An Act to Increase the Procurement of Maine Foods by Certain State Institutions
Sponsored By: Craig V. Hickman (Democratic)
Became Law
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
State facilities buy 30% Maine food by 2030
The law requires certain state facilities to buy Maine food. These include the Department of Corrections, the Dorothea Dix and Riverview Psychiatric Centers, and Maine Veterans’ Homes. By 2030, at least 30% of their food purchases, by dollars, must be Maine‑origin. The commissioner sets rules to measure the share by dollars for each commodity type and to set benchmarks toward the goal. The rules also set guidelines for off‑contract purchases.
Direct buys from Maine producers allowed
State institutions can buy directly from Maine producers outside state contracts. This covers vegetables, fruit, eggs, grains and grain products, herbs, and spices. It also covers milk and dairy, meat and poultry, fish and seafood, cider or juice, canned or frozen foods, honey, maple products, and condiments. Prices under these off‑contract buys may be up to 15% higher than the same item under contract. The law defines “opportunity buying” as short‑window items that can be purchased outside regular contracts.
Coordinator and advisory team for local buying
The commissioner names an Institutional Food Procurement Coordinator. The coordinator links Maine producers with state buyers and helps with solicitations and bid reviews. The coordinator also identifies producers for off‑contract purchases, sets sourcing guidelines, and convenes an annual meeting. The commissioner may also create an advisory committee with diverse members to advise this work.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Craig V. Hickman
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
Henry L. Ingwersen
Democratic • Senate
Jeffrey L. Timberlake
Republican • Senate
Joseph M. Baldacci
Democratic • Senate
Rachel Talbot Ross
Democratic • Senate
Russell J. Black
Republican • Senate
Stacey K. Guerin
Republican • Senate
Suzanne Salisbury
Democratic • House
Tracy Quint
Republican • House
William Pluecker
Independent • House
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
ACTPUB Chapter 521
1/11/2026HELD BY THE GOVERNOR.
7/8/2025SenateOn motion by Senator ROTUNDO of Androscoggin taken from the Special Appropriations Table PASSED TO BE ENACTED - Emergency -2/3 Elected Required in concurrence.
6/25/2025SenateOn motion by Senator RENY of Lincoln PLACED ON THE SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS TABLE pending ENACTMENT in concurrence
6/13/2025SenateThis being an emergency measure, a two-thirds vote of all the members elected to the House was necessary.PASSED TO BE ENACTED.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
6/12/2025HouseCONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-352).In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
6/11/2025HouseReport READ and ACCEPTED.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (S-352) READ and ADOPTED.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-352).Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence.
6/11/2025SenateCARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.
3/21/2025SenateThe Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY.In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
3/18/2025HouseCommittee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY suggested and ordered printed REFERENCE to the Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence
3/18/2025Senate
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (S-352), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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