Sen. Nicole Grohoski

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Maine's existing laws to establish clear definitions for food waste management terms such as composting, food rescue organizations, and anaerobic digestion. It updates state policy to prioritize reducing food waste at its source, followed by donating safe edible food to hunger relief organizations, and finally diverting scraps for agricultural use like animal feed. The legislation specifically excludes certain items from the definition of food waste, such as non-consumable plant parts and contaminated food, to guide how different types of organic material should be handled.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Maine Department of Health and Human Services to expand behavioral health services for children and adults involved in the child welfare system, with a specific focus on rural areas. To achieve this, the department must offer grants or incentives to providers to encourage them to serve these families and establish a reimbursement method for coordinating care. The legislation appropriates $500,000 for each of the 2023-24 and 2024-25 fiscal years to fund these grants and incentives.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the State of Maine to issue up to $3 million in bonds to fund a new dormitory facility at the Maine School of Science and Mathematics. The legislation requires that the bond issue be approved by voters in a statewide referendum held in November following the bill's passage. If approved, the state treasurer will sell the bonds, and the resulting funds must be used exclusively for the construction of the dormitory. Any money remaining after the project is completed will be returned to the state treasury to pay off other general obligation bonds. The bill also includes provisions for tracking the bonds, paying interest, and setting a five-year deadline for issuing the bonds after voter approval.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends a larger legislative act to change how funding for historic site maintenance is provided, specifically affecting the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. Instead of creating a permanent annual appropriation, the bill directs the State Controller to transfer up to $18 million from the General Fund's unappropriated surplus at the end of the 2024-25 fiscal year. These funds are designated for the ongoing maintenance, preservation, and promotion of historic sites, with Fort George in Castine being the primary focus of the original legislation. The transfer is intended to occur only after all other legally required financial obligations and transfers have been completed.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends a previous proposal to fund scholarships at the Maine Maritime Academy, which are intended for students training to work on state, municipal, private, or public ferry services. The key provision allocates $143,750 for the 2024-2025 fiscal year to provide these scholarships and an additional $35,000 to support marketing efforts for the program. A specific amendment included in the text removes any funding designated for the 2023-2024 fiscal year, resulting in a total appropriation of $178,750 for the upcoming year.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates the Maine Employee Ownership Center to help businesses transition to employee-owned or cooperative models, offering technical assistance, educational programs, and access to financing. It also establishes a state tax deduction of up to $750,000 for individuals who sell more than half their ownership in a private business that converts into a housing cooperative. These changes are designed to encourage job retention and the development of affordable housing by supporting worker-owned enterprises. The Office of Business Development is tasked with managing these initiatives and collecting data to measure their economic impact.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends an existing outdoor education program to require providers to follow state licensing rules for guides and trip leaders. Specifically, it mandates that anyone leading outdoor school activities in Maine must hold the appropriate licenses for guides, youth camp leaders, or educational trip leaders as defined by state law. The change ensures that all participants in the Outdoor School for All Maine Students Program are supervised by qualified, licensed professionals.

Maddy summaryThis bill provides $1,000,000 in state funding to the Maine Maritime Academy starting in the 2024-25 fiscal year. The money comes from the General Fund and is designated for the academy's ongoing operations. This legislative change directly affects the academy by allocating specific resources to support its activities.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution designates June 28, 2024, as Maine Acadian Day to honor the history and cultural contributions of Acadians and Franco-Americans in the state. The measure acknowledges the legacy of French settlers who established the first European community in Maine and endured the forced deportation of the Acadian people in the 18th century. By officially recognizing this date, the legislature aims to celebrate the significant role these communities play in Maine's heritage, particularly in the Saint John Valley region.

Maddy summaryThis joint resolution expresses the Maine legislature's support for strengthening ties between Maine and Taiwan, highlighting their existing trade relationship and shared democratic values. The bill encourages the signing of specific agreements, such as a bilateral trade deal, an income tax agreement, and a driver's license reciprocity pact, while also promoting educational exchanges between the two regions. Additionally, it formally supports Taiwan's participation in international organizations and calls for increased people-to-people interactions. The resolution is intended to be sent to the President, state officials, and Taiwanese leaders to reaffirm the state's commitment to this partnership.