Sen. Trey Stewart

Maddy summaryLD 1640 creates the Base Gagetown Training Registry to collect health and military data from Maine residents (or former residents) who trained at Base Gagetown, a Canadian military base, as members of the U.S. Armed Forces, Reserve, or National Guard. The registry gathers personal details, service history, and health information (with consent) to support research on chemical exposure effects and requires outreach to veterans' organizations, medical centers, and the Maine National Guard. The bill also reestablishes the Gagetown Harmful Chemical Study Commission and mandates an annual report to the legislature on registry progress, outreach efforts, and data collection challenges. This registry is confidential, with data sharing permitted only for health research with consent or next-of-kin approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Maine's optometry practice laws to clarify the scope of services optometrists can provide. It explicitly permits optometrists to prescribe hydrocodone combination products and other controlled substances (such as schedule III-V drugs) for eye conditions, while listing specific procedures excluded from optometry practice (e.g., corneal transplants, retinal surgery, and surgeries requiring general anesthesia). The bill also requires optometrists to meet board-established credentialing standards before performing any ophthalmic surgery or laser procedures. These changes directly affect Maine optometrists by defining their prescribing authority and procedural boundaries.

Maddy summaryLD 1343 defines the term "harvest" in Maine's marine and inland fisheries/wildlife laws to clarify that it includes gathering, hunting, fishing, or trapping for food, sport, management, or population control. The bill declares that Maine residents have the right to harvest wildlife through hunting, fishing, or trapping, as recognized in the state constitution. This right is subject to existing state laws, rules, and regulations enforced by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. The bill does not create new hunting or fishing rights but formally defines the term "harvest" to align with current practices and constitutional protections.

Maddy summaryThis bill expands employment protections for military spouses in Maine state government by including spouses of reservists and National Guard members under existing veteran preference rules. It requires state employers to retain the spouses of eligible service members during workforce reductions, prioritizing them over other employees with equal seniority, status, and performance reviews. The legislation applies to all classified state service positions and aims to support military families by ensuring job security for spouses of active-duty service members.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the Commissioner of Administrative and Financial Services to sell state-owned land in East Millinocket to the Town of East Millinocket. The property consists of approximately 3,384 acres, excluding timber rights, that was previously transferred to the state from Katahdin Paper Company in 2011. The sale must be conducted as-is without warranties, priced at current market value determined by a broker, and the option agreement expires five years after the bill takes effect. If the town does not purchase the land within one year, the commissioner may sell or lease the property to other parties. Any money from the sale will be used to cover administrative costs and fund capital improvements for the department.

Maddy summaryLD 1609 prevents individuals or businesses linked to federally recognized criminal organizations from participating in Maine's medical and adult-use cannabis programs. The bill requires the state department to verify that applicants and their facilities have not been identified by law enforcement as associated with organized crime within the past five years. If such links are found, the department must deny registration, revoke existing licenses, and prohibit reapplication for five years. This applies to manufacturers, dispensaries, caregivers, and long-term care facilities operating under Maine's cannabis regulations.

Maddy summaryThis Maine joint resolution formally honors the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist who founded Turning Point USA, following his reported assassination in September 2025. The bill directs the state legislature to condemn political violence and extend condolences to Kirk's family while recognizing his contributions to civic engagement and Christian advocacy. It also issues a broad call for Americans to reject extremism and recommit to respectful debate and shared national values.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution formally recognizes the Maine Association of REALTORS and its members for their contributions to the state's economy and communities. It highlights that the association has over 6,500 members who support a real estate market that generated $18.3 billion in economic activity in 2024. The bill directs the Secretary of State to send authenticated copies of the resolution to the main association and its twelve local boards.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates a specific segment of Route 3 in the Town of Trenton as the "Deputy Luke Gross Memorial Highway." It directs the Maine Department of Transportation to officially rename the road and install commemorative signs. The resolution affects only Route 3 in Trenton, with no funding, regulatory changes, or broader policy impacts. It is a purely symbolic tribute honoring Deputy Luke Gross, with no substantive legislative action beyond the highway designation.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution designates February 2026 as "211 Maine Month" to recognize the state's free and confidential helpline service. The bill highlights how 211 Maine provides around-the-clock referrals for health, financial, and human services, including emergency preparedness support during natural disasters. It notes that the organization has handled over 62,000 inquiries in 2025 and distributed more than $236,000 in emergency heating assistance to residents.