Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes Maine to issue up to $40 million in state bonds to support its agricultural and forestry sectors, subject to voter approval through a referendum. The funds would be distributed across several programs, including $24 million for the Agriculture, Food and Forest Products Investment Fund, $4 million each for drought relief and healthy soils programs, $5 million for farmland access, and $3 million for dairy improvement. If approved by voters, the money would be used to strengthen infrastructure and economic activities in farming, forestry, and related industries. The bonds would be repaid over a maximum of 10 years from the date of issuance, with any unspent funds after that period used to retire other state debt.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill changes prior authorization rules for health insurance plans to improve access to ongoing treatments. It requires that prior authorizations for chronic conditions or long-term care remain valid for the full treatment duration or one year (whichever is longer), and prohibits renewal more frequently than once every five years for treatments lasting over a year. It also prevents health plans from restricting coverage for previously approved medications within 90 days of switching plans, unless the patient's condition changes, and mandates 90 days' notice before any coverage restriction. The bill directly affects patients with chronic conditions and health insurance carriers in Maine.
Maddy summaryLD 948 increases cultivation limits for medical cannabis caregivers in Maine, allowing up to 60 mature plants or 1,000 square feet of mature canopy (previously 30 plants or 500 square feet). It extends the validity of medical registry cards (for non-caregivers) and adult cannabis business licenses from one year to two years. For those without violations, the bill simplifies renewal by requiring only fee payment, with new licenses issued within 5-10 business days. These changes reduce administrative steps for medical patients, caregivers, and cannabis businesses.
Maddy summaryThe Maine Quality Care Act (LD 1281) mandates that Maine hospitals, freestanding emergency departments, and ambulatory surgical facilities maintain a minimum of two direct care registered nurses in every patient care unit at all times and establish specific nurse-to-patient ratios. For instance, nurses must care for no more than one patient in critical care, operating rooms, or during conscious sedation, and no more than two patients in phase 2 postanesthesia care for adults. The bill defines key terms like "direct care registered nurse" and "patient care unit" to ensure consistent application of these staffing standards. This law directly affects health care facilities by requiring these concrete ratios to enhance patient safety and improve care quality.
Maddy summaryLD 1252 amends the rules for distributing funds from the Maine Agriculture, Food and Forest Products Investment Fund, which supports infrastructure for local producers. It restricts disbursements to producers who operate or plan to establish a processing or manufacturing facility in Maine, requiring funds to be used for equipment, supply chain improvements, and operations at that Maine facility. Recipients must also source agricultural, food, or forest products from within Maine (or offshore waters collected in Maine) to the extent practicable. Additionally, the bill requires advisory board members to recuse themselves from votes if they or their immediate family have a direct financial interest in an enterprise benefiting from a fund allocation.
Maddy summaryLD 260 is a resolution proposing a constitutional amendment to Maine's constitution that would guarantee equal rights under the law for all residents, prohibiting discrimination by the state or local governments based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, ancestry, or national origin. This amendment would directly affect all Maine residents by legally requiring state and local entities to provide equal treatment without regard to these protected characteristics. The resolution requires a statewide referendum in the next November election, where voters would decide whether to adopt the amendment by answering "Yes" or "No" on a ballot. If approved by a majority of voters, the amendment would become part of Maine's constitution, giving the Legislature authority to create enforcing laws.
Maddy summaryThis bill removes a cap on cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for retired law enforcement officers aged 65 or older. It applies to specific roles like game wardens, marine patrol officers, correctional detectives, state fire marshals, and other listed positions within Maine state agencies. Currently, COLA only applies to retirement benefits up to $24,186.25; this bill expands it to cover the retiree’s entire benefit amount. The change affects retirees in the 13 designated law enforcement and public safety roles who qualify for service retirement.
Maddy summaryLD 1805 establishes a new process in Maine for people convicted of crimes while being victims of sex trafficking or sexual exploitation to seek to reverse their convictions. It allows individuals to file a motion showing their crime was substantially caused by their exploitation, without court filing fees. The motion can be filed by the person, their attorney, or the court, and will be reviewed by the Superior Court. This directly affects individuals with documented victimization histories who were convicted of offenses stemming from their exploitation.
Maddy summaryThis bill exempts certain over-the-counter (OTC) medicines from Maine's sales tax starting January 1, 2026. It applies to FDA-approved OTC medicines meeting specific labeling requirements, including antacids, contraceptive products, allergy medications, eye/ear/nose treatments, and opioid antagonists. The exemption covers medicines sold directly to consumers without a prescription, but excludes cannabis products. This change affects Maine residents purchasing these specific OTC health products, reducing their out-of-pocket costs for essential medications.
Maddy summaryThis bill extends annual funding of $10 million for two fiscal years ($10 million for 2025-26 and $10 million for 2026-27) to continue Maine's existing Land for Maine's Future program. The program uses these funds to protect natural areas through land purchases and conservation easements under Maine law (Title 5, section 6203-D). It directly affects land conservation efforts across Maine by enabling the state to acquire and preserve forests, wetlands, and recreational lands. The bill does not create new policy but ensures ongoing financial support for the program's current operations.