Maine County Commissioners Association Legislative Tracker
132nd Maine Legislature - First Regular Session
Friday, March 13, 2026 1:40 AM
| LD | TITLE | SPONSOR | SUMMARY | COMM | POSITION | STATUS | ACTION / NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| An Act To Offset The Costs Of Client Medical Care Support Workers At Department Of Corrections Facilities And Study Correctional Service Fees And Collections (SP 30) | Marianne MOORE of Washington | This bill increases the amount the Commissioner of Corrections may charge clients of correctional and detention facilities for medical and dental fees from $5 to $25 and requires the proceeds from those fees to be used as a first priority to pay client workers who Full Summary |
CJPS |
Monitor | CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800. (6/25/2025) | ||
| An Act To Require Employers To Disclose Pay Ranges And Maintain Records Of Employees' Pay Histories (HP 18) | Amy ROEDER of Bangor | This bill requires an employer with 10 or more employees to include on a job posting a statement that lists the prospective range of pay the employer will offer to a successful applicant. The bill also requires an employer, upon request of an employee, to Full Summary |
LAH |
Monitor | CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800. (6/25/2025) | 2/24 Testimony Submitted 2/24 |
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| An Act To Allow Employees To Request Flexible Work Schedules (HP 24) | Amy ROEDER of Bangor | This bill does the following. 1. It allows an employee to request in writing, including by electronic means, a flexible work schedule. 2. It requires an employer, which may be a private employer or public employer, to consider an employee's request for a flexible work Full Summary |
LAH |
TBD | CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800. (6/25/2025) | ||
| An Act To Regulate Employer Surveillance To Protect Workers (HP 25) | Amy ROEDER of Bangor | This bill specifies that an employer may use employer surveillance only if the employer informs the employee before beginning employer surveillance. It prohibits an employer from using audiovisual monitoring in an employee's residence or personal vehicle or on the employee's property and provides that an Full Summary |
LAH |
TBD | Became Law without Governor's Signature Public Law Chapter 524 (1/11/2026) | ||
| An Act To Notify The Public Of Juveniles Who Are Wanted Persons (HP 67) | Michel LAJOIE of Lewiston | This bill allows criminal justice agencies to provide to the public certain juvenile history record information for the purpose of apprehending juveniles when either the juvenile has escaped from custody as defined by the Maine Criminal Code or a warrant of arrest has been issued Full Summary |
CJPS |
Monitor | Committee Docket: Voted - Divided Report (2/4/2026) | ||
| Resolve, To Provide Safe, Short-term Housing To Individuals Recently Released From Correctional Facilities (SP 110) | Rachel TALBOT ROSS of Cumberland | This bill directs the Department of Corrections to administer a program to provide transitional housing to recently released indigent clients of the Department of Corrections and establishes a fund to fund the program. This bill also directs the Maine State Housing Authority to study long-term Full Summary |
CJPS |
Monitor | CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800. (6/25/2025) | ||
| An Act To Implement The Recommendations Of The Blue Ribbon Commission To Study Emergency Medical Services In The State (SP 111) | Rachel TALBOT ROSS of Cumberland | This bill does the following. 1. It establishes a permanent Maine Emergency Medical Services Commission to monitor and evaluate the State's emergency medical services system on a continuing basis and to provide recommendations to the appropriate state agencies and to the Legislature regarding necessary changes Full Summary |
CJPS |
TBD | Law Without Signature (1/7/2026) | ||
| An Act To Employ Mental Health Personnel Within The Maine State Police (HP 198) | Joseph UNDERWOOD of Presque Isle | This bill creates 3 Behavioral Health Coordinator positions assigned to the state police Southern Field Troop, Central Field Troop and Troop F responsible for making decisions about the health, safety and welfare of persons in the community who have interacted with law enforcement professionals and Full Summary |
CJPS |
NFNA | CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800. (6/25/2025) | 3/10 Testimony submitted. |
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| An Act Regarding Energy, Utilities And Technology (HP 207) | Melanie SACHS of Freeport | This bill is a concept draft pursuant to Joint Rule 208. This bill proposes to update certain laws regarding energy, utilities and technology. | EUT |
Committee Docket: Voted - Divided Report (3/5/2026) | |||
| An Act Regarding Speedy Trials (HP 240) | Matt MOONEN of Portland | This bill establishes the Maine Speedy Trial Act. The Act establishes different time limits for the commencement of a defendant's criminal trial depending on when the complaint, indictment or information was filed and what class of crime the defendant is charged with. The Act also Full Summary |
JUD |
Monitor | CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800. (6/25/2025) | ||
| An Act To Improve Criminal Justice And Public Safety (SP 137) | Anne BEEBE-CENTER of Knox | This bill is a concept draft pursuant to Joint Rule 208. This bill proposes to update the laws to improve criminal justice and public safety. | CJPS |
Monitor | CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800. (6/25/2025) | ||
| An Act To Allow Municipalities To Limit Nonprofit Property Tax Exemptions (HP 292) | Benjamin HYMES of Waldo | This bill provides a municipality the power to limit the amount of a property tax exemption given to a nonprofit institution or organization when the municipality determines by vote that such an exemption would be detrimental to the residents of that municipality. | TAX |
Monitor | Ought Not to Pass Pursuant To Joint Rule 310, Jan 20, 2026 (1/20/2026) | ||
| An Act To Authorize A Court To Conditionally Discharge Certain Criminal Defendants (HP 303) | David SINCLAIR of Bath | This bill authorizes a court to enter an order of conditional discharge suspending all of a defendant's pending criminal proceedings for a period of up to 6 months, during which time the defendant must refrain from engaging in criminal conduct and must abide by certain Full Summary |
JUD |
Monitor | Ought Not to Pass Pursuant To Joint Rule 310, Jan 20, 2026 (1/20/2026) | 2/10 Check with MSA regardign position |
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| An Act To Improve Public Defense Services (SP 189) | Anne CARNEY of Cumberland | This bill is a concept draft pursuant to Joint Rule 208. This bill proposes to amend the laws related to the expansion of public defense services in the State and the Maine Commission on Public Defense Services. | JUD |
Monitor | CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800. (6/25/2025) | ||
| An Act To Fund Rural Patrol Services In Washington County (SP 194) | Marianne MOORE of Washington | This bill provides funding for 4 Maine State Trooper positions and related All Other to conduct rural patrols in Washington County. | CJPS |
Support | CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800. (6/25/2025) | 2/10 Support funding MSP coverage with all counties who need
2/24 Testimony submitted on 2/24 |
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| An Act To Enhance Public Safety In Rural Counties By Providing State Police Patrol And Policing Services (HP 306) | John DUCHARME of Madison | This bill provides funding for 15 State Trooper positions, 9 State Police Corporal positions and related All Other to enhance public safety in rural counties of the State and to support county sheriff department efforts. | CJPS |
Support | CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800. (6/25/2025) | 2/10 Same comment as 461
2/24 Testimony submitted on 2/24 |
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| An Act Regarding The Department Of Public Safety (HP 313) | Tavis HASENFUS of Readfield | This bill is a concept draft pursuant to Joint Rule 208. This bill proposes to update the laws regarding the Department of Public Safety. | CJPS |
Carried over, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800. (6/25/2025) | |||
| An Act Regarding Criminal Justice (HP 314) | Tavis HASENFUS of Readfield | This bill is a concept draft pursuant to Joint Rule 208. This bill proposes to update the laws regarding criminal justice. | CJPS |
Carried over, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800. (6/25/2025) | |||
| An Act To Update Processes And Fees In The Probate Court System (SP 223) | Anne CARNEY of Cumberland | This bill makes the following changes to the Maine Uniform Probate Code. 1. It increases certain filing fees throughout the Code and provides that, after 2025, these fees must automatically be adjusted for inflation. 2. It requires any party that files a petition, motion or Full Summary |
JUD |
CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800. (6/25/2025) | |||
| An Act To Establish A Statewide Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Kit Tracking System And Update Certain Requirements Regarding Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Kits (SP 199) | Richard BENNETT of Oxford | This bill directs the Department of Public Safety to establish, operate and maintain a sexual assault forensic examination kit tracking system. The system must provide relevant information for victims, both those who choose to report to a law enforcement agency and those who choose not Full Summary |
JUD |
CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800. (6/25/2025) | |||
| An Act Regarding The Laws Of The State Of Maine (SP 312) | Teresa PIERCE of Cumberland | This bill is a concept draft pursuant to Joint Rule 208. This bill proposes to make changes regarding the laws of the State. | SLG |
Monitor | Committee Docket: Voted - Divided Report (3/11/2026) | ||
| An Act Providing Appropriations And Allocations For State Government Operations (SP 316) | Margaret ROTUNDO of Androscoggin | This bill is a concept draft pursuant to Joint Rule 208. This bill proposes to provide appropriations and allocations necessary for the operation of State Government. | AFA |
Monitor | CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800. (6/25/2025) | ||
| An Act To Provide Appropriations And Allocations For The Operations Of State Government (HP 444) | Drew GATTINE of Westbrook | This bill is a concept draft pursuant to Joint Rule 208. This bill proposes to provide for appropriations and allocations for the operation of State Government. | AFA |
Monitor | Carried over, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800. (6/25/2025) | ||
| An Act To Reimburse The City Of Ellsworth For A Public Road To A New Court Facility In Hancock County (HP 481) | Russell WHITE of Ellsworth | This bill provides a one-time General Fund appropriation to reimburse the City of Ellsworth for 50% of the costs incurred in building an access road to the property on which the city is working with the judicial branch to build a new courthouse for Hancock Full Summary |
JUD |
CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800. (6/25/2025) | |||
| An Act To Fund State Government (SP 338) | Margaret ROTUNDO of Androscoggin | This bill is a concept draft pursuant to Joint Rule 208. This bill proposes to make appropriations and allocations necessary to fund State Government. | AFA |
CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800. (6/25/2025) | |||
| An Act To Provide For Appropriations And Allocations (SP 339) | Margaret ROTUNDO of Androscoggin | This bill is a concept draft pursuant to Joint Rule 208. This bill proposes to provide for appropriations and allocations. | AFA |
CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800. (6/25/2025) | |||
| An Act To Create A Rebuttable Presumption Related To Specialized Risk Screening For First Responders (SP 343) | Donna BAILEY of York | For policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2027, this bill prohibits a health insurance carrier from denying coverage to an enrollee who is a first responder for specialized risk screening recommended by a health care provider. It limits the ability of a Full Summary |
HCIFS |
Law Without Signature (1/7/2026) | |||
| An Act To Reduce The Property Tax Burden By Adequately Funding County Jail Operations (HP 538) | John DUCHARME of Madison | This bill amends the laws governing the operation of county jails as follows. 1. It amends the County Jail Operations Fund to provide that, beginning July 1, 2025 and prior to July 1, 2026, state funding must be appropriated annually for the fund in the Full Summary |
CJPS |
Support | CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800. (6/25/2025) | 3/21 Testimony drafted. |
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| An Act Regarding The Membership Of The Maine Land Use Planning Commission (HP 556) | William BRIDGEO of Augusta | This bill amends the membership of the Maine Land Use Planning Commission by increasing the number of members from 9 to 13, with the Governor appointing the additional members. The bill also adds qualifications to be considered by the Governor and boards of county commissioners Full Summary |
ACF |
Oppose | Law Without Signature (1/7/2026) | ||
| An Act To Facilitate The Establishment Of An Automated Crime Victim Notification System (SP 408) | Anne CARNEY of Cumberland | Current law requires written notice to be made to victims of crimes in the event that a defendant is released on preconviction bail or released or escaped from custody. This bill allows for that notice to be electronic. The bill requires the County Corrections Professional Full Summary |
CJPS |
Support | CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800. (6/25/2025) | 3/14 Possible mandate.
3/21 Testimony drafted. (Position was oppose but MSA wants us to support so unsure for now.) |
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| An Act To Require State-owned Or Leased Buildings Occupied By 50 Or More Executive Branch Employees To Have At Least One Automated External Defibrillator And One Bleeding Control Kit (SP 414) | Marianne MOORE of Washington | This bill directs the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Bureau of General Services to ensure that each state building is equipped with at least one automated external defibrillator. It also directs each municipality to ensure that each municipal building is equipped with at least Full Summary |
SLG |
CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800. (6/25/2025) | 3/14 Possible mandate. Not clear if applies to counties. |
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| An Act To Ensure The Proper Operation Of The State (HP 651) | Matt MOONEN of Portland | This bill is a concept draft pursuant to Joint Rule 208. This bill proposes to make changes to the laws to ensure the proper operations of the State. | SLG |
Monitor | Carried over, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800. (6/25/2025) | ||
| An Act To Restore Full Civil Rights To Possess Firearms To Persons Previously Convicted Of Certain Nonviolent Felony Crimes (HP 656) | Chad PERKINS of Dover-Foxcroft | Currently, persons who have been convicted of committing or found not criminally responsible by reason of insanity of committing a crime in this State, a crime under the laws of the United States and certain crimes in other jurisdictions that are punishable by a term Full Summary |
JUD |
Committee Docket: Voted - Divided Report (11/14/2025) | |||
| Resolve, Directing The State Court Administrator To Perform An Inspection And Study Of The Rumford Courthouse Building (HP 707) | Rachel HENDERSON of Rumford | This resolve directs the judicial branch to perform an inspection and space study of the building that houses the Rumford Court and issue a report within 18 months of the effective date of this resolve on all the necessary updates, structural and cosmetic improvements required Full Summary |
JUD |
Monitor | CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800. (6/25/2025) | ||
| An Act To Increase The Procurement Of Maine Foods By Certain State Institutions (SP 472) | Craig HICKMAN of Kennebec | This bill clarifies existing state policy governing food procurement by state institutions to require rather than encourage the procurement of Maine foods and food products by state institutions. The bill requires the Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to implement and promote a Maine foods Full Summary |
ACF |
Law Without Signature (1/7/2026) | 3/19 Applies to "state instutions," which is not defined. |
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| An Act To Enhance Public Safety In Maine By Defining The Relationship Between Local And Federal Law Enforcement (HP 834) | Ambureen RANA of Bangor | This bill prohibits state or local law enforcement agencies or officers from entering into contracts with federal immigration enforcement authorities. | CJPS JUD |
Oppose | Committee Docket: Voted - ONTP (3/10/2026) | 3/28 Might cover county jails housing ICE detainees. |
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| Resolve, Establishing The Commission To Study The Maine Tort Claims Act (SP 564) | Mark LAWRENCE of York | This bill increases the limitation on the award of damages against a governmental entity or its employees, or both, under the Maine Tort Claims Act from $400,000 to $1,250,000 per occurrence. | JUD |
CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800. (6/25/2025) | 4/3 This bill would triple the potential liability for matters not exempt from liability under MTCA. |
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| An Act Regarding Dam Repair (HP 904) | Nina MILLIKEN of Blue Hill | This bill establishes a maximum limit of $1,000,000 per loan application under the Dam Repair and Reconstruction Fund and establishes a loan payback period between 5 and 30 years, but no longer than the useful life of the proposed project. The bill also allows the Full Summary |
CJPS ENR |
CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800. (6/25/2025) | 4/8 FYI |
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| An Act To Require The Department Of Health And Human Services To Immediately Take Custody Of Persons Sentenced To Mental Health Facilities That May Not Include County Or Regional Jails (SP 562) | Rachel TALBOT ROSS of Cumberland | This bill requires that when a court commits a defendant to the Commissioner of Health and Human Services for placement in an appropriate mental health institution, that placement must be immediate and may not be in a county or regional jail. | HHS |
Support | Committee Docket: Voted - OTP-AM (2/5/2026) | 4/8 Tenative pending MSA Vote; MSA is in strong support; people are being left in county jails by DHHS when beds are not available violating judge commitment of persons to DHHS custody; not enough mental health services or beds available but they don't want people sometimes because too violent for Dorathia Dix; inhumane for them to be stuck in county jail when a judge has deemed them incompetent; county jails cannot force people to medicate; 2 or 3 people taking up all the jail mental health staff because they are so demaiding; coordinate with the Sheriff's (No Hearing yet) |
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| An Act To Improve Access To Sustainable And Low-barrier Trauma Recovery Services (SP 581) | Margaret ROTUNDO of Androscoggin | This bill provides one-time funding only in fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27 to the Maine Resiliency Center in Lewiston to support the continuation and expansion of services for residents of the State affected by the immediate and cumulative effects of trauma through connection, information and Full Summary |
HHS |
Monitor | CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800. (6/25/2025) | 4/3 FYI. |
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| An Act To Improve The Sustainability Of Emergency Medical Services In Maine (SP 614) | Glenn CURRY of Waldo | This bill provides that care that is provided at the scene of an emergency medical services event by an ambulance service or nontransporting emergency medical service is reimbursable care regardless of whether a patient is transported to another facility. This includes the administration of overdose-reversing Full Summary |
HCIFS |
Committee Docket: Voted - Divided Report (1/21/2026) | |||
| Resolve, To Establish The Commission To Study And Recommend Solutions For Modernizing The Maine Legislature (HP 1035) | Morgan RIELLY of Westbrook | This resolve establishes the Commission to Study and Recommend Solutions for Modernizing the Maine Legislature. The commission has 15 members, including current and former Legislators, nonpartisan staff, a member appointed by the Governor and a member appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Full Summary |
SLG |
Ought Not to Pass Pursuant To Joint Rule 310, Feb 3, 2026 (2/3/2026) | |||
| An Act To Clarify The Bureau Of Labor Standards' Investigatory And Enforcement Procedures (HP 1045) | Matthew BECK of South Portland | This bill codifies into the Maine Revised Statutes provisions of the federal Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 and creates a criminal penalty for any person who intentionally or knowingly violates the employment practices laws or the laws governing preference to Maine works and contractors. Full Summary |
LAH |
Accepted Minority (ONTP) Report, Feb 26, 2026 (2/26/2026) | |||
| An Act To Establish Disclosure Requirements Regarding Law Enforcement Officer Credibility Information (HP 1106) | Adam LEE of Auburn | This bill requires that a law enforcement agency disclose to a prosecuting attorney's office when a law enforcement officer who is a potential witness in a criminal prosecution has engaged in certain specified conduct that calls into question the credibility of the officer as a Full Summary |
CJPS |
Ought Not to Pass Pursuant To Joint Rule 310, Feb 10, 2026 (2/10/2026) | |||
| An Act Regarding Notification Of Appointment Of Legal Representation For Indigent Clients In Custody (HP 1141) | Sophia WARREN of Scarborough | This bill requires assignment of competent defense counsel to an accused person who is indigent within 24 hours of such assignment if the accused is incarcerated. | JUD |
CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800. (6/25/2025) | |||
| An Act Regarding Vacancies In The Office Of Sheriff (HP 1159) | Holly STOVER of Boothbay | This bill does the following. 1. It requires a board of county commissioners or a personnel board to give deference and the rebuttable presumptions of fairness and professional necessity to a sheriff's decision to not reappoint a deputy or to dismiss, suspend or otherwise discipline Full Summary |
SLG |
Oppose | PASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH. (3/12/2026) | 4/24 Drafted testimony |
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| Resolve, Directing The Department Of Corrections To Study Achieving Gender Equality (HP 1167) | Rafael MACIAS of Topsham | This resolve directs the Department of Corrections to study the extent of gender inequality present in the programs, services, facilities and policies administered or overseen by the department and recommend potential solutions to the Joint Standing Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety for eliminating Full Summary |
CJPS |
Law Without Signature (1/7/2026) | 4/23 FYI |
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| An Act To Authorize The Issuance Of A Revenue Bond To Upgrade County Jails To Meet The Corrections Needs Of Maine's Counties (HP 1186) | John DUCHARME of Madison | This bill authorizes the Finance Authority of Maine to issue revenue bonds in the amount of $87,000,000 to provide funding to county jails, including those that detain adult residents for up to 72 hours, to upgrade their facilities to accommodate residents who have a substance Full Summary |
AFA HED |
Support | Committee Docket: Work Session Held - TABLED (12/15/2025) | 4/28 Testify in support. |
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| An Act To Require Police Departments To Publish And Make Accessible Their Policies And Procedures And Require Training Of Officers (HP 1195) | Sophia WARREN of Scarborough | This bill requires law enforcement agencies, including the State Police, sheriff's departments and municipal police departments, to publish and make accessible their policies and procedures currently required by law on the agencies' publicly accessible websites and in printed paper form. The bill requires a law Full Summary |
CJPS |
Monitor | Law Without Signature (1/7/2026) | 4/28 Just monitor for now but want to know MSA's position. |
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| An Act To Strengthen The Freedom Of Access Act By Categorizing Commercial Requesters (HP 1199) | Rachel HENDERSON of Rumford | This bill prohibits an agency or official from charging a fee to cover the actual cost of searching for, retrieving and compiling a noncommercial request of a public record for the first 2 hours of staff time. The bill allows an agency or official to Full Summary |
JUD |
Support | Ought Not to Pass Pursuant To Joint Rule 310, Feb 3, 2026 (2/3/2026) | 4/28 Testify in suport. |
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| An Act To Increase Transparency In State Government By Amending Laws Regarding Persons Attempting To Influence The Competitive Bidding Process And Lobbyist Reporting During Rule-making Processes (SP 708) | Craig HICKMAN of Kennebec | This bill requires any person who is specifically employed by another person for the purpose of attempting to influence the competitive bidding process to register with the Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices for each employer and to submit monthly reports regarding activity, expenditures Full Summary |
VLA |
Ought Not to Pass Pursuant To Joint Rule 310, Mar 5, 2026 (3/5/2026) | |||
| An Act To Implement Recommendations Of The Commission To Examine Reestablishing Parole (HP 1300) | Nina MILLIKEN of Blue Hill | This bill implements the recommendations of the Commission to Examine Reestablishing Parole, as established by Resolve 2021, chapter 126. Part A of this bill renames the State Parole Board the Maine Parole Board and increases the membership of the board from 5 to 7 members Full Summary |
JUD |
Committee Docket: Voted - Divided Report (3/11/2026) | |||
| Resolve, To Establish A Task Force To Create A Court Navigation Program Plan (SP 772) | Rachel TALBOT ROSS of Cumberland | This resolve directs the University of Maine System to convene a task force to create a court navigation program plan. In developing the plan, the task force must examine court navigation programs nationwide and recommend a model for a court navigation program for use in Full Summary |
JUD |
Recalled by Legislature (1/7/2026) | |||
| An Act To Protect Workers In This State By Clarifying The Relationship Of State And Local Law Enforcement Agencies With Federal Immigration Authorities (HP 1315) | Deqa DHALAC of South Portland | This bill enacts provisions to clarify the relationship of state and local law enforcement agencies, including correctional facilities, and state employees with federal immigration authorities. The bill: 1. Prohibits a law enforcement agency from stopping, investigating, interrogating, arresting or detaining a person for immigration enforcement Full Summary |
JUD |
Law Without Signature (1/7/2026) | |||
| An Act To Authorize Issuance Of Securities To Modernize And Consolidate Certain Court Facilities (SP 810) | David HAGGAN of Penobscot | This bill authorizes the use of securities issued for the purposes of planning, purchasing, financing, acquiring, constructing, renovating, furnishing, equipping, improving, extending, enlarging and consolidating new and existing facilities and projects relating to the judicial branch to include facilities in Cumberland, Franklin, Penobscot and Sagadahoc Full Summary |
JUD |
On motion by Senator ROTUNDO of Androscoggin PLACED ON THE SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS TABLE pending ENACTMENT in concurrence. (3/3/2026) | |||
| An Act To Improve Localization Of Emergency Broadcast Messaging (SP 819) | Teresa PIERCE of Cumberland | This bill provides one-time funds for broadcast infrastructure equipment to enable localization of public safety information and emergency alert messaging on the statewide radio network operated by the Maine Public Broadcasting Corporation. | EDU |
Reports READ.On motion of Representative MURPHY of Scarborough, the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report was ACCEPTED.The Bill was READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (S-526) was READ and ADOPTED.Under suspension of the rules, the Bill was given its SECOND READING without REFERENCE to the Committee on Bills in the Second Reading.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-526). In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH. (3/12/2026) | |||
| An Act To Allow A Political Subdivision To Enter Into Federal Bankruptcy Proceedings (SP 828) | Marianne MOORE of Washington | This bill authorizes counties and municipalities to enter into federal bankruptcy proceedings upon exhausting all reasonable alternatives to avoid bankruptcy, a determination by the State Auditor that the county or municipality is insolvent and approval by the county commissioners or municipal officers. | SLG |
Oppose | Committee Docket: Voted - OTP-AM (2/18/2026) | 1/27/26 - Testified in opposition |
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| An Act To Amend The Laws Governing Carbon Monoxide Detectors (HP 1342) | Stephan BUNKER of Farmington | This bill modifies provisions of law governing the use of carbon monoxide detectors in this State. The bill does the following. 1. It requires that, beginning January 1, 2027, a person install carbon monoxide detectors in the bedrooms and areas giving access to the bedrooms Full Summary |
CJPS |
Committee Docket: Voted - OTP-AM (1/14/2026) | |||
| An Act To Eliminate The Thermal Imaging Camera Program (HP 1346) | Stephan BUNKER of Farmington | This bill eliminates the Thermal Imaging Camera Program under the direction of the Department of Public Safety. | CJPS |
Signed by the Governor Public Law Chapter 549 (3/9/2026) | |||
| An Act To Amend The Requirements Governing Self-insurance Plans In The Paid Family And Medical Leave Benefits Program (HP 1348) | Kristi MATHIESON of Kittery | This bill clarifies that for a private plan in the form of self-insurance, the pooling of risk, financial resources or administration among multiple employers is prohibited under the paid family and medical leave benefits program. It also provides that this provision applies retroactively to April Full Summary |
LAH |
Committee Docket: Voted - Divided Report (3/10/2026) | |||
| An Act To Clarify The Setting Of Group Life Insurance Coverage Levels Under The Maine Public Employees Retirement System (HP 1352) | Amy ROEDER of Bangor | This bill changes the source of information used to set group life insurance coverage levels under the Maine Public Employees Retirement System. | LAH |
PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence. (3/10/2026) | |||
| An Act To Eliminate The Requirement For Municipalities To Provide Public Notice In A Newspaper (SP 831) | Russell BLACK of Franklin | This bill provides an alternative way for a municipality to provide public notice as required in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 30-A. In place of notice in a newspaper, a municipality may choose to provide the required notice on its publicly accessible website. | SLG |
Committee Docket: Voted - OTP-AM (2/18/2026) | |||
| An Act To Improve Safety By Allowing The Use Of Variable-message Signs On Certain Vehicles (HP 1377) | Lydia CRAFTS of Newcastle | This bill allows the operator of an authorized public service vehicle to use a variable- message sign on the authorized public service vehicle while the vehicle is stationary and engaged in roadside repair, loading or unloading a vehicle, vehicle recovery or general traffic control. | TRA |
Signed by the Governor (Emergency Measure) Public Law Chapter 546 (3/3/2026) | |||
| An Act To Require Municipal And County Jails To Be Available At All Times For Detention Of Persons Arrested On Criminal Charges By Maine Law Enforcement Officers (SP 845) | Rachel TALBOT ROSS of Cumberland | Current law requires municipal and county jails to be available at all times for detention of persons arrested by state or any other law enforcement officers. This bill requires municipal and county jails to be available at all times for detention of persons arrested on Full Summary |
CJPS |
Monitor | 03/04/26 9:30 AM in State House, Room 436 - Public Hearing |
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| An Act To Provide Required Funding For The Reimbursement Of Assigned Counsel (SP 852) | Anne CARNEY of Cumberland | This bill provides one-time funding to the Maine Commission on Public Defense Services to address the shortfall in funding available to compensate constitutionally and statutorily required assigned counsel in fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27. It also funds the establishment of a public defender office beginning Full Summary |
JUD |
NFNA | Speaker laid before the HouseThis being an emergency measure, a two-thirds vote of all the members elected to the House was necessary.PASSED TO BE ENACTED.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH. (3/12/2026) | 1/27/26 - Testified NFNA |
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| An Act To Include A Certain Emergency Communications Position At The Department Of Public Safety In The 1998 Special Plan (HP 1400) | Stephan BUNKER of Farmington | This bill modifies service retirement provisions by adding the renamed position of programs coordinator and the emergency communications director to the 1998 Special Plan to enable a qualified individual to accept this role without losing existing retirement benefits due to the change of title. | LAH |
Reports READOn motion by Senator TIPPING of Penobscot the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report ACCEPTED. Bill READ ONCE. Committee Amendment "A" (H-830) READ and ADOPTED. ASSIGNED FOR SECOND READING NEXT LEGISLATIVE DAY. (3/12/2026) | |||
| An Act To Amend The Law Governing The Authority Of The Governor To Set Salary Rates For State Police Command Staff (HP 1401) | Stephan BUNKER of Farmington | This bill requires the Governor to determine the salaries of majors in the Department of Public Safety, Maine State Police. | CJPS |
Committee Docket: Voted - ONTP (3/11/2026) | |||
| An Act To Establish A One-year Probationary Period For Public Safety Dispatchers (HP 1405) | Stephan BUNKER of Farmington | This bill establishes a one-year probationary period for public safety dispatchers. | CJPS |
Monitor | Committee Docket: Voted - OTP-AM (3/11/2026) | ||
| An Act To Continue Training Programs For Emergency Medical Services (HP 1406) | Grayson LOOKNER of Portland | This bill provides one-time funds for the continuance of training for emergency medical services technicians and paramedics. | EDU |
Ought Not to Pass Pursuant To Joint Rule 310, Feb 3, 2026 (2/3/2026) | |||
| An Act To Prohibit The Disclosure Of Nonpublic Records Without Proper Judicial Review (HP 1421) | Eleanor SATO of Gorham | This bill prohibits a person acting on behalf of a public school, state postsecondary educational institution, health care facility, child care facility, family child care provider or public library from providing voluntary consent permitting a law enforcement officer engaged in immigration enforcement or supporting immigration Full Summary |
JUD |
Committee Docket: Voted - Divided Report (3/10/2026) | |||
| An Act To Update Employer Substance Use Testing Policy Requirements (HP 1425) | Charles SKOLD of Portland | This bill updates and clarifies certain statutes governing employers administering substance use tests, including the following: 1. Requiring that an applicant or employee must be given an opportunity to contest a non-negative result; 2. Requiring that results must be reported to an employer by a Full Summary |
LAH |
Committee Docket: Voted - OTP-AM (3/10/2026) | |||
| An Act To Authorize Municipalities To Form Community Choice Aggregation Programs To Procure Electricity (HP 1427) | Walter RUNTE of York | This bill authorizes municipalities and groups of municipalities to establish community choice aggregation programs. Under a community choice aggregation program with a plan approved by the Public Utilities Commission, eligible customers are automatically enrolled in the community choice aggregation program unless they choose to opt Full Summary |
EUT |
Committee Docket: Voted - Divided Report (3/5/2026) | |||
| An Act To Enhance The Safety Of Judicial And Elected Officials, Constitutional Officers And The State Auditor By Allowing Certain Personal Information To Be Removed From Designated Public Records (HP 1436) | Sean FAIRCLOTH of Bangor | This bill allows specified public officials, and their immediate family members, to request that certain personal information, including residential addresses, be removed from public records and publicly available online resources maintained by state, county and municipal government agencies. The bill establishes the Office of Information Full Summary |
JUD |
Committee Docket: Voted - Divided Report (3/4/2026) | |||
| An Act To Support Emergency Shelter Funding Using Revenue From The Real Estate Transfer Tax (HP 1439) | Drew GATTINE of Westbrook | Under current law, 90% of the revenue from the real estate transfer tax is submitted to the State and 10% is retained by the counties, except that, for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27, the percentage retained by the counties is reduced to 9.2%. This bill Full Summary |
HED TAX |
Oppose | Committee Docket: Voted - Divided Report (3/3/2026) | 1/27/26- Not yet schduled but will testify in strong opposition |
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| An Act To Reorganize The Emergency Medical Services' Board To Implement The Recommendations Of The Blue Ribbon Commission To Study Emergency Medical Services In The State (SP 817) | Donna BAILEY of York | This bill, based on the recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Commission to Study Emergency Medical Services in the State, reduces the number of members appointed to the Emergency Medical Services' Board, other than the members representing regional councils, from 12 to 5, provides for regular Full Summary |
HCIFS |
COMMITTEE ON BILLS IN THE SECOND READING REPORTS NO FURTHER VERBAL AMENDMENTS NECESSARY. REPORT ACCEPTED.READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-530)Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence. (3/12/2026) | |||
| An Act To Provide Funding To Improve The College And Career Readiness Of Certain Students In Androscoggin And Oxford Counties (SP 865) | Jill DUSON of Cumberland | This bill provides one-time funds for the University of Maine System to provide academic support and college and career preparation services to eligible students in 6 high schools in Androscoggin and Oxford counties that previously participated in the University of Maine at Farmington's River Valley Full Summary |
EDU |
On motion by Senator ROTUNDO of Androscoggin PLACED ON THE SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS TABLE pending ENACTMENT in concurrence. (3/5/2026) | |||
| An Act To Prohibit The Unauthorized Use Of Drones On Or Over The Premises Of Correctional Facilities And Jails (HP 1446) | Chad PERKINS of Dover-Foxcroft | This bill establishes the Class C crime of unauthorized use of a drone on or over the premises of a correctional facility or jail, with certain exceptions. | CJPS |
Committee Docket: Voted - Divided Report (3/4/2026) | |||
| An Act To Address Vacancies On The Knox County Budget Committee (HP 1447) | William PLUECKER of Warren | Under current law and the Knox County charter, the Knox County budget committee consists of 9 members who serve 4-year terms. If a vacancy in the membership occurs, the budget committee is required to fill the vacancy, subject to confirmation by a majority of the Full Summary |
SLG |
PASSED TO BE ENACTED - Emergency - 2/3 Elected Required, in concurrence. (3/12/2026) | 1/27/26 - Testimony will be submitted tomorrow in support |
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| An Act To Modify Certain Statutes Governing Revocation Of Probation, Victim Confidentiality And The Commissioner Of Corrections (HP 1450) | Suzanne SALISBURY of Westbrook | This bill corrects an oversight regarding the need for prosecutor approval for a probation revocation motion and clarifies who may withdraw probation revocation motions and file motions to transfer hearings on probation revocation motions. The bill provides that information from a victim obtained by the Full Summary |
CJPS |
Committee Docket: Voted - OTP-AM (2/25/2026) | |||
| An Act To Change Supervisory Authority Over The Capitol Police (HP 1454) | Speaker Ryan FECTEAU of Biddeford | This bill transfers the supervision duties of the Chief of the Bureau of Capitol Police within the Department of Public Safety to the Chief of the State Police and replaces the position of Chief of the Bureau of Capitol Police with a State Police Lieutenant Full Summary |
CJPS |
03/04/26 1:00 PM in State House, Room 436 - Public Hearing |
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| An Act To Improve The Public Employees Disability Retirement Program By Modifying Provisions Controlling The Reduction Of Benefits And Clarifying Terminology (SP 879) | Michael TIPPING of Penobscot | This bill makes changes to the provisions of the Maine Revised Statutes governing disability retirement benefits for state employees and teachers and for participating local districts. The bill increases the amount of income that is considered substantially gainful activity and increases the limit on income Full Summary |
LAH |
COMMITTEE ON BILLS IN THE SECOND READING REPORTS NO FURTHER VERBAL AMENDMENTS NECESSARY. REPORT ACCEPTED.READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-527)Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence. (3/12/2026) | |||
| An Act To Correct Inconsistencies, Conflicts And Errors In The Laws Of Maine (HP 1458) | Part A does the following. Section 1 removes an obsolete cross-reference and makes a technical correction. Section 2 makes a technical correction. Section 3 corrects a cross-reference. Section 4 corrects a cross-reference and makes a technical correction. Section 5 corrects a cross-reference and makes a Full Summary |
JUD |
03/12/26 1:00 PM in State House, Room 438 - Work Session |
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| An Act To Create A Right To Judicial Review Under The Maine Civil Rights Act For Persons Erroneously Detained (SP 881) | Jill DUSON of Cumberland | This bill clarifies that a writ of habeas corpus creates a presumption that a person has been deprived of that person's personal liberty under the Maine Civil Rights Act. The bill also authorizes the Attorney General to bring a civil action if a person unlawfully Full Summary |
JUD |
03/18/26 1:00 PM in State House, Room 438 - Work Session |
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| An Act To Establish The Independent Office Of Tax Appeals And Make Other Changes To The Laws Governing The Tax Appeals Process (SP 883) | Nicole GROHOSKI of Hancock | This bill makes changes to improve the tax dispute resolution and administrative tax appeals process as follows. Part A adds to the duties and responsibilities of the taxpayer advocate and experience officer in the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Bureau of Revenue Services the Full Summary |
TAX |
Committee Docket: Voted - Divided Report (3/12/2026) | |||
| An Act To Implement A Recommendation Of The Commission To Recommend Methods For Preventing Deed Fraud In The State (SP 886) | This bill is reported out by the Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary to implement a recommendation of the Commission to Recommend Methods for Preventing Deed Fraud in the State established by Resolve 2025, chapter 104. The joint standing committee has not taken a position on Full Summary |
HED HED |
Committee Docket: Voted - ONTP (3/11/2026) | ||||
| An Act To Extend The Requirement That The Maine Commission On Public Defense Services Compensate Certain Private Attorneys Appointed To Provide Indigent Legal Services (SP 894) | This bill is reported out by the Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary pursuant to Public Law 2025, chapter 40, section 5. The committee has not taken a position on the substance of this bill. By reporting this bill out, the committee is not suggesting and Full Summary |
JUD JUD |
Committee Docket: Reported Out - OTP (3/12/2026) | ||||
| An Act To Update The Laws Governing The Geographic Boundaries Between Certain Judicial Divisions In Aroostook County (SP 898) | This bill is reported out by the Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary pursuant to Public Law 2025, chapter 436, section 6. Public Law 2025, chapter 436 authorized closure of the Madawaska District Court. It further authorized the Chief Judge of the District Court to reallocate Full Summary |
Signed by the Governor Public Law Chapter 552 (3/9/2026) | |||||
| An Act Making Supplemental Appropriations And Allocations From The General Fund And Other Funds For The Expenditures Of State Government And Changing Certain Provisions Of The Law Necessary To The Proper Operations Of State Government For The Fiscal Years Ending June 30, 2026 And June 30, 2027 (HP 1491) | Drew GATTINE of Westbrook | This bill is a concept draft pursuant to Joint Rule 208. This bill, as emergency legislation, proposes to make supplemental appropriations and allocations from the General Fund and other funds for the expenditures of State Government and change certain provisions of the law necessary to Full Summary |
AFA |
Committee Docket: Work Session Held (3/9/2026) | |||
| An Act To Confirm And Finalize The Boundary Between The Town Of Kittery And The Town Of York (HP 1493) | Kristi MATHIESON of Kittery | This bill describes the common boundary between the Town of Kittery and the Town of York. | SLG |
Committee Docket: Voted - OTP-AM (3/4/2026) | |||
| An Act To Establish Municipal Cost Components For Unorganized Territory Services To Be Rendered In Fiscal Year 2026-27 (HP 1499) | This bill establishes municipal cost components for state and county services provided to the unorganized territory that would normally be paid for by a municipality. The municipal cost components constitute the property tax for the unorganized territory. The bill also provides for a one-time prepayment Full Summary |
TAX |
Committee Docket: Voted - Divided Report (3/11/2026) | ||||
| An Act To Reduce Certain Costs Associated With Residential Construction (SP 907) | This bill is reported out by the Joint Standing Committee on Housing and Economic Development pursuant to Resolve 2025, chapter 64 to implement the recommendations of the working group to address regulatory barriers to housing construction. The bill directs: 1. The Department of Public Safety, Full Summary |
HED |
Committee Docket: Voted - OTP-AM (3/11/2026) | ||||
| An Act To Increase County Jail Funding (HP 1507) | This bill is reported out by the Joint Standing Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety pursuant to Resolve 2025, chapter 73 to implement statutory changes recommended by the County Corrections Professional Standards Council. The bill increases the amount of state funding appropriated annually to Full Summary |
CJPS |