Sen. Bruce Bickford

Co-sponsor LD 511

Failed · Maine Senate · Co-sponsor

Resolve, To Direct The Department Of Transportation To Implement The Recommendations Of The Portland To Auburn Rail Use Advisory Council

Maddy summaryLD 511 directs Maine's Department of Transportation to replace inactive railroad tracks on the Berlin Subdivision corridor (from Portland to Auburn) with a temporary bicycle and pedestrian trail. The trail, to be built on the existing rail bed using pavement, gravel, or stone dust, requires available funding, necessary permits, and agreements with local municipalities. This action implements a recommendation from the Portland to Auburn Rail Use Advisory Council and specifies the change as interim, preserving the corridor for potential future rail use under state law.

TransportationSupports TransportationBill directs DOT to implement rail-to-trail conversion, promoting sustainable transportation infrastructure per advisory council recommendation.95% confidence

Failed Apr 22, 2025 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor LD 164

Failed · Maine House · Co-sponsor

An Act To Exempt Authorized Emergency Vehicles From Tolls When Operating In An Official Capacity

Maddy summaryThis bill exempts authorized emergency vehicles (like ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars) from tolls on Maine's turnpike when they are responding to emergencies, performing nonemergency medical transports, or traveling to specialized repair facilities. It prohibits the Maine Turnpike Authority from charging tolls during these specific official operations. The bill defines "authorized emergency vehicle" and clarifies that exemptions apply only during official duties, not personal use. This policy change directly affects emergency service providers and their operations on the turnpike.

HealthcareSupports HealthcareExempts ambulances from tolls during medical transports, improving emergency healthcare access and response times without restricting services.85% confidence TransportationSupports TransportationExempts emergency vehicles from tolls during official duties on highways, enhancing emergency response efficiency and transportation safety without restricting infrastructure use.95% confidence

Failed Apr 17, 2025 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor LD 114

Signed into law · Maine House · Co-sponsor

An Act To Amend The Charter Of The Lewiston-Auburn Water Pollution Control Authority

Maddy summaryLD 114 amends the charter of the Lewiston-Auburn Water Pollution Control Authority to permit it to operate under the assumed name "Lewiston Auburn Clean Water Authority." This change affects how the authority identifies itself publicly and in official communications but does not alter its core responsibilities for managing sewage treatment, wastewater facilities, or enforcement powers. The bill does not introduce new regulations or financial obligations for the City of Lewiston, Auburn Sewerage District, or industrial users.

Signed into law Apr 11, 2025 1 co-sponsor

Co-sponsor LD 658

Failed · Maine House · Co-sponsor

An Act To Lower Property Taxes By Increasing The Homestead Property Tax Exemption

Maddy summaryLD 658 increases Maine's homestead property tax exemption from $25,000 to $50,000 of a home's assessed value for property tax years beginning on or after April 1, 2025. This directly affects homeowners who live in their primary residence (homestead) and pay property taxes in Maine. The bill reduces the taxable value of a home by $25,000 more than current law, lowering property tax bills for eligible homeowners. The exemption applies to the home's assessed value, meaning taxes are calculated on the value above the $50,000 threshold.

Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases homestead exemption to lower property taxes for homeowners, directly providing tax relief per bill's explicit purpose and subjects.95% confidence HousingSupports HousingReduces property tax burden for homeowners, increasing affordability of primary residences through expanded homestead exemption.85% confidence

Failed Apr 8, 2025 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor LD 256

Failed · Maine Senate · Co-sponsor

An Act To Establish A Sales Tax Holiday For Purchases Of Certain School Supplies For The Month Of August

Maddy summaryLD 256 creates a sales tax holiday in August for specific school-related purchases in Maine. It exempts from sales tax school supplies costing $50 or less per item (like books, notebooks, and writing tools) and one electronic device per purchaser costing $700 or less (such as laptops or tablets specifically for school use). The exemption applies only during August each year, beginning in 2026, and excludes cell phones. This directly affects Maine residents buying eligible items for the upcoming school year during August. The policy changes the tax treatment for these specific purchases during a defined monthly period.

Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides temporary sales tax exemption for school supplies and devices, reducing tax burden on lower-income families purchasing essential items.95% confidence EducationSupports EducationExempts school supplies and eligible devices from sales tax, reducing costs for families purchasing educational materials, directly enhancing access and affordability for K-12 education.95% confidence

Failed Mar 20, 2025 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor HP 1542

Passed · Maine House · Co-sponsor

Joint Resolution Recognizing May 2022 As Mental Health Awareness Month

Passed May 9, 2022 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor LD 1062

Failed · Maine House · Co-sponsor

An Act To Phase Out The Insurance Premium Tax On Annuities

Failed May 9, 2022 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor LD 1937

Passed · Maine Senate · Co-sponsor

An Act To Clarify The Exemption From Income Tax And Withholding Tax Liability For Certain Out-Of-State Suppliers Of Spirits Purchased By The Bureau Of Alcoholic Beverages And Lottery Operations

Passed Apr 25, 2022 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor LD 290

Passed · Maine Senate · Co-sponsor

An Act To Stabilize Property Taxes For Individuals 65 Years Of Age Or Older Who Own A Homestead For At Least 10 Years

Passed Apr 25, 2022 1 co-sponsor Track

Co-sponsor HP 1525

Passed · Maine House · Co-sponsor

Joint Resolution Recognizing April 2022 As Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Passed Apr 14, 2022 1 co-sponsor Track