Sen. Rick Bennett

Maddy summaryLD 138 exempts airports from specific Maine state protections for endangered and threatened species habitats. The bill removes requirements for the state commissioner to identify special management needs or develop protection guidelines for habitats on airport property, and it excludes airport projects from restrictions on habitat alteration or violation of protection guidelines. This directly affects airports (defined as facilities under Title 6, section 101) by allowing them to develop or manage their land without these species habitat considerations. The policy change modifies three existing laws to explicitly exclude airport properties from the application of these habitat protections.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases fees charged to individuals and businesses using county land records services in Maine. It sets a flat $45 fee for recording property deeds (up from $19), raises the fee for recording property plans to $45 (from $21), and adjusts electronic image fees to $0.50 per image after the first 100 free images annually. The bill also increases the per-document surcharge from $3 to $5, repeals a $13 fee for multiple instrument requests, and makes annual reporting of surcharge funds optional unless requested by lawmakers. These changes directly affect homebuyers, real estate professionals, and anyone accessing or recording property records.

Maddy summaryLD 1756 establishes a Transportation Project Selection Council to create a statewide process for prioritizing transportation projects funded by state and federal sources. The Council, composed of representatives from state agencies, regional planning organizations, transit agencies, environmental groups, and community interests (including low-income and immigrant communities), must develop a prioritization framework considering highway, transit, rail, and active transportation improvements. The bill requires the Council to hold at least three annual public meetings (with one in person), accept public input before finalizing the process, and publish an annual report detailing how projects were evaluated. This process will directly guide funding decisions by the Maine Department of Transportation and the Maine Turnpike Authority for transportation projects across the state.

Maddy summaryLD 1407 directs Maine's Board of Occupational Safety and Health to develop indoor air quality standards for buildings where public sector workers (such as teachers, government employees, and healthcare staff in public facilities) work. The bill requires the board to establish standards covering specific pollutants including carbon monoxide, mold, volatile organic compounds, and aerosols, with aerosol rules meeting or exceeding ASHRAE Standard 241 (2023). The board must publish proposed rules by February 15, 2026, under routine technical rule procedures. These standards will apply exclusively to public-sector workplaces, not private buildings.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires chiropractic assistants in Maine who perform x-rays to obtain certification as radiologic technologists. To qualify, they must complete a 50-hour board-approved course covering radiography basics (including equipment, safety, anatomy, and positioning) and pass a certification exam, while already holding a chiropractic license. Certificates expire annually and require renewal with continuing education and a $100 fee, and must be visibly displayed in the chiropractic office where x-rays are performed. Violations could trigger disciplinary action under existing chiropractic licensing rules.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Maine school boards to establish written policies setting minimum and maximum temperature standards for all school buildings. The policies must be posted on the school district's publicly accessible website for transparency. School boards are also required to consult the Maine Department of Education for guidance before implementing these policies. The legislation aims to standardize temperature management across public schools without specifying exact temperature ranges.

Maddy summaryLD 1787 amends Maine's Clean Election Act to clarify and strengthen campaign finance rules for candidates. It sets specific contribution limits: $500 per person for gubernatorial candidates (including the candidate's spouse/partner) and $100 per person for other offices like state legislature or local sheriff. The bill adjusts the candidate certification deadline to April 20th (or next business day) and adds that candidates accepting non-"seed money" contributions become ineligible for the program. These changes directly affect candidates running for governor, state legislature, district attorney, sheriff, or county commissioner who seek public financing under the Clean Election Act. The amendments ensure stricter adherence to existing contribution rules and streamline certification timing.

Maddy summaryLD 1635 requires automatic recounts for municipal referendums in Maine when the margin of victory or defeat is less than 1% of all votes cast, including blank ballots. This replaces the current requirement that 10% of registered voters (or 100 voters, whichever is less) must formally request a recount. The bill directly affects voters and election officials in Maine municipalities holding referendums with extremely close results. It streamlines the process by eliminating the need for written applications in these narrow-margin cases.

Maddy summaryLD 970 establishes strict time limits for reviewing and approving permits for affordable housing projects seeking funding from the Maine State Housing Authority. Municipalities must notify applicants within 30 days whether an application is complete, and if they fail to do so, the application is automatically considered complete. Once complete, municipalities must approve or deny the permit within 120 days. Additionally, the Department of Environmental Protection must approve or deny site location permits for these projects within 30 days of receiving the application.

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.