Sen. Trey Stewart

Maddy summaryThis bill is a procedural amendment that adds a fiscal note to a separate piece of legislation aimed at supporting rural service programs and encouraging volunteerism. The amendment itself does not introduce new policies or change the bill's content; it simply provides financial details required for the bill's consideration. As a result, the direct effects on rural communities and volunteer organizations remain those outlined in the original bill, while this specific text ensures fiscal transparency.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Maine Department of Health and Human Services to update its rules to allow reimbursement for pharmacists who provide medication consultations and evaluations to MaineCare members via telehealth or home visits when standard technology is ineffective. The legislation authorizes specific funding for these services through 2027 or until the state can establish a direct reimbursement program within the MaineCare system. Additionally, the bill requires the department to report progress on implementing these rule changes and pursuing direct reimbursement to the legislature by November 2024 and December 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the State of Maine to issue up to $17,000,000 in bonds to upgrade and replace aging broadcast infrastructure for Maine Public, which is essential for delivering the federal Emergency Alert System to the public. The funds would be distributed over four years to repair towers, transmitters, and microwave links, with the money managed by the State Treasurer and disbursed under the supervision of relevant agencies. Before any money is spent, the bill must be approved by Maine voters in a statewide referendum held the November following its passage. If approved, the bonds will be repaid using state funds over a period of no more than ten years, with any leftover money used to pay off other state debt.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the State of Maine to issue up to $3 million in bonds to fund a new dormitory facility at the Maine School of Science and Mathematics. The legislation requires that the bond issue be approved by voters in a statewide referendum held in November following the bill's passage. If approved, the state treasurer will sell the bonds, and the resulting funds must be used exclusively for the construction of the dormitory. Any money remaining after the project is completed will be returned to the state treasury to pay off other general obligation bonds. The bill also includes provisions for tracking the bonds, paying interest, and setting a five-year deadline for issuing the bonds after voter approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill proposes creating a new, separate Department of Child and Family Services in Maine to manage child welfare operations. It authorizes funding for approximately 20 new staff positions, including a commissioner and various support roles, to run the department's central office. The legislation also adjusts the effective dates for these changes to the 2025 fiscal year and updates references to the legislative session.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the State of Maine to issue up to $3,000,000 in bonds to fund the construction of a new jail in Caribou. The funds would be managed by the Treasurer of State and spent specifically under the direction of the Department of Corrections. Because the bill involves state debt, it must be approved by voters in a statewide referendum held after the legislation passes. If approved, the bonds would be repaid over a maximum of 10 years using future state tax revenues.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends an existing outdoor education program to require providers to follow state licensing rules for guides and trip leaders. Specifically, it mandates that anyone leading outdoor school activities in Maine must hold the appropriate licenses for guides, youth camp leaders, or educational trip leaders as defined by state law. The change ensures that all participants in the Outdoor School for All Maine Students Program are supervised by qualified, licensed professionals.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the State of Maine to issue up to $35 million in bonds to fund the completion of a green energy materials building at the University of Maine. The legislation outlines the process for selling these bonds, managing the resulting funds, and ensuring they are used exclusively for the construction project. Before the funds can be spent, the bill must be approved by Maine voters in a statewide referendum held after the law is passed. If approved, the project proceeds under the supervision of the University of Maine System, with any leftover money after construction going toward paying off other state debt.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides $1,000,000 in state funding to the Maine Maritime Academy starting in the 2024-25 fiscal year. The money comes from the General Fund and is designated for the academy's ongoing operations. This legislative change directly affects the academy by allocating specific resources to support its activities.

Maddy summaryThis legislative amendment removes specific sections from a bill that would have directed the Department of Health and Human Services to update MaineCare rules for behavioral and mental health services. By striking out the appropriations and awareness requirements, the amendment effectively eliminates the funding and outreach components of the original proposal. The remaining text of the bill, which calls for forming a stakeholder group to study service improvements, is not affected by this change. Consequently, the bill no longer mandates immediate rule changes or financial allocations for these services.