Rep. Steve Bunker

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits eating establishments and grocery stores in Maine from using dynamic pricing, which changes prices based on demand, weather, consumer data, or AI algorithms. It requires fixed prices for at least one business day, visible to customers through menus, price tags, or displays. Excluded from the ban are standard discounts, limited-time specials (like lunch menus), and market-based pricing for traditionally volatile goods such as seafood (set only once daily). Violating this rule is classified as an unfair trade practice under Maine law.

Maddy summaryLD 1693 establishes a Maine prison work program where incarcerated individuals learn sustainable construction skills, including green building techniques and renewable energy installation. Participants must meet eligibility criteria reflecting facility demographics and complete training to qualify for a sentence reduction of one day for every 40 hours worked (capped at 25% of their original sentence). Homes built through the program must meet Maine’s energy efficiency standards, use at least 50% renewable energy, prioritize Maine-sourced materials, and be owned by the state. The bill creates a dedicated fund for program costs and proposes a tax credit for donors of materials or services to support the initiative.

Maddy summaryLD 1455 prevents illegal cannabis operations by updating Maine's cannabis laws. It defines future convictions for unauthorized cannabis cultivation or distribution (after October 1, 2025) as disqualifying for participation in Maine's legal cannabis program. The bill prohibits the state from registering or licensing any cannabis business if its location is under investigation for illegal activity or was previously used for such activity. This directly affects cannabis businesses seeking licenses, caregivers, and individuals with recent unauthorized cannabis convictions. The law aims to block illegal operations from using licensed facilities or registering under the state's medical cannabis program.

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 776 would require special purpose private schools in Maine that receive publicly funded students (i.e., students whose education is paid for by public school systems) and enroll at least 60% publicly funded students (based on the previous year's average enrollment) to provide free school lunches to all students. These schools must also participate in the federal National School Lunch Program. The state would cover the cost difference between federal reimbursement for free meals and the actual meal cost for every student, ensuring no student pays for lunch at qualifying schools. This applies only to private schools meeting the enrollment and program participation criteria.

Maddy summaryLD 285 directs Maine's Department of Transportation to amend its rules about seasonal weight limits on state and state aid highways. It adds "greenhouse supplies for agriculture" to the definition of "special commodity," specifically including compost, planting mix, seedling containers, greenhouse coverings, and construction materials. This change allows agricultural businesses transporting these items to avoid seasonal weight restrictions during certain times of year. The bill applies directly to farms and suppliers moving these materials on designated highways.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new "Local Government Hospitality Fund" to share revenue from meals and lodging sales taxes with municipalities. Starting January 1, 2026, 1% of the previous month's meals and lodging tax revenue collected by the state will be added to this fund. The state will then distribute these funds each month to municipalities based on how much of the tax they collected locally. This directly benefits municipalities that collect these taxes, providing them with additional local revenue without requiring new taxes.