Sen. Joe Baldacci

Maddy summaryLD 377 increases Maine's cigarette tax from 100 to 150 mills per cigarette and dedicates 33% of the resulting revenue to establish a University of Maine medical school in Penobscot County. The medical school must include a rural health care curriculum and provide clinic outreach to seven rural counties: Aroostook, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Washington, Waldo, Hancock, and Somerset. The remaining 67% of the tax revenue will go to the state's General Fund. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryLD 454 expands Maine's Clean Election Act to include candidates for Secretary of State and Attorney General. The bill amends definitions in the law to explicitly add these offices to the list of positions eligible for the Act's public financing system, which currently covers Governor, State Senator, and State Representative. Under this change, candidates for Secretary of State and Attorney General will become eligible to participate in the Clean Election Act starting with elections held in 2028. This requires updating the Act's definitions and administrative processes to include these new candidate categories.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends Maine's existing laws to improve the handling of unidentified human remains found within the state. It requires that these remains be managed according to specific procedures for Native American remains and directs funds to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. The legislation authorizes a $100,000 appropriation for the next fiscal year to support forensic genetic genealogy testing aimed at identifying these individuals.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a formal process for changing place names in Maine that are found to be offensive by the Maine Human Rights Commission. It creates a new Maine Board on Place Names, composed of eleven members representing diverse fields such as history, linguistics, and civil rights, to advise local governments on renaming. When a name is deemed offensive, local officials are required to consult with this board and follow its procedures to select a new name within a six-month timeframe. The legislation also mandates that these changes be communicated to various state and federal agencies to ensure the new names appear correctly on maps and official documents.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires the Maine Department of Health and Human Services to cover specific costs for obtaining a driver's license for youth in foster care and those in extended or transition programs. The law mandates that the state pay for waived licensing fees, required motor vehicle insurance, and any other associated expenses for these individuals. Additionally, the bill expands the list of people who can verify a minor's driving practice hours, including foster parents and designated social workers, to help these young people meet licensing requirements.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires hospitals and affiliated providers in Maine to offer financial assistance programs that provide free or reduced-cost care to patients who cannot afford it. The legislation establishes clear definitions for terms like family income and state resident, while specifying which types of income count toward eligibility and which do not. Hospitals must follow rules set by the state department to determine who qualifies for charity care, ensuring a standardized approach to helping low-income individuals access medical services.

Maddy summaryLD 2237 allocates $17.3 million to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services to expand mental health crisis intervention services available around the clock. The funding specifically supports mobile response teams by hiring peer support specialists, recovery coaches, and behavioral health liaisons, while also covering travel costs and critical incident response. Additionally, the bill amends the text to ensure the Public Utilities Commission coordinates with relevant agencies in the implementation of these safety measures. These changes aim to provide more immediate and accessible mental health support to individuals in crisis situations across the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill grants free admission to state-owned parks, historic sites, camping areas, and beaches for members of federally recognized Indian nations, tribes, or bands in Maine. To use this benefit, eligible individuals must show a tribal identification card approved by their respective tribal government to park staff. The legislation clarifies that the exemption applies to more than just parks and includes camping areas and beaches, while specifying the exact identification process required for entry.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Maine state agencies to review and potentially increase reimbursement rates for electronic consultation services provided through Medicaid. The Department of Health and Human Services will examine whether the current Medicare benchmark used for these rates is appropriate and must complete its review by July 1, 2024, after consulting with healthcare providers. Additionally, the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation will analyze whether commercial health insurance plans are required to cover these services and assess the impact of mandating such coverage. The legislation allocates $145,600 in funding to hire third-party experts to conduct these examinations and submit reports to the legislature.

Maddy summaryThis bill directs Maine's Department of Health and Human Services to apply for a federal waiver that would allow Medicaid to pay for services at psychiatric facilities with more than 16 inpatient beds. Currently, federal rules prohibit Medicaid payments to such larger institutions, but this legislation seeks to override that restriction to expand access to care. The department must submit the waiver request within nine months of the bill's effective date and report its progress to the legislature by January 1, 2025. The measure also appropriates specific funds to cover the costs associated with this initiative and any necessary technology updates.