Rep. David Boyer

Maddy summaryLD 1706 requires courts to officially record (docket) the appointment of a defense lawyer for indigent (low-income) defendants who are in custody within 24 hours of the assignment, excluding weekends and holidays. It applies only to defendants incarcerated at the time a lawyer is appointed. The key provision mandates this 24-hour documentation deadline for court records. This ensures timely tracking of legal representation for low-income individuals in jail, improving accountability in the process.

Maddy summaryLD 948 increases cultivation limits for medical cannabis caregivers in Maine, allowing up to 60 mature plants or 1,000 square feet of mature canopy (previously 30 plants or 500 square feet). It extends the validity of medical registry cards (for non-caregivers) and adult cannabis business licenses from one year to two years. For those without violations, the bill simplifies renewal by requiring only fee payment, with new licenses issued within 5-10 business days. These changes reduce administrative steps for medical patients, caregivers, and cannabis businesses.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a Commission on Judicial Conduct to formally review complaints about judges' behavior in Maine. The commission, composed of 9 members (including judges, attorneys, and public members), will investigate allegations of misconduct or disability affecting judicial performance for judges in all Maine courts (Supreme, Superior, District, and Probate), including retired judges. It will make recommendations to the Supreme Judicial Court but cannot impose discipline itself. Most complaints must be filed within one year of the incident, unless there is a pattern of conduct or the commission determines good cause for exceptions.

Maddy summaryLD 820 proposes a constitutional amendment to Maine's Constitution protecting the right of all residents to hunt, fish, and harvest game and fish using traditional methods. It states this right "may not be infringed" except by "reasonable laws" from the Legislature or "reasonable rules" from the wildlife agency, designed to promote conservation and manage wildlife. The amendment also specifies that public hunting and fishing are the "preferred means" for wildlife management. If approved by voters in a November 2025 referendum, this change would become part of Maine's Constitution, requiring future laws to align with this protected right while allowing conservation regulations.

Maddy summaryLD 1911 (An Act to Automatically Seal Criminal History Record Information for Certain Crimes) automatically seals eligible criminal convictions from public records without requiring individuals to file a separate court petition. It applies to people convicted of certain Class E and D crimes (like non-violent drug offenses or minor property crimes), excluding domestic violence, crimes involving firearms, assault, stalking, or specific drug convictions under Title 17-A. The Administrative Office of the Courts will manage this process, automatically sealing records for qualifying cases after a waiting period (e.g., less than 20 years since conviction for some offenses). This directly affects Mainers with eligible past convictions who previously had to navigate a complex court process to seal their records. The bill does not apply to serious offenses like Class A crimes or convictions involving family violence.

Maddy summaryLD 1805 establishes a new process in Maine for people convicted of crimes while being victims of sex trafficking or sexual exploitation to seek to reverse their convictions. It allows individuals to file a motion showing their crime was substantially caused by their exploitation, without court filing fees. The motion can be filed by the person, their attorney, or the court, and will be reviewed by the Superior Court. This directly affects individuals with documented victimization histories who were convicted of offenses stemming from their exploitation.

Maddy summaryLD 793 proposes to update Maine's gaming revenue distribution system and boost funding for gambling addiction services. The bill would modernize how revenue from gambling activities is allocated, specifically increasing the share directed to the Gambling Addiction Prevention and Treatment Fund. This fund supports services like counseling and education programs aimed at preventing and treating gambling disorders. The changes would directly affect state budget allocations for addiction services and the distribution of revenue from Maine's casinos and lottery. (Note: This is a concept draft under consideration, not yet law.)

Maddy summaryThis bill prohibits MaineCare (Maine's Medicaid program) from restricting coverage for individuals with opioid use disorder who need both methadone maintenance treatment and concurrent intensive outpatient programs or other outpatient services for substance use or behavioral health disorders. It directly affects MaineCare enrollees seeking integrated treatment for opioid addiction, removing barriers to receiving both medication-based care and counseling services simultaneously. The key provision requires the Department of Health and Human Services to adopt implementing rules within 90 days to ensure coverage is not denied or restricted for these concurrent services. The bill mandates that coverage must be provided for medically appropriate combinations of methadone treatment and outpatient programs without prior authorization hurdles.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new independent auditor position within Maine's Attorney General's Office to oversee the Maine Information and Analysis Center (MIAC). The auditor will monitor MIAC's operations to ensure legal compliance, protect privacy and civil liberties, and maintain public transparency. Key provisions require the auditor to publish de-identified reports online annually, including progress on oversight goals and responses to data requests, while safeguarding confidential information. The bill also clarifies that non-classified MIAC information shared with private entities is subject to Maine's public records law. This directly affects MIAC's operations and provides the public with greater visibility into its activities.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires Maine's Chief Medical Examiner to use DNA analysis through forensic genetic genealogy testing to identify unidentified human remains after holding them for 45 days. It directly affects the Chief Medical Examiner's office and the unidentified remains in their custody. The key provision mandates testing using forensic genetic genealogy (DNA analysis compared against public genealogy databases) to establish identities. This applies to remains not in cared-for cemeteries or known to be Native American, aiming to resolve long-standing cases of unidentified remains.