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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)

Became Law

FAIRSFAIRS - AGRICULTURAL

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.

Stipend Fund payments capped at $10,000

Your Stipend Fund payment cannot be more than what you actually raised and spent on eligible premiums and gratuities. It also cannot be more than $10,000 per licensee. The $10,000 cap does not apply to extra payments from Title 8, section 287 or from the Fair Fund, Agricultural Fair Support Fund, or Agricultural Fair Promotion Fund.

New Fair Fund for fair licensees

The state creates a Fair Fund. Each year, it gets 5% of the state share under Title 8, section 286. Only fair licensees who qualify for stipends may get this money. Your share is prorated by the eligible premiums and gratuities you actually paid, in cash or equal value. The same premium limits used for stipend apportionment apply here.

Commissioner must certify fair payments

Before the Racing Commission is notified, the Commissioner checks each licensee’s claim. The licensee must have followed sections 86 and 87. The licensee must also have paid premiums and gratuities at least equal to the stipend received. The Commissioner sends a certificate only if those tests are met.

Clear rules on premiums that count

“Premium” means a ribbon, trophy, cash prize, or a service or item with money value. Only premiums and gratuities you actually paid in full, in cash or equal value, count. Payments from contests held outside your annual fair period do not count. Lump-sum display or presentation payments not tied to competition do not count. Only these categories count: livestock and poultry; crops and flowers; dairy and livestock products; home canned, cooked, or baked goods; grange and farm exhibits; boys' and girls' club exhibits; youth agriculture events; mechanical arts; home arts and crafts; equine and ox pulls; tractor and pickup pulls; farm talks, workshops, and demos; and other ag events approved by the commissioner. The Stipend Fund remainder is split among eligible licensees and prorated by these paid premiums.

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. ACTPUB Chapter 161

    5/1/2026

  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

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