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MaineLD 1587132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)House

An Act to Clarify the Bureau of Labor Standards' Investigatory and Enforcement Procedures

Sponsored By: Matthew Beck (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

CRIMESCRIMES - NEW

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Faster wage payments and daily penalties

The Bureau can order payment and penalties for violations of chapters 7 or 15. After all appeals end, payment is due within 30 calendar days. Late payment adds up to $1,000 per day until paid. The director can order you to fix violations; failing to fix on time adds up to $1,000 per day, and the clock starts after good‑faith appeals end. If ordered to pay wages, damages, or interest, the employer must certify payment within 7 days to each worker’s last known address or swear under penalty of perjury.

Stronger state labor investigations and subpoenas

The Bureau of Labor Standards can investigate suspected violations of chapters 7 and 15. The director can require records, take testimony, and administer oaths. Testimony happens in the person’s home or business county, or in Kennebec County for nonresidents or those without a Maine business. Subpoenas follow state rule Title 5, section 9060. The Bureau can serve them by delivery to the person or agent, delivery to the Maine business address, or by registered or certified mail to the business or listed service address.

Asset levies to collect unpaid wages

Once amounts due become delinquent, the director may mail a notice of levy to anyone holding the debtor’s property or owing them money. The levy can attach bank and savings accounts and other nonexempt property, but not earnings. It is effective on delivery against property without preexisting liens and also against later property that comes in. A person who honors the levy is released from liability. Transferring property in violation makes that person liable up to the value.

Notices must reach all affected workers

Employers must post any notice of violation where employees can see it. If there is no place to post, the employer must give a copy to each employee. If the notice covers a set time period, the employer must notify everyone who worked then. Mail, email, or text are OK, and the message must use the language the employer normally uses with those employees.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Matthew Beck

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Amy Roeder

    Democratic • House

  • Anne M. Carney

    Democratic • Senate

  • Deqa Dhalac

    Democratic • House

  • Eleanor Sato

    Democratic • House

  • Mana Abdi

    Democratic • House

  • Marc Malon

    Democratic • House

  • Rafael Macias

    Democratic • House

  • Ryan Fecteau

    Democratic • House

  • Sean Faircloth

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 154 • No: 147

House vote • 3/5/2026

RECEDE AND CONCUR

Yes: 72 • No: 68

Senate vote • 2/26/2026

ACCEPT MAJORITY OUGHT TO PASS AS AMENDED REPORT

Yes: 18 • No: 14

House vote • 2/24/2026

OTP-AM BY CA "A"

Yes: 64 • No: 65

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 568

    3/19/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    3/12/2026Senate

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

    3/10/2026House

  4. The House RECEDED and CONCURRED to ACCEPTANCE of the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report and PASSAGE TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-808).ROLL CALL NO. 631(Yeas 72 - Nays 68 - Absent 9 - Excused 1 - Vacant 1)ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    3/5/2026House

  5. COMMITTEE ON BILLS IN THE SECOND READING REPORTS NO FURTHER VERBAL AMENDMENTS NECESSARY. REPORT ACCEPTED.READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-808) in NON-CONCURRENCE. Sent down for concurrence

    3/3/2026Senate

  6. Reports READOn motion by Senator TIPPING of Penobscot the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report ACCEPTED. Roll Call Ordered Roll Call Number 725 Yeas 18 - Nays 14 - Excused 3 - Absent 0 Bill READ ONCE. Committee Amendment "A" (H-808) READ and ADOPTED. ASSIGNED FOR SECOND READING NEXT LEGISLATIVE DAY.

    2/26/2026Senate

  7. Reports READ.Motion of Representative ROEDER of Bangor to ACCEPT the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report FAILED.ROLL CALL NO. 622(Yeas 64 - Nays 65 - Absent 19 - Excused 1 - Vacant 2)Subsequently, on motion of Representative ROEDER of Bangor, the Minority Ought Not to Pass Report was ACCEPTED.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    2/24/2026House

  8. Carried over, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800.

    6/25/2025House

  9. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on LABOR in concurrence

    4/10/2025Senate

  10. Committee on Labor suggested and ordered printed. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on LABOR.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    4/10/2025House

Bill Text

  • Amendment C-A (H-808), adopted by House & Senate

    PDF

  • Enacted

    PDF

  • Introduced

    PDF

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