retailers selling it, eliminating sales tax on these items at checkout.