LD 1734 Maine Senate · 132nd Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act To Exempt Over-The-Counter Medicines From The Sales And Use Tax

This bill exempts certain over-the-counter (OTC) medicines from Maine's sales tax starting January 1, 2026. It applies to FDA-approved OTC medicines meeting specific labeling requirements, including antacids, contraceptive products, allergy medications, eye/ear/nose treatments, and opioid antagonists. The exemption covers medicines sold directly to consumers without a prescription, but excludes cannabis products. This change affects Maine residents purchasing these specific OTC health products, reducing their out-of-pocket costs for essential medications.
Bill status died 4 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Apr 2025
Committee Review
Jun 2025
House Passage
Jun 2025
Senate Passage
Jun 2025
Governor
Introduced Apr 22, 2025 Last action Apr 29, 2026
Floor votes · Senate Jun 5, 2025 · House Jun 9, 2025

How they voted

250
Passed · 3 other
Total votes 28
Jun 5, 2025
D Democratic18
17 Yea 1
94% Yea
I Independent1
1 Yea
100% Yea
R Republican9
7 Yea 2
77% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
28
Key actions
8
Committee
7
Jun 9, 2025
Lower · Passed
PASSED TO BE ENACTED.
lower
Jun 9, 2025
Lower · Passed
Committee Amendment "A" (S-288) was READ and ADOPTED.
lower
Jun 9, 2025
Lower · Passed
On motion of Representative CLOUTIER of Lewiston, the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report was ACCEPTED.
lower
Jun 5, 2025
Legislature · Passed
Reported Out - OTP-AM/ONTP
legislature
Jun 5, 2025
Upper · Passed
Committee Amendment "A" (S-288) READ and ADOPTED
upper
Jun 5, 2025
Upper · Passed
On motion by Senator GROHOSKI of Hancock The Majority Ought to Pass As Amended Report ACCEPTED. PREVAILED
upper
Jun 5, 2025
Senate · Passed
Senate Vote: pass (25-0-3)
senate
Apr 22, 2025
Committee
The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on TAXATION.
lower
Apr 22, 2025
Upper · Passed
Committee on TAXATION suggested and ordered printed REFERENCE to the Committee on TAXATION Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence
upper
1 primary · 9 co-sponsors

Sponsors