Maddy summaryLD 1422 establishes open primary elections for U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative, Governor, State Senator, and State Representative races, allowing any voter to participate regardless of party affiliation. It also implements ranked-choice voting for these same offices (and presidential electors) when three or more candidates qualify, requiring voters to rank candidates by preference. Under this system, last-place candidates are eliminated in rounds until a winner emerges (or top finishers advance to the general election: top 2 for state offices, top 4 for federal offices). The bill amends Maine’s election statutes to define "open primary" and "ranked-choice voting" and modifies voter enrollment rules to support these changes. This directly affects voters and candidates in Maine’s state and federal elections for the specified offices.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryLD 614 proposes to change how residential property taxes are calculated for longtime homeowners. The bill modifies the current assessment method to prevent sudden tax increases as property values rise, helping residents retain their homes. It specifically targets owners who have lived in their properties for many years, ensuring their tax burden stays manageable. Currently in the concept draft stage, the bill has been referred to the Taxation Committee for further review.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires Maine dentists who administer botulinum toxin (e.g., for wrinkles) or dermal fillers (e.g., for facial volume) to complete additional training and follow specific patient consent steps. Dentists must finish at least 8 hours of accredited training covering head and neck anatomy, patient safety, and hands-on practice for each substance. Before treatment, they must review the patient’s medical/dental history, conduct a clinical exam, and obtain informed consent. These requirements apply only when the administration is part of a dental treatment plan for a diagnosed condition, not for general cosmetic use.
Maddy summaryThis bill increases the state's reimbursement rate for general assistance costs from 70% to 90% for municipalities and Indian tribes in Maine. Starting January 1, 2026, the state will cover 90% of direct costs for local general assistance programs, up from the current 70% rate covering costs from 2015 through 2025. It directly affects all Maine municipalities and recognized Indian tribes operating local general assistance programs. The change applies specifically to costs incurred under these programs, as defined in the law.
Maddy summaryMaine's LD 1235 requires towns and counties that receive opioid settlement funds (as plaintiff subdivisions under the 2022 and 2023 Memoranda of Understanding) to report annually to the Attorney General. These reports must detail the total funds received and spent in the prior year, including specific descriptions of each expenditure. The first report is due by January 15, 2026, with annual submissions thereafter. The bill aims to increase transparency in how local governments use these settlement funds. It applies only to municipalities and counties identified in the settlement agreements' Exhibit 3.
Maddy summaryLD 1191 requires Maine's Department of Health and Human Services to pay child care providers within 15 days for services to children in foster care, provided the invoice is complete and meets state requirements. It mandates the department to create clear processing procedures, offer guidance to providers on invoice standards, and issue an annual report to the Governor and Legislature tracking reimbursement timeliness and delays. This directly affects child care providers serving foster families and the state agency responsible for payments. The bill establishes concrete deadlines and reporting to prevent payment delays, without changing eligibility or funding levels.
Maddy summaryLD 1452 requires emergency medical services personnel (like EMTs and paramedics) in Maine to administer naloxone or approved opioid reversal medication per board-developed protocols. The bill adds that failure to follow these protocols or training is a civil violation, allowing the Emergency Medical Services' Board to issue fines of up to $1,000 per violation. It does not change the naloxone administration requirement itself but establishes a penalty mechanism for noncompliance. The law directly affects licensed emergency medical services personnel who must adhere to these protocols. The bill focuses on enforcing existing naloxone administration standards through civil penalties.
Maddy summaryLD 1300 requires Maine's Attorney General to notify online sellers remitting $10,000+ in state sales tax about existing implied warranty laws (covering product quality and fitness for purpose). It also mandates creating an online complaint form for Maine buyers to report sellers violating these warranty rules. The bill directly affects online retailers meeting the sales tax threshold and Maine consumers purchasing goods online. Key mechanisms are mandatory seller notifications and a standardized digital complaint system, aiming to improve enforcement of current warranty protections without changing the warranty standards themselves.
Maddy summaryLD 1309 increases Maine's Public Utilities Commission (PUC) membership from 3 to 5 voting members. The bill requires at least one new member to have significant renewable energy development experience and one to have consumer advocacy or public interest law experience. It also establishes a process for appointing retired judges as alternate commissioners when the PUC lacks a quorum, with all appointments subject to legislative confirmation. The two additional members will be appointed in 2026 and 2027 for six-year terms. This bill changes the PUC's structure and appointment rules but does not alter its regulatory authority over utilities.
Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory to provide certain forensic tests without charge when conducted for criminal investigations. It specifically exempts testing for substance use, blood-alcohol levels, drug concentration, and analysis of suspected illegal drugs from fees. As a result, law enforcement agencies will no longer be billed for these services during criminal cases, ensuring immediate cost-free access to critical forensic analysis.