Rep. Amanda Collamore

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits wildlife relocation programs from moving common loons from bodies of water that are 500 acres or less in Maine. It directly affects wildlife management programs operating in smaller lakes and ponds, preventing them from removing loons for relocation purposes. The key provision amends state law to explicitly ban such removals, applying only to water bodies of 500 acres or smaller. The law does not restrict relocation efforts from larger bodies of water.

Maddy summaryLD 1628 allows Maine municipalities to create local rules regulating exterior lights. It enables towns to require property owners to adjust lighting - such as angling lights downward or adding shields - to prevent excessive brightness, noise, or safety risks that disturb neighbors or affect public health. This directly impacts residents and businesses with outdoor lighting, like streetlights, security lights, or signage. The bill does not create new statewide rules but gives local governments the authority to address light pollution issues within their communities.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Maine's laws governing the Maine Redevelopment Land Bank Authority, expanding its ability to acquire properties and form partnerships. It revises the definition of eligible properties to include abandoned, blighted, functionally obsolete, environmentally hazardous, and municipality-requested properties. The bill removes the requirement for the Authority to secure agreements with public entities before acquiring property, adds authority to partner with federal agencies for funding, and allows agreements with private parties (requiring municipal or Maine Land Use Planning Commission consent for property acquisition). These changes streamline the Authority's operations and broaden its partnership options for redevelopment efforts.

Maddy summaryLD 777 standardizes the muzzle-loading deer hunting season across all of Maine by requiring a single statewide season length, replacing the current system that allowed regional variations. The bill amends state law to mandate that the commissioner establish one uniform season length for the entire state through rulemaking, rather than permitting different lengths in different areas. This directly affects deer hunters using muzzle-loading firearms statewide and limits the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife's authority to adjust season lengths regionally. The bill does not change the existing maximum season length of 12 days.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Maine's Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to submit two reports by December 3, 2025. The first report will compile existing data on airborne and soil chemical/metal levels statewide, including past sampling results. The second report will detail soil testing conducted by the DEP at solar panel farm sites - before, during, and after installation - as well as ongoing monitoring results. The reports aim to provide current environmental data without mandating new testing or policy changes.

Maddy summaryLD 1468 establishes standards for independent repair facilities authorized by car manufacturers (called "original equipment manufacturer repair facilities") in Maine. It requires these shops to meet specific equipment standards (like diagnostic tools and climate-controlled paint booths), ensure technicians hold recognized certifications, and complete annual training on modern repair techniques - including electric vehicle and advanced driver assistance system repairs. Facilities must register annually with the Secretary of State, maintain a public registry, and undergo random inspections for compliance. Violations can result in fines up to $5,000 per offense.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands Maine's state group health plan eligibility to include employees and members of the Maine Association for the Education of Young Children (MAEYC) and any successor organization. It achieves this by amending state law (5 MRSA §285) to add a new eligibility category under the group health plan. The change directly affects MAEYC employees and members, who will now qualify for the state health plan for the first time. The bill does not alter existing eligibility for other groups, such as employees of approved academies or retired law enforcement officers.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Maine's Department of Health and Human Services to request a federal waiver from the USDA, allowing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to be used for ready-to-cook meals (e.g., frozen meals requiring home preparation). The waiver request must be submitted by January 1, 2026, and if approved, the state would update its rules within 60 days to permit this use. The change would directly affect SNAP recipients in Maine, expanding their purchasing options, and require notifying participating retailers about the policy update. The bill seeks to align state implementation with a potential federal waiver, without altering existing federal SNAP restrictions.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution, not a legislative bill with policy changes. Maine's 132nd Legislature passed HP 1242 to formally honor Pope Francis following his death on April 21, 2025. The resolution commemorates his life, papacy, and legacy of service to the marginalized, citing his teachings and writings. It has no direct effect on policy, funding, or specific groups, as it is purely symbolic.

Maddy summaryLD 659 prohibits Maine municipalities from requiring fire sprinkler systems in new single-family homes and duplexes under building codes. It amends state law (10 MRSA §9724, sub-§8) to prevent local enforcement of such requirements in the Maine Uniform Building Code or related codes. This change would reduce construction costs for these housing types by removing a mandatory safety feature. Homeowners and builders of single-family homes and duplexes would be directly affected by this policy.