Technology

LD 955 prohibits Maine health insurance carriers from denying claims or coverage solely based on artificial intelligence decisions, effective January 1, 2026. It requires carriers to conduct physician reviews - by a licensed Maine doctor - before denying benefits or reducing payments using AI, covering medical necessity, provider judgment, and health impacts. Carriers must submit quarterly reports to the state on AI-related denials and appeals, with annual summaries by the state bureau starting in 2027. The bill applies directly to insurers, healthcare providers submitting claims, and policyholders affected by coverage decisions.

LD 1284 repeals Maine's existing law (35-A MRSA c. 94) that required broadband internet providers to protect customer personal information and prohibited them from using, selling, or sharing that data without the customer's express, affirmative consent. This bill directly affects broadband providers and their customers by removing these privacy safeguards. The key provision eliminates the requirement for providers to obtain explicit customer permission before handling personal data. As a result, broadband companies would no longer be legally bound to seek customer consent for using or sharing their personal information.

LD 1552 prohibits landlords in Maine from using artificial intelligence or algorithmic devices to set or adjust rent for residential properties, including during lease renewals. This applies to any person responsible for determining rent amounts, directly affecting landlords and property managers across the state. The law defines "algorithmic device" as tools analyzing rent data to advise landlords, and "artificial intelligence" as systems that generate rent recommendations. Violating this ban would be treated as an unfair trade practice under Maine law. The bill aims to prevent automated rent-setting systems from influencing tenant costs.

This bill, LD 1234, requires all Maine public schools to adopt policies banning students from having cell phones in classrooms. Schools must include exceptions for emergencies, such as contacting parents or emergency services. The ban applies only to classrooms, not other school areas like hallways or cafeterias, so students may still use phones on school grounds outside of class. The policy change directly affects students and school administrators in Maine's public school system.