Sen. Anne Carney

Maddy summaryLD 1087 requires Maine to cover at least 25% of major school construction costs or the school district's current state share for education funding (whichever is greater), starting July 1, 2026. The state share percentage is calculated using the same formula that determines the state's contribution to a district's regular education budget. This applies to all school districts in Maine and authorizes the State Board of Education to create implementing rules. The bill directly affects school administrative units by changing their cost-sharing arrangement for new construction projects.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the University of Maine System to establish an online degree program at the University of Maine School of Law. The University of Maine System must submit a report by November 4, 2026, detailing the program's development to the legislative education committee. It directly affects the University of Maine School of Law by mandating the creation of an online option for its law degree program. The law specifies the requirement and reporting deadline but does not outline the program's structure or content.

Maddy summaryMaine's LD 1324 prohibits motor vehicle dealers and manufacturers from misleading consumers about gasoline-powered hybrid vehicles by falsely suggesting they are electric. The law bans specific deceptive advertising terms like "EV," "electric," "E," or "range," and imagery such as lightning bolts or battery symbols that imply hybrids run primarily on electricity. It applies to all marketing formats, including print, online, radio, TV, and dealership signage. The Maine Attorney General enforces the law, with violations treated as unfair trade practices under existing state law. This directly affects consumers shopping for vehicles and ensures advertising accurately reflects whether a vehicle is a true electric vehicle or a gasoline hybrid.

Maddy summaryLD 267 requires Maine courts to schedule pretrial criminal hearings in a way that allows attorneys to participate remotely whenever possible, unless the court determines in-person attendance is necessary for justice. This applies specifically to pretrial matters that do not involve testimony, such as hearings about bail or procedural motions. The law directs courts to prioritize remote appearances for defense counsel to improve access to legal representation, particularly in rural areas. It does not change the legal requirements for cases but modifies how courts organize proceedings. The bill affects criminal defendants, their attorneys, and Maine courts handling pretrial matters.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SP 786) is a symbolic resolution designating May 2025 as "Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month" in Maine. It does not create new policies or funding; it is a formal recognition by the Maine Legislature to highlight cystic fibrosis (CF) and promote awareness of the disease. The resolution acknowledges the impact of CF on approximately 268 Mainers, the importance of early diagnosis, and the need for access to treatments. It aims to raise public awareness about CF, which affects lung and digestive health, but does not alter healthcare access or funding.

Maddy summaryLD 809 allows courts in Maine to extend a final protection from abuse order after it has expired, but only under specific conditions. It directly affects individuals (plaintiffs) whose protection orders have ended and need continued legal safeguards. The key provision requires courts to grant an extension only if they find the motion was filed within a reasonable timeframe based on circumstances, or if the delay was due to an inability to serve the defendant in a prior extension attempt. The bill clarifies that courts must first make this finding before considering whether an extension is necessary to protect the plaintiff or a minor child. This is a procedural change to existing law, not a new policy.

Maddy summaryThis bill allows children in Maine to file for protection orders against domestic or sexual abuse without needing a parent or guardian to file on their behalf. It directly affects minors experiencing abuse by granting them direct access to legal protection. The law requires certified counselors (as defined in Maine law) or domestic violence advocates to assist children in filing and supporting their cases. This replaces the prior requirement that an adult must initiate such orders for minors.

Maddy summaryLD 538 amends Maine's prescription drug labeling law to allow prescribers of mifepristone, misoprostol, and their generic alternatives to request that prescription labels display their healthcare facility's name instead of their personal name. This change would be optional and directly affect prescribers of these medications, as well as the labeling process for pharmacies handling these drugs. The bill does not require the change but provides an alternative for prescribers seeking to limit personal identification on labels. It applies only to the specified drugs and maintains existing requirements for other label information.

Maddy summaryLD 458 proposes to amend Maine's civil and criminal court procedures and update family law statutes. It would affect courts, legal practitioners, and individuals involved in family law matters like divorce, custody, and child support. The bill aims to improve court processes and modernize family law regulations, though specific provisions are not detailed in this concept draft. As a concept draft under Joint Rule 208, it serves as a framework for further legislative review without outlining exact changes.

Maddy summaryLD 27 simplifies Maine's inland hunting and fishing license rules by requiring land to be 10+ contiguous acres (removing the prior agricultural use requirement) for residents and immediate family to hunt or fish without a license on their own property. It clarifies that firearm hunting licenses are included under this exemption and expands the definition of "family member" for moose permit transfers to include stepchildren, nieces/nephews, and certain extended relatives (while removing half-siblings). The bill also adjusts household definitions for moose permit deferments to include spouses and siblings sharing a legal address. These changes aim to streamline existing regulations without altering eligibility criteria or introducing new fees.