Summer 2009

Dear Bowdoin, Bowdoinham and Richmond neighbors:

         It has been a privilege to serve as your State Representative for the last three years, and as Majority Whip in the Maine House for the past year.  I am proud of what we have accomplished together for our three towns and for Maine.

         Despite the national economy and its significant impact on our state budget, Maine was one of only eight states that added jobs in the first quarter of 2009.  By most measures, we are in the middle of the pack as compared with other states in this recession, which many economists are now referring to as the largest recession of this generation.

         This is why I have worked hard in the Legislature to enhance our economy, to make Maine more energy-efficient, to improve our future access to transit options, internet, and affordable health care, to care for our seniors, and to educate our youngest children.

         Below are some accomplishments of the 124^th Legislature, which convened in January and adjourned in June.  While the budget presented tough choices, we were able to balance the checkbook of government while further decreasing the tax burden we all share. 

         For more details on any of these measures or other legislative work, please visit the Maine Legislature link at this site and click on Bill Status (top right), or contact me directly at home or by email.

Sincerely,

Seth

Select Legislation Enacted in the First Session of the 124^th Legislature 
 

Economic Development in a changing economy 

L.D. 913, An Act To Authorize Bond Issues for Ratification by the Voters for the November 2009 and June 2010 Elections 

The Legislature approved a $150 million bond package, which will invest in Maine’s economy and put Maine people to work.  All told, the package will help to support thousands of jobs and provide an estimated $368 million in economic activity in the state over the coming two years when private and federal matching funds are factored in.  The proposal will invest in Maine’s transportation infrastructure, put Maine at the leading edge of the green energy revolution, and provide needed capital to help Maine businesses innovate and help Maine communities make needed environmental upgrades.  This $150 million package is based upon the framework of the bond plan that Gov. Baldacci put forward in March.   

The proposal will go to voters for their approval in three phases; November 2009, June 2010 and in November 2010.  Specifically, it would place a $71.25 million transportation infrastructure bond on this November’s ballot.  While stimulus funds are carrying much of the construction industry this summer and fall, the bond would allow firms to move forward with planning projects next winter and then execute them in the summer of 2010.  The $71.25 million in state funds would leverage an additional $133.23 million in matching funds. The second phase of the package would go to Maine voters for their approval on the June 2010 ballot.  This would include a $25 million economic development bond, an $18 million green energy bond, a $10.25 million clean drinking water, wastewater and environmental cleanup bond and a $15.5 million higher education bond.  The third round of voting would be for a $10 million conservation bond that would include $7.5 million for Land for Maine’s Future, $2 million for working waterfront and $500,000 for state park improvements.  

L.D. 1495, An Act To Implement Tax Relief and Tax Reform  

The tax reform package lowered the state’s income tax rate, the sixth highest in the nation, from 8.5 percent to 6.5 percent for incomes under $250,000, and from 8.5 percent to 6.85 percent for those over.  The drop was paid for by expanding the sales tax to a number of highly exportable and discretionary services. The tax reform package will reduce the tax burden on Mainers by $57.1 million, moving it to out of state visitors.  The state’s top income tax rate of 8.5 percent has been an excessive burden on our citizens.  The top income tax rate is paid by residents at a very low income level and reducing it will help working families across the state who are struggling to make ends meet by putting more money in their pockets. 

The high income tax rate has been a barrier to job creation in our state.  By reducing the top rate of the income and capital gains taxes by over 20 percent, investments in Maine projects will now go further and create greater opportunities, and the new code will better use tax policy to ensure the state’s economic viability. 
 

L.D. 1473, An Act To Reaffirm Maine's Commitment to Business by Amending the Pine Tree Development Zone Laws  

This law expands the Pine Tree Development Zone benefits statewide and will spur business growth and job creation throughout the state. The law will work within the context of the already successful Pine Tree Development Zone program, which was introduced in 2003 to attract business expansion to areas of the state with high unemployment and low wages. To date, 213 companies have been certified and 2,500 quality jobs have been created through the program. These jobs offer access to group health insurance and retirement, and pay wages that are at or above the county per capita average. 

L.D. 1012, A Resolve Directing the ConnectME Authority To Create the Broadband Strategy Council   

The bill as amended directs the ConnectME Authority to establish the Broadband Strategy Council to advise the authority on all matters pertaining to broadband opportunities available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, as well as advise the University of Maine System with respect to matters pertaining to the lease or sale of excess broadband capacity as a result of the conversion of the education broadband spectrum. The Broadband Strategy Council consists of 11 members, including two members of the Senate and three members of the House of Representatives, and is staffed by the ConnectME Authority.   

L.D. 562, An Act To Support Maine State Parks  

This bill authorizes the Department of Conservation’s Bureau of Parks and Lands to rent items to be used for the enjoyment of a state park or historic site, such as canoes, kayaks or bicycles. The Bureau could also sell items that are distinctive to the site, such as t-shirts, hats, mugs or other appropriate items. The bill would require, whenever possible, that the Bureau contract with Maine vendors in order to support Maine-based businesses. 

L.D. 246, An Act Regarding Violations of Lobster Conservation Laws  

This bill protects our lobster industry by increasing fines and penalties for lobster trap molestation and the taking of illegal lobsters, increasing the monetary fines for conviction of violation of certain lobster conservation laws, and providing that an individual is not eligible for election as a lobster management policy council member if that individual has been convicted of a lobster law violation within the past seven years. 

Marine Resources Budget, Marine Resources Committee 

Protects Maine’s multi-million dollar shellfish industry by working by finding resources to fund water quality monitoring, in order to keep our clam flats open for harvesting.  The budget funding for three new positions to test water quality prevented a complete shutdown of Maine’s shellfish industry by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.  

L.D. 1474, An Act To Assist Maine Workers and Businesses in Succeeding in a Changing Economy   

This bill makes training programs available to more workers affected by economic downturns such as the present one.  It amends the definition of "dislocated worker" used to establish eligibility for extended unemployment benefits for workers in an approved training program, and extends coverage to those who have been terminated or laid off as a result of a reduction in operations at their place of employment, as well as others not previously covered. 

L.D. 1418, An Act To Preserve Home Ownership and Stabilize the Economy by Preventing Unnecessary Foreclosures  

This law creates a process for homeowners to negotiate with lenders and mortgage servicers before a foreclosure action is final by establishing a court-supervised mediation process in foreclosure proceedings. The counseling, mediation and notice provisions of the law complement the financial incentives the Obama administration is proposing, which will provide incentives for servicers to negotiate more loans.   
 

Public Health and Safety 

L.D. 550, An Act To Protect Maine Residents from Home Fires and Carbon Monoxide  

This bill requires that all multi-unit apartment building and single-family dwellings, sold or newly constructed in the state, have at least one carbon monoxide detector in an area with access to a bedroom. The bill also tightens regulations governing smoke detector locations. The law provides $100,000 from the Fire Marshall’s office to fund purchase of carbon monoxide detectors to be provided to qualifying homeowners. 

L.D. 1242, An Act To Streamline the Regulatory Process for Commercial Building Construction Projects   

This bill requires the Department of Public Safety, Office of the State Fire Marshall, to delegate fire code permitting authority to municipalities.  The bill amends the law concerning certain public building projects, allowing the option of municipal review for those projects. The bill creates a new section of law that outlines the circumstances that need to be satisfied before the Commissioner of Public Safety may delegate permitting authority to a municipality. 

L.D. 621, An Act Allowing Workers' Compensation Benefits for Firefighters Who Contract Cancer  

This bill ensures a firefighter who contracts cancer in the course of employment as a firefighter is covered by worker’s compensation insurance.  The firefighter must have received a test for cancer that failed to detect the cancer during the time of that firefighter's employment. This bill makes the last employer for whom the firefighter worked at the time of the last exposure to the risk of cancer and that employer's insurer liable for the cancer. 

L.D. 67, An Act To Protect Maine's State Parks and State Historic Sites 

The law prohibits smoking in, on or within 20 feet of a beach, playground, snack bar, group picnic shelter, business facility, enclosed area, public place or restroom in a state park or state historic site. It also requires Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention to erect signs and undertake public education initiatives regarding the prohibition. 

L.D. 820, An Act To Prohibit Smoking in Outdoor Eating Areas  

This law prohibits smoking in outdoor eating areas of restaurants. The law requires eating establishments to notify their patrons of the prohibition on smoking and to request that persons in the outdoor eating area comply with the law. 

L.D. 1259, An Act To Increase Access to Nutrition Information 

The new menu labeling law requires chain restaurants with 20 or more establishments and at least one in Maine to post calorie data on menus, menu boards and drive-throughs. The policy has been supported as an effort to give consumers access to important nutrition information in order to help them make healthier decisions for themselves and for their children. With skyrocketing rates of chronic diseases like type II diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers that are linked to our diets, it is important to make this information more easily accessible.  

L.D. 1230, An Act To Prohibit the Delivery of Tobacco Products to Consumers To Prevent the Sale of Tobacco Products to Minors  

This bill prohibits delivery sales of tobacco products in the state to anybody other than a licensed tobacco distributor or a licensed tobacco retailer. It exempts delivery sales of large or premium cigars to adult purchasers. 

L.D. 427, An Act To Require School Bus Drivers and School Bus Attendants To Report Suspected Child Abuse

This bill adds school bus drivers and school bus attendants to the list of those required to file a report to the Department of Health and Human Services if they suspect child abuse or neglect has occurred or is likely.

L.D. 324, An Act to Allow Limited Information Sharing in Domestic Violence Cases  

The bill creates additional protections for victims of domestic violence by developing a better community response plan for individuals trying to protect themselves from an abuser. It amends Maine’s criminal history record law to allow law enforcement agencies to share investigative reports with family violence projects and other service providers. The bill enhances this collaboration process while also protecting confidential information. 
 

L.D. 632, An Act To Increase Payments to Victims of Crimes  

The bill broadens the expenses that can be reimbursed to victims of violent crimes through Maine’s Victims’ Compensation Program. The Victims’ Compensation Program, formed in 1992 and managed by the Attorney General’s Office, provides financial reimbursement for losses suffered by victims of violent crime and their families. Many people who use the funds are without adequate resources with which to address profound crime-related losses. The bill would expand the expenses that can be reimbursed to include travel expenses and loss of income for a victim or family member of a victim when providing or obtaining care for the victim. The bill would also enable the program to help a victim install locks on their home and help with security deposit costs. In addition, this bill would increase the payment to hospitals for forensic exams from $500 to $750.

L.D. 154, An Act To Enhance the Safety of Forestry Workers and Contracted Farm Workers

This bill adds migrant and seasonal farm workers to the law providing protections for forestry workers. Farm labor contractors who are required to register under the federal Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act are required to file their federal registration with the state Department of Labor, listing a contact within the State. They are also required to provide first aid training, first aid kits and safe transportation for their workers.

L.D. 1132, An Act To Establish the Maine Commission on Indigent Legal Services   

This bill establishes the Maine Commission on Indigent Legal Services, an independent and permanent statutory entity, to provide efficient high-quality representation to indigents, juveniles, and children and parents in child protective cases. 

L.D. 441, An Act To Establish the Crime of Motor Vehicle Violation Resulting in Death  

This bill establishes the civil violation of motor vehicle violation resulting in death. A person commits the civil violation if the person, while operating a motor vehicle and committing a traffic infraction, causes the death of another person. The penalty for this violation is a mandatory license suspension from 14 days to four years and may also include a fine not to exceed $5,000 and community service work.

L.D. 1293, An Act To Require Citizen Notification of Pesticide Applications Using Aerial Spray or Air-carrier Application Equipment**

This bill protects Mainers from toxic pesticide inhalation and related health problems, including potential damage to children’s cognitive and/or physical development, by establishing the nation’s most comprehensive pesticide notification system. Abutters are notified at least once every three years of their right to be included on a statewide notification registry.   Once on the registry, a resident within ¼ mile of a field about to be sprayed is notified of any aerial or air-carrier pesticide spraying which may drift significantly within this distance.  

L.D. 6, An Act To Establish a Distracted Driver Law

This bill makes failure to maintain control of a motor vehicle a traffic infraction, and defines "operation of a motor vehicle while distracted" as the operation of a motor vehicle by a person who, while operating the vehicle, is engaged in an activity that is not necessary to the operation of the vehicle and that actually impairs, or would reasonably be expected to impair, the ability of the person to safely operate the vehicle.  This may include, but is not limited to, text messaging or emailing from a cell phone device. 

Quality, Affordable Health Care 

L.D. 1205, An Act To Establish a Health Care Bill of Rights  

This legislation will increase transparency in the health insurance marketplace. The bill increases disclosure, gives the insurance superintendent more authority to oversee rate increases and allows consumers to more easily compare health insurance plans. The law will ensure that insurance policies have clearly defined terms and standard benefit descriptions, and that actual policies, not misleading and incomplete summaries, will be posted online so consumers can see the full policies before they purchase. The bill will help businesses and individuals by providing good information about complex policies. 

L.D. 1078, An Act To Strengthen Sustainable Long-term Supportive Services for Maine Citizens

This bill enacts a new chapter on consumer-driven, in-home and community support services for the elderly and adults with disabilities. It establishes a coordinated program of in-home and community support services for adults with long-term care needs effective July 1, 2010 and directs the department to adopt major substantive rules and other planning processes for the administration of the program.

L.D. 234, An Act To Expand Access to Oral Health Care  

This bill expands access to preventive dental care to Mainers throughout the state, especially in rural areas where there is a shortage of dental practices. The bill requires insurance carriers that already provide coverage for dental services in their policies and contracts to provide coverage for dental services performed by an independent practice dental hygienist. Last year, Maine became the second state in the nation to allow dental hygienists to set up independent practices in response to lack of access to preventive dental care throughout the state. Independent dental hygienists perform limited functions including cleanings, sealants, fluoride treatments, education and referrals, and they must be licensed through the Maine Board of Dental Examiners.   

L.D. 1264, An Act to Stabilize Funding and Enable Dirigo Choice to Reach More Uninsured  

This law protects current members of DirigoChoice by replacing the current funding system, the controversial “Savings Offset Payment (SOP),” with a more stable funding source that will stabilize the program. Many of the current problems with the Dirigo program can be traced back to the volatile funding source, which has been a consistent issue since its inception. The legislation replaces the SOP with a fixed monthly fee that will be paid by the same insurance companies that pay the fee currently, and will not cost any more than they are already paying. It will also reopen the program to accept new enrollees in 2011. 

L.D. 1038, An Act Regarding the Prevention and Reporting of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus  and  L.D. 960, ‘Resolve, Requiring Rulemaking by the Maine Health Data Organization in Consultation with the Maine Quality Forum Regarding Clostridium Difficile and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus’ 

Together, these two pieces of legislation would make hospitals safer by requiring enhanced reporting and guidelines to reduce the number of cases of highly infectious MRSA, or Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, as well as Clostridium Difficile.  Hospitals in Pennsylvania have adopted guidelines and have significantly reduced their rates of MRSA, which is now thought to kill more Americans each year than HIV/AIDS. 

L.D. 1223, An Act To Allow Pharmacists To Administer Certain Immunizations

This bill will let pharmacists administer certain drugs and immunizations, including the influenza vaccine, intranasal influenza vaccine, pneumococcal vaccine, shingles or herpes zoster vaccine, tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis vaccine and tetanus-diphtheria vaccine with certain restrictions. 

L.D. 1397, An Act To Allow Efficient Health Insurance Coverage

This bill lets carriers include financial incentives to members to use designated providers and makes other changes that let companies offer products in which consumers can choose to travel further for improved quality, patient safety and efficiency while protecting quality of care.

L.D. 1363, An Act To Establish and Promote Statewide Collaboration and Coordination in Public Health Activities and To Enact a Universal Wellness Initiative  

This bill coordinates and streamlines the public health system in Maine. The law prepares the state’s public health system for federally recognized public health accreditation and ensures the effective, efficient and evidence-based delivery of essential public health services. The bill recognizes and formally establishes Healthy Maine Partnerships, which will serve as district coordinating councils for public health and the Statewide Coordinating Council for Public Health. The bill also establishes a universal wellness initiative using the existing resources of the public health infrastructure. 
 

Education

L.D. 1446, An Act To Create the Maine Online Learning Program

Establishes the Maine Online Learning Program, which will provide high-quality educational options for kindergarten to grade 12 students using online learning programs and courses, beginning no later than June 30, 2010.  Teachers employed by the online learning provider and who provide instruction to students will hold a valid teaching certificate in each content area being taught or they will receive approval from the Commissioner of Education to teach in the online learning program.  School administrative units will develop agreements to access online learning programs or courses offered by other school administrative units.

L.D. 1049, An Act to Encourage Cooperation Among School Units

This bill provides for the formation of regional education cooperatives. School administrative units established as of July 1, 2009 may voluntarily join a cooperative of their choice, to help reduce costs and improve quality of functions such as alternative or special education programs; public preschool programs or 2-year kindergartens; gifted and talented education programs; online learning and distance education programs; postsecondary education options; adult education programs; purchasing or contracting for goods or services; staff training or professional development; technology or technology support services; accounting, payroll and financial management; transportation routing and vehicle maintenance; food service planning and purchasing; and/or energy management and facilities maintenance.

L.D. 285, An Act to Amend the Laws Governing the Consolidation of School Administrative Units To Delay All Penalties for One Year 

This bill delays the financial penalties imposed on a school administrative unit for nonconformance with the laws governing the reorganization of school administrative units until the fiscal year that begins on July 1, 2010. 

L.D. 969, An Act To Amend the Laws Governing the Maine Children's Growth Council**

This bill extends the life and membership of the Maine Children’s Growth Council, while also making it eligible for federal funding to improve Maine’s early childhood policies and systems.  The job of the Children’s Growth Council is to achieve investment in the healthy development of Maine’s young children.  The Council is also charged with implementing the State’s long-term plan for a unified, statewide early childhood system, titled Invest Early in Maine.  
 

Energy Independence and a Clean Environment 

L.D. 1485, An Act Regarding Maine's Energy Future  

The Legislature passed a landmark, sweeping energy package that included money for renewable energy, weatherization and workforce development programming in emerging green industries.  The legislation was the product of the Joint Select Committee on Maine’s Energy Future, a committee that was formed especially this year following last summer and fall’s energy crisis.  The Committee’s recommendations focused on consolidating efficiency programs for homes and businesses under one roof and establishing ongoing weatherization efforts.  

L.D. 1485 created a new “Efficiency Maine Trust” to provide a “one stop shop” for consumers and businesses to access so they can start weatherizing and improving their efficiency and reduce their energy costs.  The new Trust will formulate programs and structures to achieve the goals established in the bill including weatherizing 100% of Maine homes, 50% of Maine businesses, and reducing heating fuel consumption by 20%. 

The legislation authorizes the expenditure of $79 million in federal economic stimulus funds in order to fund efficiency and weatherization efforts for low and middle income households as well as businesses. The legislation also provides for a study of leasing energy transmission corridors.  There will be a Legislative Study Commission to explore the valuation process for energy corridors within the state. The first $50 million of any monies derived each year from any such leases will be dedicated to the new Trust. 

L.D. 973, An Act to Provide for the Safe Collection and Recycling of Mercury-containing Lighting **

Because improper disposal of compact bulbs is the fastest-growing source of toxic mercury in our environment, this bill directs manufacturers to establish a safe and cost-effective recycling system in all Maine communities. This first-in-the-nation legislation readies Maine for the 2014 national phase-out of incandescent lighting, helps us reduce carbon emissions and save roughly $30-100 per bulb, and follows our successful first-in-the-nation e-waste program, in which makers of certain electronic products pay for the recycling of these devices. 

L.D. 1075, An Act To Promote Community-based Energy  

This bill creates a 50 megawatt community-based renewable energy pilot program. The bill defines a community-based energy project which requires support from the municipality where the project will be located. The bill directs the Maine PUC to create a technology-specific pricing schedule for projects less than 1 MW, and a competitive bidding system (with a ceiling price) for projects larger than 1 MW with a maximum size of 10 MW. Generators will receive either a long-term contract of up to 20 years or a renewable energy credit multiplier. The program has a 5-year sunset. The bill also provides for creation of a community-based green energy standard offer to be available to all residential and small commercial electricity customers. 

L.D. 1465, An Act To Facilitate Testing and Demonstration of Renewable Ocean Energy Technology  

This bill establishes streamlined ocean energy permitting for five sites along Maine's coast for companies to test renewable ocean energy technologies, including but not limited to offshore wind energy. 

L.D. 536, An Act To Enhance Maine's Electronic Waste Recycling Law  

The Legislature passed a bill to strengthen the state’s landmark electronic waste recycling law. The bill, L.D. 536, adds desktop printers and video game consoles to the existing law. It also requires manufacturers of those items and computer monitors and televisions to pay an annual registration fee of $3,000. The fee will help make the program self-sustaining. 

L.D. 73, An Act To Protect the Right To Use Solar Energy  

This bill would ensure homeowners’ and renters’ rights to use solar energy devices. L.D. 73 will prohibit local governments, homeowner and condominium associations from adopting new rules

or covenants that would prevent residents from installing solar energy devices, including solar collectors and clotheslines or other equipment for the drying of clothing outdoors.

L.D. 330, An Act To Change the Classification of Certain Waters of the State

Upgrades the classification of a number of Maine rivers, marking substantial progress towards improved fishing, recreation, and related economic opportunities as water quality improves.

L.D. 935, An Act To Rate Energy Efficiency and Carbon Emissions of Buildings   

This bill creates a voluntary program for building energy efficiency and carbon emission performance, with standardized rating and reporting and a voluntary library with results.   

L.D. 389, An Act To Facilitate the State's Existing Commitment to the Production of Liquid Biofuels  

This legislation supports the development of liquid biofuels by eliminating the Agriculturally Derived Fuel Fund and amends the Clean Fuel Vehicle Fund to include sustainable biofuel projects.  It also allows the Secretary of State to develop and administer a cost-effective method for a person to contribute to the clean fuel vehicle fund through an online process.

L.D. 37, An Act To Allow a Weight Tolerance for Vehicle Auxiliary Power Units

A significant contributor to vehicle pollution is idling by long-distance truck drivers.  Auxiliary power units help prevent this idling, by providing heat, air conditioning, engine warming and/or electricity components on a heavy duty vehicle. This bill makes an allowance for vehicle auxiliary power units in the laws governing highway weight limits for vehicles, thus helping truckers use these units and avoid long idling periods on Maine highways.

L.D. 220, An Act To Increase the Availability of Solar and Wind Power

This bill extends the solar and wind energy rebate program from 2010 to 2015, creating a more predictable market for green energy businesses. The amended bill also directs the Public Utilities Commission to use federal stimulus funds made available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to increase funding for the solar and wind energy rebate program by $500,000 per year for a 2-year period and to include performance standards and payback timetables as an educational tool for program applicants. 
 
 
 

Veterans 

L.D. 51, An Act to Allow Military Personnel Living in Maine to Benefit under the Maine Resident Homestead Property Tax Exemption  

This legislation will allow members of the military who are living and serving on active duty in the state to be eligible for the Homestead Exemption, which exempts $13,000 of a home’s value for the purposes of assessing local property taxes when the homeowner meets certain criteria.  Military personnel often meet all of the criteria but do not claim Maine as their legal residence. 

L.D. 1488, An Act To Provide Free Admission to State Parks to All Maine Veterans  

This bill provides free access to all Maine’s state parks to all Maine residents who are veterans and active duty military personnel living in Maine and their families.  

L.D. 1090, An Act To Provide a Waiver of the Tuition Remaining after the Application of Federal Department of Veterans Affairs Payments to Veterans Eligible for Benefits under the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008

This legislation waives tuition to an undergraduate program in the University of Maine System, the Maine Community College system and the Maine Maritime Academy, encouraging young veterans to attend Maine colleges and universities. 
 

Civil Rights 

L.D. 1020, An Act To End Discrimination in Civil Marriage and Affirm Religious Freedom 

This bill repeals the state law that limits marriage to one man and one woman and replaces it with the authorization for marriage between any two persons that meet the other requirements of Maine law. The bill further affirms religious freedom and clarifies that the law does not compel any religious organization to alter its doctrine, policy or teaching regarding marriage.

L.D. 236, An Act To Establish the Permanent Commission on the Status of Women

This legislation re-established the Permanent Commission on the Status of Women to ensure that there will always be an assessment of the impacts of all public policy on women and girls. 
 

Governmental Ethics and Transparency 

L.D. 1111, An Act To Promote Transparency and Accountability in Campaigns and Governmental Ethics   

This bill makes several changes to increase transparency and accountability in campaigns and legislative ethics. The bill strengthens the legislative standard for conflict of interest, requires lobbyists to submit a digital picture and a list of the committees they will be lobbying, calls for the publishing of a lobbyist directory, and prohibits candidates and their spouses from serving as campaign treasurers and deputy treasurers. It also establishes a contribution limit to political action committees of $10,000 from any one source per election cycle. 

L.D. 235, An Act To Provide Fiscal Information for Citizen Initiatives  

This bill improves transparency in the citizen initiative process be requiring financial information about how much a proposal will cost if enacted be readily accessible to voters through various methods.  A fiscal estimate will be included on every petition to be circulated for that direct initiative. It requires initiative petitions to include a space at the top of each page for the name of the circulator and requires the fiscal impact statement to be printed on initiative petitions and election ballots and to be posted in voting places and in voting booths. 

L.D. 1210, An Act Regarding Volunteer Lobbyists 

This bill protects public access to government by providing that a person is not considered a lobbyist if that person receives only reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenditures for lobbying-related activities made during the course of lobbying and is not otherwise compensated. 

L.D. 640, An Act To Ensure Public Access to Records Relating to Public Contracts for Personal Services**

This bill provides that records of personal services work performed by private contractors are open to the public to the same extent as records relating to work performed directly by the State. 

Miscellaneous 

L.D. 1008, An Act To Increase Consumer Choice for Wine  

This bill establishes a license to allow for the direct shipment of wine from certain in-state and out-of-state wineries to recipients who are 21 years of age or older. The law provides measures to prevent underage drinking and enforce current liquor laws. 

L.D. 638 – An Act to Exempt Snowmobiles Operated at Demonstration Events from the Requirement of a Maine Registration 

This bill allows the Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to exempt snowmobiles from the requirement of having a license for the purposes of special events, such as a northern, cross-border snowmobile demonstration or festival.