Rep. Josh Morris

Maddy summaryLD 206 eliminates the automatic annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Maine's minimum hourly wage, fixing it at $14.65 per hour as of January 1, 2025. This change removes the requirement for the wage to increase each January 1st based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI-W) for the Northeast Region. The bill directly affects all workers covered by Maine's minimum wage law, including most hourly employees in businesses across the state. It prevents future automatic raises tied to inflation, though the current $14.65 rate remains in effect until further legislative action.

Maddy summaryLD 1663 requires the Maine Health Data Organization to publicly report the average payments made by public payors (including Medicare and MaineCare) for common health care procedures at different facilities. This reporting must occur on the same public website currently used for commercial payor data, using identical formats and procedures. The bill directly affects the organization's reporting obligations and ensures public payor costs are displayed alongside private payor costs. This change increases transparency by making all payer costs equally accessible for common medical procedures.

Maddy summaryLD 1402 proposes creating a stakeholder group to study the financial health of Maine's Guaranteed Access Reinsurance Association (MGARA), which helps insurers cover high-risk patients. The group would examine ways to ensure MGARA remains financially stable long-term and provide recommendations to the Maine Legislature. This bill directly affects insurers, healthcare providers, and patients who rely on MGARA's reinsurance program. It does not change current policy but initiates a study process to address potential future solvency concerns. The bill is a procedural step, not a direct legislative action.

Maddy summaryLD 635 is a resolution directing Maine's Attorney General to dismiss the state's lawsuit against major oil companies (State of Maine v. BP, PLC et al, Case No. 2:2025cv00001-NT) currently pending in federal court. This would end the state's legal action regarding climate change-related claims against oil companies. The bill specifically requires withdrawal from this existing case and does not create new environmental policies or regulations.

Maddy summaryLD 148 changes how Maine's State Auditor is selected. Currently, the State Auditor is elected by the Maine Legislature until 2028. Beginning in 2028, the State Auditor will be elected every four years by all Maine voters in a statewide popular election, following the same process as the Governor's election. This shift means the public - not the Legislature - will directly choose the State Auditor starting in 2028.

Maddy summaryThis bill changes how utilities compensate property owners when they take land for transmission lines over 5,000 volts using eminent domain. It requires utilities to set aside 1% of revenue from the line's construction, rebuilding, or relocation each year. This amount is paid annually over 20 years to affected property owners, with payments based on the number of acres taken from each owner. The bill directly affects landowners whose property is used for utility infrastructure and replaces previous compensation rules.

Maddy summaryLD 1151 proposes to protect MaineCare recipients from losing health insurance coverage when their income temporarily rises above eligibility limits. The bill directly affects Mainers enrolled in MaineCare who experience short-term income increases, such as from seasonal work or unexpected earnings. It would establish a mechanism allowing coverage to continue during these temporary income spikes, rather than terminating benefits immediately. As a concept draft (not yet enacted), this bill aims to prevent unnecessary coverage gaps for low-income residents facing fluctuating incomes.

Maddy summaryLD 955 prohibits Maine health insurance carriers from denying claims or coverage solely based on artificial intelligence decisions, effective January 1, 2026. It requires carriers to conduct physician reviews - by a licensed Maine doctor - before denying benefits or reducing payments using AI, covering medical necessity, provider judgment, and health impacts. Carriers must submit quarterly reports to the state on AI-related denials and appeals, with annual summaries by the state bureau starting in 2027. The bill applies directly to insurers, healthcare providers submitting claims, and policyholders affected by coverage decisions.

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.