An Act to Protect the Right to Food
Sponsored By: Craig V. Hickman (Democratic)
Became Law
Personalized for You
How does this bill affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Right to garden and public food spaces
You have the right to grow a vegetable garden on your own property anywhere in Maine. You can also garden on private land if the owner gives permission. Towns and other local governments can create permaculture, food forests, and community gardens on public land and accept donations to run them. The State will add edible plants and community gardens to Capitol Park when funding and the park plan allow. Local rules like setbacks, water quality, habitat, and pesticide rules still apply if they do not block gardening.
Easier direct food sales and local rules
The law clarifies who counts as a food producer and a consumer for direct sales. It lists products like eggs, honey, herbs, nuts, maple products, canned goods, baked items, and prepared foods as allowed in direct producer‑to‑consumer transactions. Cities, towns, and counties can pass local food‑sovereignty rules for direct sales and traditional foodways. The State does not enforce conflicting state laws on those covered local matters. The effect for you depends on whether your local government adopts such an ordinance.
State policy: protected right to food
The law declares the right to food as a protected value in state policy. It sets food sovereignty principles that center fair, culturally appropriate food, local control of resources, and traditional foodways. Agencies are directed to focus on equity and reducing household food insecurity. These changes guide programs but do not give direct cash or benefits by themselves.
Public land farm leases and priorities
The State can lease public land for growing crops, hay, or pasture with the Governor’s and commissioner’s consent. Leases can be ended by the bureau at any time, and lessees get no compensation if a lease is ended. Priority consideration may go to veterans and to people with a history of generational poverty or land dispossession. This creates new land access options but also risk if you invest in a parcel that is later terminated.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Craig V. Hickman
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
ACTPUB Chapter 309
6/15/2025PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.
6/2/2025SenatePASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
6/2/2025HouseCONSENT 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-162).In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
5/29/2025HouseReport READ and ACCEPTED.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (S-162) READ and ADOPTED.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-162).Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence.
5/28/2025SenateCARRIED 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.
1/8/2025HouseCommittee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY suggested and ordered printed REFERENCE to the Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence
1/8/2025Senate
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (S-162), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
Related Bills
LD 1522, An Act to Establish the Maine Eviction Prevention Program
LD 1665, An Act to Provide Property Tax Relief to Maine Families
LD 1872, An Act to Reinvest in the Pension Funds of the Maine Public Employees Retirement System
LD 2067, An Act to Include Community Mental Health Workers Under the 1998 Special Plan for Retirement
LD 1611, An Act to Decrease the Retirement Contributions Required for Teachers and State Employees
LD 1294, An Act to Expand the Dependent Exemption Tax Credit