Sen. Scott Cyrway

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Maine to issue up to $100 million in state bonds for transportation improvements, requiring voter approval in a November 2025 referendum. The funds would be allocated specifically: $85 million for highway and bridge repairs, and $15 million for nonhighway transportation modes like public transit or bike paths. The bonds must be repaid within 10 years, and any unspent funds after project completion would retire existing state debt. This proposal directly affects Maine taxpayers through bond financing and the state’s transportation infrastructure.

Maddy summaryThis bill (LD 1075) requires the Maine State Housing Authority to submit an annual report starting in 2026 to the Legislature's housing and economic development committee about Maine's Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The report must detail total funds distributed, breakdown by fuel type (like electricity or heating oil), administrative costs, all funding sources, and the number of households helped in each county. The bill does not change program eligibility or funding levels but mandates transparency by requiring specific data on how the federal program operates in Maine. This reporting requirement directly affects the Maine State Housing Authority (which must file the reports) and provides lawmakers with detailed program data.

Maddy summaryMaine's LD 903 regulates advertising for cannabis businesses by prohibiting misleading claims, advertising within 1,000 feet of schools (with municipal flexibility to adjust between 500-1,000 feet), and health benefit claims except for medical patient testimonials with an FDA disclaimer. It bans unsolicited online ads, requires easy opt-out features for digital marketing, and restricts ads targeting minors. The bill directly affects registered medical caregivers, dispensaries, and recreational cannabis licensees. Key provisions include banning school-zone advertising, requiring disclaimers on testimonials, and limiting digital marketing tactics. These rules apply to all cannabis advertising channels, including websites, print, and online platforms.

Maddy summaryLD 927 requires all public schools in Maine to employ or accept as a volunteer at least one chaplain to provide support services for students, staff, and parents. Chaplains must be certified by a faith group recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense, pass a criminal background check, and not be listed on a sex offender registry. The bill also grants chaplains legal immunity from civil lawsuits for their actions while providing services, except for malicious or intentionally harmful acts. This applies directly to every school administrative unit in Maine, including public school districts and charter schools.

Maddy summaryLD 991 prohibits municipal voters from voting on town meeting articles or referendums involving their own compensation, such as salary changes or benefits. It directly affects municipal employees who serve as voters in local elections, preventing them from casting ballots on decisions directly impacting their pay. The bill requires the Secretary of State to create clear guidance for clerks on identifying disqualified voters and ensuring they cannot vote on affected issues. This applies to all town meetings and secret ballot votes on budgets or contracts related to employee compensation. The law aims to prevent conflicts of interest in local budget decisions.

Maddy summaryLD 469 requires that at least 50% of electricity delivered through high-impact transmission lines carrying Canadian-generated power must be consumed within Maine. This rule applies to new transmission lines approved after December 31, 2026, for projects delivering electricity through Maine to other states via the New England grid. The Public Utilities Commission must deny approval for lines failing this standard unless grid reliability or regional energy agreements are at risk (a temporary exception set to end in 2031). Companies operating such lines must report quarterly on electricity distribution and face penalties, including fines up to $575,000 or 5% of revenue from out-of-state sales for violations.

Maddy summaryLD 123 updates Maine's licensing requirements for emergency medical services personnel (such as EMTs and paramedics) by replacing the current need for a "practical evaluation" of skills with a requirement to complete an "assessment" of skills, both approved by the EMS Board. This change applies to individuals seeking initial licensure or renewal of their emergency medical services credentials. The bill does not alter the specific skills or competencies that must be demonstrated, only the administrative method for verifying them. The adjustment aims to provide flexibility in how skill competence is assessed while maintaining board oversight.

Maddy summaryLD 687 proposes that Maine assert state ownership and jurisdiction over coastal waters up to 12 nautical miles from shore and over submerged lands and marine resources (like fishing or mining) up to 24 nautical miles offshore. The bill directly affects Maine's authority over these coastal zones and would require the Attorney General to study the legal implications of claiming ownership beyond the standard 12-mile international limit. Key provisions include the state's formal assertion of rights within these boundaries and a mandated legal study on sovereignty over marine resources beyond 12 miles. This is a procedural step to explore Maine's potential claims, not an immediate change to current law.

Maddy summaryLD 498 requires Maine's Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to adopt rules setting standards for animal rescue entities, including dog rescue operations. The rules must specify staff-to-animal ratios and establish guidelines for animals returned multiple times or resold/placed in multiple homes. This resolve directly affects animal rescue organizations operating in Maine by mandating new operational standards. The Department will develop these rules as "routine technical rules" under existing state law. The legislation focuses on improving oversight and consistency in animal rescue practices.

Maddy summaryLD 381 allows Maine homeowners to transfer the remaining balance and interest rate of their existing mortgage to a new primary residence, directly affecting those buying or selling homes. To qualify, homeowners must maintain good payment history, meet lender underwriting standards, and complete the transfer within six months of selling their previous home. The bill requires lenders to transfer the original loan terms to the new property, while any additional funds needed for the new home must be financed at current market rates - though lenders must offer a blended interest rate option. This aims to reduce costs for homeowners moving within the state, promoting housing affordability without altering existing mortgage terms.