Sen. Trey Stewart

Maddy summaryLD 1818 proposes a constitutional amendment to require voter approval for new taxes, increases to existing taxes (including income and property taxes), government spending increases exceeding inflation, and new debt. It would directly affect Maine voters and state/local governments by mandating public approval for these changes, except for spending increases that match inflation. The amendment would become part of Maine's Constitution if approved by voters in a statewide referendum. This change would alter how state and local governments fund operations and borrow money. The bill specifies that the Legislature must later create a statutory process to determine what constitutes "inflation" for spending increases.

Maddy summaryLD 1762 establishes Maine's "Trails for the Future Program" to protect existing public recreational trails, including snowmobile and all-terrain vehicle trails. The bill creates a dedicated fund (administered by the Land for Maine's Future Board) to acquire property or establish easements, requiring grant recipients to provide matching funds equal to the grant amount. It mandates that protected trails cannot be altered in ways that block public access, and requires approval from trail maintenance groups (or the state) for any changes to trail access or layout. The program also gives the state a permanent right to repurchase protected properties at fair market value if trail access is threatened.

Maddy summaryLD 1688 requires Maine's medical and nursing licensing boards to encourage physicians and nurses to complete continuing education on specific infection-associated chronic conditions, including long COVID and chronic Lyme disease. The bill defines "long COVID" as persistent health issues following a COVID-19 infection that may last weeks to years and be debilitating. This applies to current licensees and those renewing their licenses, with the education needing board approval. The law amends existing statutes to add this encouragement requirement for continuing education.

Maddy summaryLD 1284 repeals Maine's existing law (35-A MRSA c. 94) that required broadband internet providers to protect customer personal information and prohibited them from using, selling, or sharing that data without the customer's express, affirmative consent. This bill directly affects broadband providers and their customers by removing these privacy safeguards. The key provision eliminates the requirement for providers to obtain explicit customer permission before handling personal data. As a result, broadband companies would no longer be legally bound to seek customer consent for using or sharing their personal information.

Maddy summaryThis resolution designates May 2025 as "Maine Treatment and Recovery Court Month" to honor the work of Maine's treatment and recovery courts and their participants. It recognizes these courts' established role in reducing recidivism (6% for graduates vs. 41% for similar non-participants), saving $16,232 per individual in corrections costs, and improving outcomes for individuals with substance use disorders. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally acknowledges the courts' contributions to public health, safety, and community partnerships.

Maddy summaryLD 1878 establishes a managed care program for MaineCare, requiring the state to contract with three health plans to deliver comprehensive services to specific MaineCare enrollees: TANF recipients, CHIP participants, Medicaid beneficiaries under age 65 with income up to 138% of the federal poverty level, and dual-eligible Medicare-Medicaid beneficiaries. The health plans must cover physical health, behavioral health, pharmacy, and dental services, and address social determinants of health like housing and food insecurity. The Maine Department of Health and Human Services will manage the program but cannot alter eligibility rules, such as income thresholds, while pursuing federal waivers as needed.

Maddy summaryLD 1532 expands Maine's Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (DIFW) outdoor education programs to reach more students and communities. The bill allows DIFW to partner with schools and third-party locations (like community centers) to offer programs that count toward secondary school curriculum requirements. By January 2026, DIFW must secure at least three geographically diverse locations statewide and collaborate with the Department of Education to develop curriculum for these programs. Participating schools can host programs on-site or at partner locations, and the program is open to public school students, homeschoolers, and the general public. DIFW must report on program locations and effectiveness to the legislature by November 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a permit requirement for hunting coyotes over bait in Maine. It applies to hunters with a valid license who wish to hunt coyotes using bait between September 1 and December 15, specifically in wildlife management districts 1-14, 18, 19, 27, and 28. The permit costs $4, and hunters must place bait only in towns with active deer wintering areas. Violating this rule is a Class E crime punishable by a minimum $50 fine plus twice the license fee.

Maddy summaryLD 482 requires Maine public schools to allow students enrolled in state-recognized "equivalent instruction programs" (like homeschooling alternatives) to participate in regular classes, receive academic credit, access special education services, and join extracurricular activities under clear, non-discriminatory rules. Students must apply in writing for approval, meet academic and behavioral standards like all students, and provide their own transportation for class participation. Schools cannot unreasonably deny these opportunities, and credit must be awarded for meeting standard course requirements. This bill directly affects homeschooling families and public school districts across Maine by standardizing access to school resources.

Maddy summaryLD 388 exempts military child care providers on military installations or certified by the U.S. Department of Defense or Coast Guard from Maine's state licensing requirements for family child care. This directly affects military families in Maine who use these specific child care providers, removing duplicative state licensing barriers. The bill amends Maine law to state that such providers are exempt from Title 22, Chapter 1673 licensing rules, which govern most child care facilities. The change simplifies access to childcare for military personnel without altering federal standards for these facilities.