Sen. Craig Hickman

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.

Maddy summaryLD 405 defines "solitary confinement" in Maine law as the isolation of a person in a cell or similar space for 22 or more hours within a 24-hour period, directly affecting jails and correctional facilities. The bill establishes this specific time threshold as the standard for determining when confinement qualifies as solitary under state laws. It does not change existing restrictions or requirements for using solitary confinement, only clarifies the definition for administrative and legal purposes. This definition will guide how facilities, staff, and oversight bodies interpret and apply rules related to solitary confinement. The bill is procedural, focusing solely on defining the term rather than creating new policies.

Maddy summaryLD 508 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Maine's Secretary of State, Treasurer, and Attorney General to be elected directly by voters every two years, beginning in 2026. Currently, these offices are chosen by the Legislature through joint ballot. The amendment specifies they would be elected on the same date and in the same manner as state Senators and Representatives. If vacancies occur, deputies would temporarily serve until the next election, with new elections filling permanent vacancies. This change would shift selection from legislative appointment to direct popular vote for these three constitutional officers.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes a constitutional amendment to change how Maine voters elect three state officials. Starting in 2032, the Secretary of State, Treasurer of State, and Attorney General would be chosen by statewide popular vote every four years - on the same date and in the same manner as voting for state legislators. Currently, these positions are selected by joint vote of the state legislature. If approved by voters, this change would shift direct election authority from lawmakers to Maine residents for these executive roles.

Maddy summaryLD 1375 is a procedural resolution directing Maine's Department of Economic and Community Development to form a working group focused on identifying and addressing regulatory barriers to housing construction. The working group, administered by the Housing Opportunity Program, must include building and engineering experts and examine current regulations hindering housing development. It is required to submit a report with findings and recommendations - including potential legislation - to the Housing and Economic Development committee by December 31, 2025. The resolution itself does not change laws but creates a process for studying housing barriers and informing future legislative action.

Maddy summaryThis bill extends Maine's wage and hour protections to agricultural workers and seasonal farm employees, including those in food processing and distribution (like canning, packing, and distributing perishable foods). It phases in overtime pay requirements: starting January 2026, employers must pay 1.5x regular pay for hours over 50 per week, gradually reducing the threshold to 40 hours by 2028. The law repeals existing exemptions that previously allowed agricultural workers to be excluded from overtime and minimum wage rules. It directly affects farm employers, seasonal laborers, and workers in related food handling industries across Maine.

Maddy summaryLD 1034 would decriminalize the personal possession of up to one ounce of psilocybin for adults aged 21 or older in Maine. Currently, possessing psilocybin is a criminal offense, but this bill removes that penalty for small amounts held by adults. The key provision specifies that possession of one ounce or less of psilocybin by a person 21 years or older would no longer be considered a violation of state law. This change applies solely to personal possession and does not affect the legal status of psilocybin for sale, distribution, or other uses.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Maine's campaign finance laws to strengthen disclosure requirements. It prohibits using contributor information from campaign finance reports for commercial purposes like sales, marketing, or unrelated solicitations, and bans publicly sharing contributor mailing addresses. Violators face fines up to $5,000 or a Class E crime charge. The law directly affects candidates, political action committees, party committees, and any organization handling campaign finance data. Key provisions clarify definitions of "public communication" and increase penalties for misrepresenting contributions.

Maddy summaryLD 558 prohibits consumer reporting agencies from including medical debt in credit reports for debts less than 180 days past due. It requires agencies to remove medical debt from reports once a consumer provides proof of full payment. However, if a consumer is making regular, scheduled payments on a medical debt as agreed with the provider, the debt may remain on their report. This bill directly affects Maine residents with medical bills and the credit reporting industry by preventing short-term medical debt from unfairly damaging credit scores.

Maddy summaryLD 1450 establishes the Voluntary Municipal Farm Support Program, enabling Maine municipalities to pay farm owners to keep land in agricultural use through conservation easements. Under the program, municipalities make annual payments covering up to 100% of property taxes on farmland (up to the easement's fair market value) for a minimum 10-year term, with easements preventing non-farm development. Municipalities are limited to including no more than 3% of their total taxable land valuation in the program (with a 1% annual cap without a two-thirds vote). The bill moves the program from agricultural law to taxation law and reduces the minimum easement term from 20 to 10 years.