Sen. Marianne Moore

Maddy summaryLD 998 removes the requirement that Maine employees must hold a valid concealed carry permit to store a firearm in their locked vehicle, as long as the firearm is not visible. This change affects all Maine employees (including state employees) who wish to keep firearms in their vehicles while on employer property. The law maintains the existing conditions: the vehicle must be locked, and the firearm must be stored out of sight. The bill modifies Maine Revised Statutes §600 to broaden access to this protection beyond just permit holders.

Maddy summaryLD 1858 creates a Maine Local Seafood Fund to help schools buy seafood from Maine sources. It matches $1 in state funds for every $3 schools spend on seafood purchased directly from Maine fishermen, aquaculture farmers, or local food hubs, up to $5,000 per school annually (or $5,500 if staff attend required training). The bill requires all seafood to be grown or harvested in Maine, with some processed products allowed if they meet state standards. This funding mechanism aims to support Maine seafood businesses while expanding local seafood options in school meals.

Maddy summaryLD 1296 amends Maine law to clarify how watercraft franchisors must reimburse franchisees for warranty repairs. It requires franchisors to pay franchisees the full retail price for parts used in repairs (capped at 100% of the labor cost for that repair) or the difference between the franchisee's cost and retail price if the franchisor provides the part. For labor, franchisors must reimburse franchisees at their standard retail rate for non-warranty work, provided the work is reasonable and documented. This directly affects watercraft dealers (franchisees) and manufacturers (franchisors) by setting clear reimbursement standards for warranty service.

Maddy summaryLD 1027 strengthens legal protections for elderly dependent persons who lose property through undue influence or transfers for less than full value. If a court finds someone exerted undue influence over an elderly person or paid less than full consideration for their property, the court must order that person to pay the victim’s legal fees and costs. The bill specifically targets situations where property is transferred unfairly from vulnerable seniors, requiring courts to grant relief like rescinding deeds or imposing constructive trusts. It does not affect good faith purchasers who paid full value for the property after the transfer.

Maddy summaryLD 1708 creates the Commercial Fishing Safety Fund within Maine's Department of Marine Resources. The fund will support safety training for commercial fishermen and provide equipment for search and rescue operations, including recovering vessels and people in distress at sea. Funding can come from donations, and unspent money will carry over to the next fiscal year without lapsing. The department must consult the Commercial Fishing Safety Council before using fund resources for safety or recovery activities.

Maddy summaryThis resolve directs Maine's Department of Marine Resources to study what percentage of lobster traps a licensed fisher may deploy in a "secondary zone" (a zone on their license where they plan to fish some, but not most, traps). The department must gather input from lobster management councils and develop recommendations by December 3, 2025. It will then submit a report to the Marine Resources committee, which may propose new legislation based on the findings. This is a procedural step to inform future regulations, not a current law affecting fishing practices.

Maddy summaryLD 1478 amends Maine's regulations for baitfish wholesaler licenses. It allows license holders to use up to two unlicensed workers for baitfish harvesting operations (like setting traps or transporting fish) under direct supervision. The bill removes a restriction prohibiting the sale of suckers (a type of fish) over 10 inches long between April 1 and September 30. Additionally, it requires baitfish wholesalers using drop nets through ice to mark holes with evergreen boughs or fluorescent biodegradable tape. These changes directly affect licensed baitfish wholesalers operating in Maine's inland waters.

Maddy summaryLD 971 repeals a requirement that baitfish trappers in Maine must check their traps at least once every seven days in inland waters. This directly affects commercial and recreational fishers who use baitfish traps for harvesting bait. The key provision removed was the mandatory 7-day inspection rule, which had been part of Maine's fishing regulations. If enacted, this repeal would eliminate that specific obligation for trappers.

Maddy summaryLD 612 requires Maine's Department of Health and Human Services to cross-check lottery winners against Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) enrollment records from the past 12 months. If a winner is enrolled or was enrolled in either program, the lottery agency must deduct the state's estimated five-year cost of benefits provided to that individual (including administrative expenses) from their prize and remit it to the state. The bill also mandates the department to monitor Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card transactions, flagging recipients with exclusively out-of-state purchases over 90 days, and terminating benefits for those confirmed no longer residing in Maine or failing to respond to contact. This affects lottery winners who received Medicaid or SNAP benefits and EBT users making sustained out-of-state transactions.

Maddy summaryLD 1445 prevents financial exploitation of Maine residents aged 62 or older by requiring financial institutions to take specific actions. It creates a "trusted contact person" system allowing seniors to designate someone to be notified if exploitation is suspected, and permits banks to delay disbursements if they reasonably believe funds may be misused. Financial institutions must notify the senior, all account holders (unless involved in suspected exploitation), and the Attorney General within two business days of delaying a transaction. The law defines financial exploitation as unauthorized taking, deception to gain control of assets, or undue influence over an older adult's property. This directly affects Maine seniors aged 62+ and financial institutions operating in the state.