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.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryLD 1386 provides one-time tax relief for Maine's wild blueberry industry in 2025. It suspends the tax portion normally paid by sellers (growers) of Maine-harvested wild blueberries, meaning growers pay $0 tax on these berries for 2025. Processors and shippers instead pay half the tax (0.75 cents per pound) for Maine-harvested berries, while continuing to pay the full tax (1.5 cents per pound) on out-of-state berries. This shifts the tax burden from growers to processors/shippers for in-state berries, offering immediate financial relief to growers facing declining prices and rising costs.
Maddy summaryLD 372 exempts sales of qualifying gold and silver coins and bullion from Maine's state sales and use tax, effective January 1, 2026. The bill specifically covers coins, bars, or rounds marked by weight, purity, and content (like investment-grade bullion), but excludes fabricated gold or silver used for industrial, professional, or artistic purposes. This policy change directly affects consumers and businesses purchasing these specific precious metal products, reducing their tax burden. The exemption is a straightforward tax policy adjustment with no additional mechanisms or requirements described in the bill text.
Maddy summaryLD 179 repeals the law that classified violating a court-imposed release condition (while on preconviction or post-conviction bail) as a Class E crime. This directly affects individuals released before trial or after conviction who fail to follow court-mandated conditions. The bill eliminates this specific offense and removes a related reference in Maine law, but it does not change the existing Class C crime for the same violation. The policy change simplifies the legal consequences for minor release violations without altering more serious charges.
Maddy summaryLD 150 proposes a constitutional amendment to change how Maine's Treasurer of State is selected. Currently appointed by the Legislature, the Treasurer would instead be elected directly by voters every two years, starting in 2026, in the same statewide election as state senators and representatives. The amendment would require a statewide referendum vote to ratify, with approval needing a majority of votes cast on the question "Do you favor amending the Constitution of Maine to provide that the Treasurer of State be elected by the people biennially..." If approved, the change would take effect after the Governor proclaims the referendum results. This directly affects the Treasurer's office and the election process for that position.
Maddy summaryLD 405 defines "solitary confinement" in Maine law as the isolation of a person in a cell or similar space for 22 or more hours within a 24-hour period, directly affecting jails and correctional facilities. The bill establishes this specific time threshold as the standard for determining when confinement qualifies as solitary under state laws. It does not change existing restrictions or requirements for using solitary confinement, only clarifies the definition for administrative and legal purposes. This definition will guide how facilities, staff, and oversight bodies interpret and apply rules related to solitary confinement. The bill is procedural, focusing solely on defining the term rather than creating new policies.
Maddy summaryLD 1899 creates a new deduction for Maine state income tax on medical and dental expenses paid by taxpayers or their spouses/dependents. It allows a deduction for expenses that qualify under federal tax law (Internal Revenue Code), even if they don't meet the federal threshold or weren't claimed on federal returns. The deduction applies to expenses not covered by insurance and is effective for tax years beginning January 1, 2026. This directly affects individual Maine taxpayers who pay for healthcare costs, expanding their state tax relief beyond federal requirements.
Maddy summaryThis bill repeals the law that created the Maine Retirement Savings Board and related provisions in Maine's statutes. It specifically removes the legal foundation for the board's existence and its authority to administer retirement plans. The repeal affects the board itself and any retirement programs it managed under the repealed law, ending its official role in overseeing these programs. The bill does not create new retirement programs or alter existing retirement benefits.
Maddy summaryLD 152 amends Maine's Freedom of Access Act to require state agencies to respond to public records requests within 30 days, replacing the previous "reasonable time" standard. Agencies must acknowledge requests within 5 working days and provide a time estimate, with a firm 30-day deadline for full compliance from the request date. This applies to all state agencies and officials handling public records, making the process more predictable for requesters. The bill does not change the scope of records available or add new costs.
Maddy summaryLD 149 proposes a constitutional amendment to require Maine voters to directly elect the Attorney General every two years, starting in 2026, instead of the current system where the Governor appoints the position. The amendment specifies that the Attorney General would be elected "in the same manner as provided for the election of Senators and Representatives." If approved by voters, this change would shift selection authority from the Governor to the public, with vacancies during legislative recess still filled by gubernatorial appointment (subject to confirmation). The resolution requires a statewide referendum in November 2026 to ratify the amendment.