Rep. Amanda Collamore

Maddy summaryLD 1394 exempts electric vehicles from certain right-to-repair law requirements in Maine, directly affecting EV manufacturers selling vehicles in the state. The bill creates an exclusion if manufacturers meet two conditions: (1) the vehicle's telematics system complies with federal security/privacy standards, and (2) they meet an annual electric vehicle sales threshold set by the Department of Environmental Protection. This threshold accounts for Maine's climate action plan goals and market conditions, requiring annual manufacturer certifications for approval. The exemption aims to support Maine's EV adoption targets by reducing regulatory barriers for manufacturers. The Department of Environmental Protection must annually report on approved certifications and the policy's impact.

Maddy summaryLD 913 prohibits ticket sellers from including terms that prevent buyers from transferring tickets to others (with or without payment) without permission or an added fee. If a seller’s system blocks transfers, they must offer a transferable ticket option at purchase without extra cost. The bill also bans denying event entry solely because a ticket was resold. Exceptions apply to student tickets for public college events and small venues (3,500 seats or fewer) that provide written notice to the state’s Commissioner of Administrative and Financial Services.

Maddy summaryLD 1224 establishes Maine's Consumer Privacy Act, setting new rules for how businesses handle personal data of Maine residents. It requires businesses to obtain clear, affirmative consent before collecting personal data, prohibits deceptive "dark patterns" on websites, and gives consumers the right to access, correct, or delete their data. The law specifically protects children under 13 and restricts the use of biometric data (like fingerprints or facial scans), while exempting health data covered under federal law. It applies to businesses operating in Maine that process data of Maine residents, excluding data handled in employment or commercial contexts.

Maddy summaryLD 1516 updates Maine's state procurement rules to prioritize the Maine Development Foundation for certain purchases. It revises thresholds for simplified bidding (allowing informal quotes for $25,000 or less and single-source purchases for $10,000 or less) and adds a new provision requiring state agencies to consider the Foundation first if buying its goods or services is most economical, effective, and appropriate. The bill also adjusts the Foundation's board structure, setting a minimum of 15 directors with staggered 4-year terms, a 5-year service limit for directors, and requiring balanced representation from private and public sectors. These changes directly affect state agencies purchasing goods or services under the specified financial thresholds.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases Maine's small claims limit for home construction disputes from $6,000 to $25,000 (excluding interest and costs). It directly affects homeowners and contractors involved in disputes over payments or damages related to home construction contracts. The key change modifies the definition in state law to allow these specific disputes to be handled in small claims court up to the new $25,000 threshold. The amendment applies to claims under Title 10, section 1486, subsection 4, as defined by Maine law.

Maddy summaryLD 291 eliminates the 9% lodging tax on campground rentals (for tourist and trailer camps) and instead applies Maine's standard 5.5% general sales tax to these stays. This change directly affects campground operators and guests staying in these facilities, reducing their tax burden starting January 1, 2026. The bill modifies Maine Revised Statutes §1811 to remove campground living quarters from the higher tax rate category. It does not alter the tax treatment of hotels or rooming houses, which remain subject to the 9% rate. The policy change simplifies tax application for campground rentals without creating new exemptions.

Maddy summaryLD 1243 streamlines licensing for existing assisted living facilities expanding at the same location. It allows facilities licensed before October 1, 2023, that began construction of new units before that date to use their prior licensing requirements (instead of new standards) when applying for additional licenses. This applies only if the facility had no substantiated licensing violations under its previous license. The bill aims to accelerate the availability of assisted living spaces to address current waiting lists, as noted in the emergency preamble.

Maddy summaryLD 1428 makes three key changes to improve child care access in Maine. It allows child care facilities and family child care providers to operate without requiring their own outdoor space if a public recreational area is within a quarter-mile. The bill also requires municipalities to permit child care operations in residentially zoned areas, treating them like other residential properties. Additionally, it directs the Maine State Housing Authority to update rules so community rooms in low-income housing projects can be used for child care services. These changes directly affect child care providers and families seeking accessible care across Maine.

Maddy summaryLD 1789 amends Maine's CPA licensure laws to create reciprocity for out-of-state licensed CPAs and firms. It establishes "firm practice privilege reciprocity" (allowing out-of-state CPA firms to practice in Maine without a new Maine license if they meet requirements) and "individual practice privilege reciprocity" (allowing individual CPAs from other states to practice in Maine under similar conditions). The bill also updates education requirements to mandate a minimum 150 semester hours, including a bachelor's degree with accounting/auditing coursework, and revises experience requirements for initial licensure (e.g., 2 years of experience with a bachelor's degree or 1 year with a master's degree). These changes directly affect CPAs and firms seeking to practice or expand services in Maine without obtaining a new state license.

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits Pharmacy Benefits Managers (PBMs) from charging "spread pricing" fees in Maine - meaning PBMs cannot charge health plans extra fees beyond the actual drug cost plus the pharmacy's dispensing fee. It requires PBMs to charge only for actual services performed, banning fees tied to drug prices, rebates, or patient costs like deductibles. PBMs must annually certify compliance to the Insurance Superintendent, with violations subject to a $1,000 civil penalty per violation. The bill directly affects PBMs operating in Maine and health plans that contract with them, aiming to increase transparency in prescription drug pricing.