Rep. Jack Ducharme

Maddy summaryThis bill (LD 289) is a simple naming resolution that directs the Maine Department of Transportation to rename Bridge 3236 on Bridge Street in Bingham - currently called the Kennebec River Bridge - to the "Barry A. DeLong Bridge." It directly affects the bridge itself and the community of Bingham, where the bridge is located. The resolution does not create new laws or policies, but formally changes the bridge's official name to honor Barry A. DeLong.

Maddy summaryLD 413 requires sellers of residential property near shorelands to disclose actual violations of shoreland zoning ordinances to buyers, but removes the requirement to disclose alleged violations. This change directly affects home sellers and buyers in properties governed by shoreland zoning rules. The bill amends Maine law to narrow the disclosure obligation to only confirmed violations, not pending or disputed cases. It does not alter other disclosure requirements or create new regulations.

Maddy summaryLD 880 requires Maine financial institutions (like banks, credit unions, and insurance companies) to offer services based solely on clear financial risk assessments, not non-financial factors like environmental or diversity policies. If a financial institution uses non-financial criteria to deny a service, it must disclose the specific reasons to both the customer and the state bureau overseeing financial institutions. The law imposes a $10,000 fine for each violation, with repeated violations (5+ in a year) treated as a Class D crime. This directly affects customers denied services based on subjective criteria and ensures transparency in financial decision-making.

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 summaryThis bill requires that 15% of fines collected for traffic violations must be sent to the municipality where the violation occurred, but only if the summons was issued by a local municipal law enforcement agency. It directly affects towns and cities that issue traffic citations, as they would receive a portion of the fines collected from local violations. The key mechanism is a new allocation rule added to traffic fine statutes, ensuring 15% of qualifying fines flows to the issuing municipality. This applies to standard traffic infractions under relevant sections of motor vehicle law, excluding certain specific violations like those in sections 525, 1767, and 2363. The change modifies how traffic fine revenue is distributed, shifting a portion from the state General Fund to local governments.

Maddy summaryLD 495 requires Maine's Department of Environmental Protection to include two specific estimates when adopting rules designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The first estimate must quantify the level of adverse climate effects (such as extreme weather or sea-level rise) that will be prevented by the emission reductions. The second estimate must detail the costs to consumers, including impacts on prices for gasoline, diesel, electricity, heating oil, and propane. This bill aims to provide transparency about the trade-offs between climate benefits and economic impacts for public review.

Maddy summaryMaine's LD 903 regulates advertising for cannabis businesses by prohibiting misleading claims, advertising within 1,000 feet of schools (with municipal flexibility to adjust between 500-1,000 feet), and health benefit claims except for medical patient testimonials with an FDA disclaimer. It bans unsolicited online ads, requires easy opt-out features for digital marketing, and restricts ads targeting minors. The bill directly affects registered medical caregivers, dispensaries, and recreational cannabis licensees. Key provisions include banning school-zone advertising, requiring disclaimers on testimonials, and limiting digital marketing tactics. These rules apply to all cannabis advertising channels, including websites, print, and online platforms.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors former Maine State Representative Lois Galgay-Reckitt, who served four terms in the Maine House of Representatives and was a lifelong Boston Red Sox fan, by recognizing her contributions during the Red Sox's April 4, 2025 home opener at Fenway Park. It is a ceremonial tribute with no legislative effect, commemorating her public service and advocacy for women. The resolution does not create new policies or affect any laws. It specifically references her role as a "self-proclaimed Number One Red Sox fan" and her belief in the team's community impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill (LD 162) is a simple resolution to rename a specific bridge in Carmel, Maine. It directs the Department of Transportation to officially designate Bridge 2976 on Main Road (currently called the Maine Central Railroad Crossing Bridge) as the "Kevin M. Howell Memorial Bridge." The resolution commemorates Kevin M. Howell and has no policy or financial impact beyond the name change. It is purely a ceremonial act with no direct effect on residents, laws, or government operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill raises the population threshold for mandatory enforcement of the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code from 4,000 to 10,000 residents. Municipalities with 10,000 or fewer residents will no longer be required to enforce the code, though they may choose to adopt it voluntarily. The change reduces regulatory requirements for smaller communities by expanding the population size exempt from mandatory code enforcement.