Sen. Craig Hickman

Maddy summaryLD 1755 increases Maine's historic property rehabilitation tax credit to 35% for projects in rural areas that include housing. It defines "rural area" as municipalities with fewer than 17,500 residents (per U.S. Census) and requires at least 33% of the building to be used for housing (like apartments or homes) to qualify. The credit applies retroactively to tax years beginning January 1, 2024, directly affecting property owners and developers renovating historic buildings in eligible rural communities. This change aims to incentivize housing-focused rehabilitation in smaller towns by expanding financial support for qualifying projects.

Maddy summaryLD 117 provides $1.23 million in state funding for sexual assault services during the 2025-2026 fiscal year, increasing to $1.83 million for 2026-2027. The funds are allocated through the Department of Health and Human Services' Purchased Social Services program to directly support local sexual assault service providers. This funding covers essential services like crisis counseling, medical advocacy, and legal support for survivors. The bill does not create new programs but ensures sustained financial support for existing services across Maine.

Maddy summaryLD 215 establishes a rental assistance program administered by Maine's Department of Health and Human Services for residents of certified recovery residences with a capacity of 20 or more people. The program pays eligible individuals' monthly rent directly to the certified residence, not to the individual, provided they qualify for municipal general assistance under existing rules. It creates a dedicated interest-bearing fund to support this assistance, which carries over annually. The bill also modifies general assistance rules to prevent double-dipping, ensuring those receiving this rental aid are not also eligible for separate housing assistance under municipal programs.

Maddy summaryLD 366 amends Maine's tax code to explicitly include retirement benefits from the Space Force, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the U.S. Public Health Service under the definition of "military retirement plan." This change ensures that retired members of these uniformed services can claim the same income tax deduction for their pension benefits as those from traditional military branches like the Army or Navy. The bill affects Maine residents who are retired members of these services and receive qualifying retirement benefits reported as pension income for federal tax purposes. It does not alter the deduction amount but makes the eligibility consistent across all qualifying retirement plans under Maine's income tax laws.

Maddy summaryLD 1768 amends Maine's real estate transfer tax law to better support mobile home park residents. It exempts transfers of mobile home parks to residents or resident-owned associations from the standard transfer tax, making it easier for residents to collectively purchase their parks. Additionally, all tax revenue generated from mobile home park sales (to non-residents) must be directed to the Maine State Housing Authority and deposited into the Housing Opportunities for Maine Fund, which supports statewide housing initiatives. These changes take effect starting in fiscal year 2026-27.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Maine's State Housing Authority to contract for at least three certified recovery residences led by LGBTQIA+ individuals in recovery from substance use disorder. These residences must serve LGBTQIA+ individuals and others in recovery, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, with locations distributed across three population sizes (60,000+ residents, 20,000-59,999, and under 20,000). Each residence must provide shared living spaces, tailored recovery support, and services addressing LGBTQIA+ needs, staffed by at least two certified peer support workers paid livable wages. The bill also creates the LGBTQIA+ Recovery Residence Fund within the Housing Authority to distribute competitive grants for these services.

Maddy summaryLD 1229 (An Act to Create Equity in Maine's Campaign Finance Laws Between Enrolled and Unenrolled Candidates) changes Maine's campaign finance rules to ensure equal contribution limits for gubernatorial and legislative candidates. It requires that candidates not appearing on a primary ballot (unenrolled) face the same contribution limits per election cycle as candidates who appear on a primary ballot (enrolled). This applies to all gubernatorial and legislative races, removing a previous distinction that allowed unenrolled candidates to have higher limits. The bill directly affects candidates running for governor or state legislature who choose not to compete in primary elections. It creates a more uniform system without altering the actual dollar limits.

Maddy summaryLD 1068 changes how Maine's State Auditor is selected. Currently, the Legislature elects the State Auditor until 2028; this bill shifts the process to direct popular election starting in 2028, with the State Auditor serving a 4-year term like the Governor. The bill does not alter the existing qualification requirements (e.g., CPA certification or auditing experience) or vacancy procedures. Maine voters will directly choose the State Auditor beginning with the 2028 election cycle.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Maine's governor to appoint a U.S. Senator interim fill to match the political party affiliation of the outgoing senator at the time of their last election. If the previous senator was affiliated with a party at their last election, the appointee must also be that party member at the time of appointment. It also mandates that if the outgoing senator was unaffiliated, the interim appointee must remain unaffiliated. The bill directly affects the governor's authority to fill U.S. Senate vacancies and ensures interim appointments align with the voter preference reflected in the previous election.

Maddy summaryLD 1326 establishes specific maximum contaminant levels for PFAS chemicals (used in products like non-stick coatings and firefighting foam) in drinking water for community water systems (like municipal supplies) and nontransient noncommunity systems (such as schools and childcare facilities). It sets strict limits, including 4 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS, and requires water systems to begin monitoring for these chemicals starting January 1, 2026, with testing frequency based on results (quarterly if levels exceed 50% of limits, annual if below). If contamination exceeds limits, systems must implement treatment by 2029 and notify users about health risks until resolved. The law aims to protect public health by setting enforceable standards for PFAS in drinking water sources.