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MaineLD 1213132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)SenateWALLET

An Act Regarding Apportionment of Stipends to Agricultural Fairs

Sponsored By: Craig V. Hickman (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

FAIRSFAIRS - AGRICULTURAL

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

New payout rules and caps for fairs

The law creates a Fair Fund that gets 5% of the state share each year. Eligible fair licensees split Fair Fund and Stipend Fund money by the premiums they actually paid in cash or equal value; tips and gratuities do not count. For the Stipend Fund, premiums from events outside your fair dates and lump‑sum display payments do not count. Your Stipend Fund payment cannot be more than what you raised and spent on qualifying premiums, and it cannot exceed $10,000. The $10,000 cap does not apply to extra stipends under state law or to Fair Fund, Agricultural Fair Support Fund, or Agricultural Fair Promotion Fund money.

Stricter checks before fairs get stipends

Before payment, the commissioner must certify you followed the law and paid premiums at least equal to your stipend. Tips and gratuities do not count toward that match. The State Harness Racing Commission will not release your stipend without this certification.

Which fair premiums now count for stipends

A premium now includes ribbons, trophies, money, services, or objects given as prizes in a competition or event. More classes count, including dairy products, youth agriculture events, home-made arts and crafts, and educational farm talks, workshops, and demonstrations. The commissioner may also approve other agricultural events. Some items no longer count, like Boys’ and Girls’ Club exhibits and tractor or pickup pulling contests.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Craig V. Hickman

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Caldwell Jackson

    Republican • House

  • Dean Cray

    Republican • House

  • Trey L. Stewart

    Republican • Senate

  • Mark Cooper

    Republican • House

  • Nathan Wadsworth

    Republican • House

  • Randall Hall

    Republican • House

  • Richard A. Bennett

    Independent • Senate

  • Russell J. Black

    Republican • Senate

  • Timothy Guerrette

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 161

    5/30/2025

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    5/28/2025Senate

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

    5/28/2025House

  4. 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" (S-135).In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    5/27/2025House

  5. Report READ and ACCEPTED.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (S-135) READ and ADOPTED.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-135).Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence.

    5/22/2025Senate

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

    3/21/2025Senate

  7. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY.In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    3/20/2025House

  8. Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY suggested and ordered printed REFERENCE to the Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence

    3/20/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Amendment C-A (S-135), adopted by House & Senate

    PDF

  • Enacted

    PDF

  • Introduced

    PDF

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