Rep. Kilton Webb

Maddy summaryThis bill requires hospitals in Maine to create and submit an annual cybersecurity plan to the Department of Health and Human Services. The plan must outline procedures for notifying authorities and patients of security breaches, maintaining patient care during incidents, and providing cybersecurity training for staff and board members. Additionally, the bill adds cybersecurity intrusions that affect patient access to medical care to the list of sentinel events, which are serious incidents that must be reported. Hospitals must also conduct annual tests of their cybersecurity plans to ensure they work effectively.

Maddy summaryLD 1949, "An Act Regarding Energy Fairness," protects vulnerable Maine residents from utility disconnections by prohibiting disconnections for nonpayment if a customer is elderly, disabled, has a newborn in the household, or is enrolled in or applying for utility assistance programs. It requires utilities to provide clear written notice of unpaid bills, allow customers to set up payment plans, have informal hearings, and appeal disconnection decisions to the commission. The bill also mandates monthly notices for customers with outstanding bills during protected periods, including how to apply for financial assistance, and prevents low-income customers from being charged higher electricity rates without a commission waiver. These changes directly affect residential utility customers in Maine, particularly those facing financial hardship or health challenges.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution designates February 2026 as "211 Maine Month" to recognize the state's free and confidential helpline service. The bill highlights how 211 Maine provides around-the-clock referrals for health, financial, and human services, including emergency preparedness support during natural disasters. It notes that the organization has handled over 62,000 inquiries in 2025 and distributed more than $236,000 in emergency heating assistance to residents.

Maddy summaryLD 1850 requires Maine's Governor's Energy Office to create and maintain a centralized database tracking renewable energy construction projects, in coordination with state agencies like the Department of Environmental Protection and Public Utilities Commission. The database must include project details such as location, owner information, capacity, permit status, and application status for state assistance. By December 1, 2026, and annually after, the office must submit reports summarizing trends identified in the database to the Legislature's energy committee. This bill directly affects renewable energy developers (who must provide data) and state agencies (responsible for coordination and reporting).

Maddy summaryLD 802 directs Maine's Department of Health and Human Services to contract with an independent provider to design a mentoring program specifically for youth who have or have had extended care and support agreements (Maine's term for foster care services for youth aged 18-21). The program must include evidence-based mentoring models, mandatory training for mentors/staff/youth, data collection, and direct input from youth with lived experience, including compensation for their participation. The Department must submit a final report with recommendations to the Legislature by January 2, 2027, detailing the provider's findings and youth input. This bill does not create new law but mandates a study and program design to support youth transitioning out of foster care.

Maddy summaryLD 1279 requires Maine's Department of Marine Resources to test cultured scallops for biotoxins using the same standard laboratory methods applied to other shellfish under the existing Marine Shellfish Toxins Monitoring Program. The department must provide logistical support, such as sample transportation, to commercial scallop aquaculture businesses. Funding for this testing must come from specific sources (like state appropriations or grants) and can only be used for biotoxin testing and support, with an annual report due January 1st detailing the program's impact on the scallop industry and recommendations for improvement.

Maddy summaryLD 1270 establishes the Department of Energy Resources in Maine by creating the positions of Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Energy Resources. The bill amends Maine's salary structure to include these roles in the appropriate pay ranges and designates the Commissioner as an ex officio nonvoting director on the Maine Technology Institute's board. This legislation sets up the foundational organizational structure for the new department within the state government without detailing specific policy programs or operational duties.

Maddy summaryLD 1748 requires businesses planning to develop energy projects in Maine to complete a mandatory training program on state labor standards. The training, developed by the Department of Labor with energy offices, covers wage laws, safety compliance, contractor responsibilities, and enforcement procedures, and must be offered at least twice yearly both in-person and online. Developers must obtain a certificate of completion (valid for two years, costing $250-$500) that must be displayed at job sites, with failure to hold a valid certificate incurring a $1,000 minimum fine per project. Additional penalties of $2,000 per affected worker apply for labor violations without the certificate, though a reduced $500 fine may apply if the certificate is held.

Maddy summaryThis bill limits annual rent and fee increases in manufactured housing communities to no more than 10% of the base amount over a 4-year period. It directly affects residents who pay lot rent and community owners/operators who set those rates. The key provision (Section 9084-A) prohibits increases exceeding this 10% cap, aiming to preserve affordable housing. The bill also establishes a new Manufactured Housing Board with tenant and resident representation to oversee implementation. These changes apply to all licensed manufactured housing communities in Maine.

Maddy summaryThis bill adds "coercive control" to Maine's legal definition of domestic abuse, making it a specific form of abuse under protection from abuse laws. It defines coercive control as a pattern of behavior meant to dominate or exploit a dating partner or family/household member, including limiting financial access, monitoring movements, isolating from support systems, using intimidation, or exploiting vulnerabilities like disabilities or immigration status. The law directly affects victims of domestic abuse who experience these tactics and provides courts and law enforcement with a clear standard to address such cases. This change updates existing statutes without altering penalties for other abuse types, focusing on expanding legal recognition of controlling behaviors.