Maddy summaryLD 359 prohibits certain customers from participating in net energy billing (a system where solar/wind energy credits offset electricity bills) unless they have a direct financial stake in the renewable energy system. It requires customers to own, lease, or have a power purchase agreement for the system, effectively ending shared solar programs where multiple customers pool resources without direct ownership. The bill limits shared arrangements to 10 meters for investor-owned utilities and sets size limits (under 5 MW for most systems). It directly affects residential and commercial customers in "shared solar" programs who previously could join without owning the equipment. Existing projects approved before June 2021 are exempt from these new requirements.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryLD 1251 is a resolution directing Maine's Public Utilities Commission to gather information from stakeholders about opportunities for energy cost reduction and storage contracts, and to identify near-term replacement energy sources for natural gas in commercial and industrial settings. The Commission must then negotiate with gas utilities and pipeline companies in Maine and neighboring states to secure contracts that lower energy costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Commission is required to submit a report of its findings and negotiations to the Energy Committee by December 3, 2025.
Maddy summaryThis bill allows qualifying religious organizations in Maine to self-insure for automobile insurance instead of purchasing standard coverage. To qualify, an organization must be recognized by the IRS under Section 1402(g), operate at least 5 vehicles in Maine, share mutual financial responsibility among members, and prove financial solvency. If approved, the organization must provide a $250,000 irrevocable letter of credit or deposit (increasing by $2,500 per additional vehicle beyond 10) to the Secretary of State, who issues a certificate proving financial responsibility for vehicle registration. This exemption applies only to vehicles owned or operated by the religious organization or its members, not to general drivers.
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 summaryLD 1401 repeals a requirement that Maine motor vehicle liability insurance policies must cover up to $500 per accident for towing and storage costs incurred after accidents involving the insured vehicle. This change directly affects vehicle owners who previously had this coverage automatically included in their policies, and towing/storage businesses that could previously collect these costs through insurers. The bill removes Section 1605-B of Maine law, which mandated this coverage, and amends related sections to eliminate the $500 towing/storage coverage requirement. Insurance policies will no longer need to include this specific coverage, shifting responsibility for payment to vehicle owners.
Maddy summaryLD 1373 repeals Maine's participation in the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, which would have awarded the state's presidential electors to the candidate winning the national popular vote. This bill removes the legal provision requiring Maine to follow the compact, reverting to Maine's standard system where electors are awarded based on the statewide popular vote (or by congressional district for two electors). Key changes include repealing specific sections of election law that implemented the compact and updating the Governor's duty to certify electors based on ranked-choice tabulation results. The bill directly affects how Maine's 4 presidential electors are selected in future elections.
Maddy summaryLD 1218 allows county commissioners in Maine who previously served in the Legislature and are currently members of the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MPERS) to switch to the Legislative Retirement Program. Eligible commissioners must submit a written election to MPERS within 90 days of the bill’s effective date or when assuming office. Upon election, their past MPERS contributions transfer to the Legislative Retirement Program, future contributions shift to this program, and their county commissioner service counts toward creditable service. This change applies only to commissioners who were previously legislators and contribute to MPERS’ defined benefit plan.
Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $500,000 from the state's Federal Expenditures Fund to replace tracks on a 31-mile rail corridor between Fryeburg and Standish. The funding implements recommendations from the Mountain Division Rail Use Advisory Council for track replacement. The one-time allocation directly supports the state's transportation department in upgrading this specific rail infrastructure.
Maddy summaryLD 450 repeals Maine's net energy billing laws, prohibiting the Public Utilities Commission from requiring utilities to offer bill credits for excess solar energy sent back to the grid. It directly affects residential and commercial solar customers who currently participate in net energy billing programs and the utilities serving them. The bill removes specific statutory provisions (35-A MRSA §§3209-A through 3209-E) and adds a new section (§3209-F) explicitly banning the requirement for net energy billing. Additionally, it amends property tax exemptions for solar equipment to align with the repeal, requiring that solar-generated energy must be used on-site or connected to a net energy billing customer.
Maddy summaryThis bill (LD 686) is a procedural resolution renaming a specific bridge. It directs Maine's Department of Transportation to officially designate Bridge 2432 on Federal Road between Porter and Parsonsfield (crossing the Ossipee River) as the "Kezar Falls Veterans Memorial Bridge." The change honors veterans but does not alter any laws, funding, or regulations affecting residents or infrastructure. It is purely a ceremonial name change with no substantive policy impact.