Rep. Benjamin Collings

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 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 increases the state's financial contribution toward health insurance premiums for retired teachers in Maine, raising the state's share to 65% starting July 1, 2024. The legislation also mandates that 10% of the unappropriated surplus from the General Fund at the end of fiscal year 2023-24 be transferred to a special account to fund this increased contribution. These changes directly affect the Department of Education's budget and the health insurance costs for retired educators who currently rely on state support for their coverage.

Maddy summaryThis bill amends the Maine Clean Election Act to allow candidates running for district attorney positions to participate in the program, which provides public funding for independent campaign expenditures. The legislation requires the state commission to establish specific participation terms for these candidates, including contribution limits and distribution schedules, starting with the 2026 election cycle. These rules must consider factors such as the population of prosecutorial districts and historical spending patterns to ensure fair access to the program. Additionally, the bill mandates that the commission adopt administrative rules to oversee the effective implementation of these new provisions for district attorney races.

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 the Maine Department of Health and Human Services to increase the number of reimbursable behavioral and psychological consultation hours for adults with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorder under the MaineCare program. Specifically, it raises the limit from the current amount to 120 hours for individuals who have approved behavior plans, aiming to provide more support services. The legislation also requires the department to seek necessary federal waivers to implement these changes and allocates approximately $1.18 million in funding across various state and federal sources to cover the increased costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill allocates $1.2 million for each of the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 fiscal years to fund support services for a transitional housing program in Portland. The money is designated to help individuals experiencing homelessness who also have medical, mental health, or substance use needs by providing low-barrier shelter, case management, and daily living assistance. These funds are intended to supplement existing MaineCare program funding and are administered through the Department of Health and Human Services.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a Public Art Fund within the Maine Arts Commission to provide one-time grants for installing or performing publicly accessible art. The legislation authorizes a $5,000,000 appropriation from the state's General Fund for the 2023-24 fiscal year, with funds that are not used in that year carried forward to the next fiscal year. This change specifically reduces the originally proposed funding amount from $6,000,000 to $5,000,000.

Maddy summaryThis bill increases support for the Community Forestry Fund to help municipalities manage ash tree disease and replace affected trees. It establishes a permanent funding stream of $500,000 annually from the state's General Fund to provide grants for these efforts. Additionally, the legislation makes a full-time entomologist position permanent to offer technical and educational assistance on forest pests and diseases. The bill also allows the fund to accept money from public or private sources to further its goals.