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MaineLD 1091132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)House

An Act to Reinforce Free Speech at Town Meetings by Requiring Opportunity for Public Comment

Sponsored By: Benjamin Hymes (Republican)

Became Law

MUNICIPALITIESMUNICIPALITIES - TOWN MEETINGS

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Guaranteed public comment at town meetings

The law requires every city or town’s governing body to allow public comment at its regular public meetings. Comments must be on matters the municipal officers handle. This does not apply to meetings of subcommittees. Cities and towns may set reasonable rules, like time limits and conduct standards.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Benjamin Hymes

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Alicia Collins

    Republican • House

  • Craig V. Hickman

    Democratic • Senate

  • David Boyer

    Republican • House

  • Gary Drinkwater

    Republican • House

  • Matt A. Harrington

    Republican • Senate

  • Reagan Paul

    Republican • House

  • Tracy Quint

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 409

    5/1/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    6/9/2025Senate

  3. PASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/9/2025House

  4. Report READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-509) READ and ADOPTED, in concurrence.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-509), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.

    6/5/2025Senate

  5. CONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-509).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/4/2025House

  6. Carried over, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.

    3/21/2025House

  7. Received by the Clerk of the House on March 14, 2025.The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2 and ordered printed pursuant to Joint Rule 401.

    3/14/2025House

Bill Text

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