Sen. Anne Carney

Maddy summaryLD 1801 makes technical updates to Maine's laws governing the Commission on Public Defense Services. It clarifies definitions by adding that "indigent legal services" includes work performed by attorneys at the commission's direction (Section 2), updates the definitions of "employed counsel" and "public defender" (Sections 1 and 3), and specifies that training materials created by the commission for attorneys are confidential (Section 5). The bill also requires courts to share certain confidential child protection records with the commission for counsel supervision (Section 6). These changes streamline how the commission manages legal services for indigent defendants and juvenile cases in criminal and civil proceedings.

Maddy summaryLD 613 amends Maine's Death with Dignity Act to allow attending physicians to waive any portion or all of the waiting periods required for qualified patients to access end-of-life medication, based on the physician's medical assessment of the patient's condition. Physicians must document the waiver, including the specific portion waived and the medical reasoning that it serves the patient's best interests. This change directly affects patients eligible under Maine's Death with Dignity Act and their attending physicians. The amendment aims to improve timely access for patients facing urgent health circumstances without requiring the full waiting period.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires MaineCare (Maine's Medicaid program) to reimburse providers for doula services starting January 1, 2026. It directly affects pregnant and postpartum individuals enrolled in MaineCare, as well as doulas providing care. Key provisions include covering up to 4 prenatal visits, 4 postpartum visits, and attendance during childbirth, while establishing a diverse advisory committee to guide program implementation on workforce development, training, and outreach. The committee will advise the Department of Health and Human Services on eligibility, reimbursement rates, and expanding access to doulas statewide.

Maddy summaryThis bill clarifies court procedures for protecting noncitizen children under 21 who face abuse, neglect, or similar risks in Maine. It requires courts handling custody or dependency cases to specifically determine: (1) whether the child is "dependent on the court," (2) if they suffered abuse/neglect, (3) if reunification with parents isn’t viable, and (4) if returning them to their home country would harm their safety or well-being. The bill explicitly defines "at-risk" to include noncitizen minors where returning home would endanger them, and mandates confidential court proceedings. It directly affects immigrant children in Maine custody cases who might otherwise face deportation without court review of their safety.

Maddy summaryLD 1866 requires Maine's Department of Health and Human Services to contract with an independent agency to provide statewide advocacy services for individuals with serious mental illness. The agency must employ six full-time advocates to support people living in their communities or hospitalized in state mental health facilities, handling complaints about rights, access to care, and service quality. The agency will monitor care delivery, maintain strict confidentiality of client information, and report annually to the legislature and department on its activities. This bill establishes a formal, independent support system to protect the rights of vulnerable individuals navigating Maine's mental health services.

Maddy summaryLD 1743 allows Maine municipalities to adopt local rules prohibiting firearms in municipal buildings, voting places, and at municipal public proceedings. If adopted, these rules must post clear notices at entrances and may impose a civil penalty of up to $1,000 per violation. The rules must exempt law enforcement officers from the prohibition and cannot apply to non-municipal sections of buildings used for municipal meetings. The bill defines key terms like "municipal public proceeding" to clarify the rule's scope and implementation.

Maddy summaryLD 1299 prohibits storing a handgun in an unoccupied motor vehicle unless it is kept out of plain view in a locked hard-sided container and the vehicle (including trunk) is locked. This applies to most individuals storing handguns in vehicles, with exceptions for law enforcement officers, licensed hunters engaged in hunting, participants in state hunter education programs, and National Guard members on active duty. Violations are civil offenses punishable by fines of $200-$500 for first offenses, increasing to $500-$1,000 for repeat violations. The bill directly affects vehicle owners and passengers storing handguns, aiming to prevent accidental access or theft. It does not apply to occupied vehicles or cases where the handgun is secured as required.

Maddy summaryLD 1109 prohibits possession of ammunition feeding devices (like magazines, drums, or boxes) that hold more than 10 rounds, making it a Class D crime. It defines "large-capacity" as devices holding over 10 rounds or easily convertible to do so. The law exempts active military, law enforcement officers, and existing owners who modify, surrender, or sell devices within 180 days of the law's effective date. It does not apply to antique firearms or devices transported by licensed dealers.

Maddy summaryThis bill (LD 1120) requires gun shows and licensed firearm dealers to display specific safety warnings about firearm risks. It mandates that dealers prominently post an 8.5"x11" notice with black text on white background containing warnings about suicide, domestic violence, child access risks, and suicide hotline information. The bill also defines "negligent firearm storage" in new law (25 MRSA §2017), making it a crime to store firearms insecurely where minors or prohibited persons could access them, while establishing secure storage (locked containers, trigger locks) as a legal defense. It directly affects firearm dealers, gun show organizers, and firearm owners in Maine.

Maddy summaryThis bill updates Maine's definition of "machine gun" to include any part or combination of parts designed to convert a standard firearm into a machine gun (such as devices enabling multiple shots per trigger pull or crank/lever systems). It also creates a new Class D crime for knowingly possessing a "rapid-fire device" without authorization. A rapid-fire device is defined as any part or device that increases a semi-automatic firearm's rate of fire beyond normal operation, including recoil-powered triggers or manual crank/lever mechanisms. The law directly affects individuals who own or possess such devices, making their possession illegal without legal authority.