Sen. Dick Bradstreet

Maddy summaryLD 1638 modifies Maine's public employee disability retirement benefits to stop reducing those benefits when a recipient also receives Social Security disability benefits. This change applies retroactively to public employees who were receiving Maine disability retirement benefits as of December 31, 2024 and had their benefits reduced due to Social Security payments. Affected individuals will receive the full amount of their Maine benefits, including any cost-of-living adjustments and interest, from the date the reduction began. The bill also removes the requirement for applicants to provide proof of applying for Social Security disability benefits when filing for Maine disability retirement.

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 1221 proposes a constitutional amendment to Maine's Constitution, specifically adding Article IX, Section 26. It would require that all money raised from taxes, fees, or other sources related to Maine's paid family and medical leave program must be used *only* for program benefits and administration, prohibiting the legislature from diverting these funds to other purposes. This amendment would require voter approval in a statewide referendum held in November 2026. If approved, it would legally bind the state to keep all program-related revenues exclusively for that program's costs. The bill directly affects how Maine manages its paid family and medical leave program funding.

Maddy summaryLD 1497 establishes the Primary Care Advisory Council and requires the Maine Quality Forum to submit annual reports on primary care metrics starting January 2026. The bill mandates reports on four key areas: primary care spending as a percentage of health care costs, workforce capacity, timely access to services, and preventive care metrics. The advisory council - comprising 16 members including primary care providers, health insurers, employers, and consumer advocates - will assess primary care gaps and recommend policy changes to improve access, workforce distribution, and preventive care. This bill directly affects primary care providers (physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants), health insurers, employers, and Maine residents seeking accessible, affordable primary care. It does not change funding or create new regulations but sets a framework for data-driven policy recommendations.

Maddy summaryLD 1887 requires Maine's Department of Education to amend school construction rules to set air quality and ventilation standards specifically for newly built public schools. This replaces a prior requirement that applied to all public schools, focusing the new standards solely on new construction (not existing schools). The updated rules must be adopted by January 4, 2026, and will apply to all new public school buildings completed between July 1, 2022, and July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryLD 546 requires Maine's Department of Agriculture to contract a consultant to develop 5-8 preapproved building types (like single-family homes, duplexes, and mixed-use buildings) that municipalities may adopt. Each type must include 8-10 design options reflecting local architecture, meet building codes, and include units where rent does not exceed 30% of the county's median income. The bill mandates public input through surveys and feedback on draft designs, and requires compliance with fire safety standards. The department must submit a report by November 2026 with recommendations for streamlining permit approvals for these preapproved types. This aims to reduce building permit processing time and costs for municipalities and developers.

Maddy summaryLD 1852 requires Maine property tax assessors to lower the taxable value of properties that directly border solar energy developments (ground-mounted solar arrays) or grid-scale wind energy developments (wind turbines and associated facilities). This applies to tax years beginning April 1, 2026, and directly affects property owners whose land physically abuts these clean energy projects. The bill mandates that assessors reduce valuation based on proximity to such developments when determining a property's "highest and best use" for tax purposes. It does not change property tax rates but adjusts the assessed value of adjacent properties to address potential undervaluation concerns.

Maddy summaryThis bill modifies Maine's zoning laws to increase housing options in larger municipalities. It requires towns with populations over 10,000 to allow up to four residential units on a single lot (instead of two) if the lot has no existing home and is in a designated growth area or has certain utility infrastructure. It also mandates that these municipalities permit accessory dwelling units (like guest houses) on single-family lots in all residential zones. The law applies only to municipalities exceeding 10,000 residents and does not restrict existing zoning rules for smaller towns.

Maddy summaryLD 1712 amends Maine's Paid Family and Medical Leave program to adjust requirements for employees and employers. It requires employees to give reasonable notice before taking leave and allows employers to deny leave based on specific, defined hardships (such as having fewer than 15 employees, a summer labor shortage, or more than 25% of staff already on leave), without review of such decisions. The bill also revises benefit calculations to replace 65% of average weekly wage (with 90% replacement for wages up to 50% of the state average and 66% for higher wages), shortens application deadlines for benefits (with waivers for good cause), and modifies premium payments so employers deduct 50% of the cost from employee wages while covering the remaining 50%.

Maddy summaryLD 1067 requires 60% of occupied mobile homes (up from 51%) to provide written support for a group of owners or association to make a purchase offer for their mobile home park. It mandates that any offer include a purchase and sale agreement, and if accepted, the group must secure financing within 90 days. The bill also limits mobile home owners' associations to contacting residents no more than three times about purchasing the park. This directly affects mobile home owners seeking collective ownership of their park in Maine.