Rep. Kristen Cloutier

Maddy summaryThis bill makes Maine state income tax applicable to paid family and medical leave benefits that are not included in a recipient's federal adjusted gross income. Individuals receiving these benefits can elect to have 5% state income tax withheld from their payments when filing a new claim. The bill aligns Maine's tax treatment with federal rules by requiring benefits to be reported as taxable income for state purposes, unless they were already counted toward federal income. It also mandates that the benefits administrator inform claimants about the tax implications and withholding options at the time of filing.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Maine high schools to organize annual voter registration drives starting in the 2026-2027 school year, directly affecting students aged 16+ and school staff. Schools must designate a coordinator (staff or external partner) to distribute voter registration forms (both online and paper), provide eligibility information, and submit completed forms to town clerks or the Secretary of State within 5 days of the drive and no later than 21 days before election day. Activities must occur during social studies, homeroom, or assemblies, with registration materials kept accessible before and after drives. The law aims to streamline student voter registration through school-based programs while complying with state election deadlines.

Maddy summaryLD 155 requires all Maine public schools serving grades 6-12 to provide free menstrual products (tampons and pads) in every school bathroom at no cost to students. This applies to all school administrative units across the state. The bill directly affects students in middle and high schools by ensuring immediate access to essential hygiene products during school hours. It mandates that schools make these products available in all bathrooms, eliminating cost barriers for students who need them. The policy change is a straightforward requirement for school facilities, not a funding mechanism or new program.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Maine's mining excise tax laws to clarify definitions and tax treatment. It redefines "commercial mining" to exclude activities like cement production, quarrying for construction materials, and certain exploration, while explicitly including metallic mineral extraction and processing. The bill also clarifies that mining equipment's tax location ("tax situs") is at the mine site during transport and updates the $75 filing fee for appeals related to mining tax valuations. These changes directly affect mining companies operating under Maine's tax laws by adjusting which activities are taxed and where equipment is subject to tax.

Maddy summaryThis is a procedural order, not a substantive bill. It directs Maine's Joint Standing Committee on Taxation to develop and report out a new bill by a specific deadline. The required bill would establish how municipal costs for services in unorganized territory (areas without incorporated towns) should be calculated for the 2025-26 fiscal year. This order itself does not change any laws or affect residents; it simply sets a requirement for the committee to create future legislation on this specific topic.

Maddy summaryMaine's HP 499 is a symbolic joint resolution recognizing the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. It does not create new laws or policies; instead, it expresses the legislature's respect for Ramadan's significance as a time of fasting, prayer, charity, and spiritual renewal. The resolution extends well-wishes to Maine's Muslim community and others observing Ramadan, acknowledging their contributions to society and Maine's history. This procedural resolution affects no specific group through legal requirements, serving only as a ceremonial acknowledgment.

Maddy summaryThis is a symbolic resolution (not a law), not a bill with new policies. It asks the Maine Legislature to support reviewing state policies for effectiveness in helping family caregivers, professional caregivers, and those receiving care. It also designates February 21, 2025, as National Caregivers Day in Maine. The resolution acknowledges the significant unpaid care provided by Maine's 166,000 family caregivers but does not create new programs or funding.

Maddy summaryLD 49 requires Maine's Department of Health and Human Services to establish and publicly post annual quality performance metrics for personal care agencies on a website. This directly affects personal care agencies operating in Maine, which must meet these metrics to maintain their licenses. The department can revoke a license if an agency fails to meet the metrics or submit required reports, and may collect data like claims, performance records, and survey results to assess compliance. The law aims to standardize quality oversight without specifying exact metrics, leaving details to department rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new commission in Maine dedicated to improving relationships between landlords and tenants who use rental assistance programs like housing vouchers. The commission will consist of 14 appointed members representing diverse groups, including legislators, advocates for tenants and landlords, legal experts, and individuals with direct experience using rental assistance. Its primary duties involve investigating discrimination against renters based on their income source, reviewing existing incentives for landlords, and exploring ways to increase the availability of housing for assisted tenants. The commission is required to submit a final report with its findings and legislative recommendations by November 2024.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a procedural amendment that adds a fiscal note to a separate workforce development proposal. It does not create new laws or change policies on its own. The text simply directs the state legislature to include financial cost estimates for the related bill.