Rep. Rachel Henderson

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 1866 requires Maine's Department of Health and Human Services to contract with an independent agency to provide statewide advocacy services for individuals with serious mental illness. The agency must employ six full-time advocates to support people living in their communities or hospitalized in state mental health facilities, handling complaints about rights, access to care, and service quality. The agency will monitor care delivery, maintain strict confidentiality of client information, and report annually to the legislature and department on its activities. This bill establishes a formal, independent support system to protect the rights of vulnerable individuals navigating Maine's mental health services.

Maddy summaryLD 953 amends Maine's criminal code to clarify the legal definition of "machine gun." The bill defines a machine gun as any weapon capable of firing multiple rounds automatically with a single trigger pull without manual reloading, and explicitly includes the weapon's frame/receiver, parts designed to convert a weapon into a machine gun, and parts that can be assembled into one. This change directly affects gun owners, dealers, and law enforcement by providing a clearer standard for what constitutes a machine gun under Maine law. The amendment updates the definition without altering existing prohibitions on machine guns.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows Maine residents aged 21+ to legally produce distilled spirits at home for personal use, including consumption by household members or sharing with family/friends (either on-site or via shipping). It sets specific limits: no distilling apparatus may exceed 15.5 gallons of mash capacity, no more than 24 proof gallons per person per year can be made, and the total annual limit is 48 proof gallons for the household. The bill explicitly prohibits selling or offering homemade spirits for sale and states that violations constitute a minor criminal offense (Class E). It directly affects homeowners in Maine who wish to distill small batches for personal consumption, not commercial producers.

Maddy summaryLD 829 removes the requirement for a concealed handgun permit to carry a concealed firearm in Maine's state parks, Baxter State Park, the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, and Acadia National Park. The bill amends existing law to allow any person not prohibited from possessing a firearm to carry concealed handguns in these locations, without needing a permit. It directs the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to update its rules to eliminate the permit requirement for these specific parks. The bill also clarifies exceptions for permit holders, out-of-state permit holders with reciprocity, and active or qualified retired law enforcement officers. This change takes immediate effect due to the emergency preamble, requiring implementation before the summer 2025 recreation season.

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.

Maddy summaryLD 1027 strengthens legal protections for elderly dependent persons who lose property through undue influence or transfers for less than full value. If a court finds someone exerted undue influence over an elderly person or paid less than full consideration for their property, the court must order that person to pay the victim’s legal fees and costs. The bill specifically targets situations where property is transferred unfairly from vulnerable seniors, requiring courts to grant relief like rescinding deeds or imposing constructive trusts. It does not affect good faith purchasers who paid full value for the property after the transfer.

Maddy summaryLD 1254 amends Maine law to redefine "ambulatory surgical facility" by removing two specific exclusions: private physician/dentist offices and facilities primarily performing pregnancy terminations. Under this bill, such facilities would now be classified as ambulatory surgical facilities if they provide outpatient elective surgery requiring anesthesia, a sterile environment, and a separate facility fee. This change would require these previously excluded facilities to obtain state licensing, aligning them with existing outpatient surgical centers. The bill directly affects private medical practices and abortion care facilities that meet the revised definition, expanding their regulatory oversight under Maine's licensing framework.

Maddy summaryThis bill (LD 640) changes who pays court fees for court-ordered payments. Currently, fees are taken from accrued interest; this bill requires the losing defendant to pay a fee equal to 5% of the total payment amount, capped at $1,000. It does not change existing rules about unclaimed funds after 20 years, which still become forfeited to the state. The bill directly affects defendants ordered to pay money in court cases where fees apply.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Maine's educational programs for aestheticians, barber hair stylists, cosmetologists, and hair designers to include mandatory training on caring for coiled, curly, or wavy hair (defined as "textured hair"). The training must cover four key areas: cutting/styling techniques and chemical treatments for textured hair, specialized products/tools, hair health and scalp care, and the cultural significance of textured hair in diverse communities. This applies to all programs preparing these professionals, not directly to their clients or current practitioners. The requirement will be implemented through rules adopted by the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation.