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MaineLD 1640132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)SenateWALLET

An Act to Implement the Recommendations of the Gagetown Harmful Chemical Study Commission and to Reestablish the Gagetown Harmful Chemical Study Commission

Sponsored By: Craig V. Hickman (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

VETERANSVETERANS - BENEFITS

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Voluntary registry for Gagetown-trained Mainers

The Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services runs a voluntary registry for people who trained at Base Gagetown and are current or former Maine residents. Next of kin can submit data for deceased veterans. The registry collects your service details, when you trained at Gagetown, and self‑reported health conditions or cause of death. Your data stays confidential and is shared only with your written consent, and only with groups doing research on chemical exposure and health. The bureau can use the data for outreach and research. The bureau must make reasonable efforts to find eligible people, contact those who gave earlier information, and work with veterans’ groups, VA medical centers, Maine Veterans’ Homes, other Maine programs, and the Maine National Guard. It may also contact other states to help identify affected National Guard units.

Commission to study Gagetown chemical exposure

The law reestablishes a 12‑member Gagetown Harmful Chemical Study Commission. The first‑named Senate and House members serve as chairs. Appointments are due within 30 days after the law takes effect. The commission can request information from the U.S. Department of Defense and other federal agencies. It must deliver findings and recommended laws to the veterans affairs committee by November 4, 2026.

One-time $250,000 to build the registry

The state provides a one‑time $250,000 General Fund appropriation in 2026–27 to set up the Base Gagetown Training Registry. The money pays consulting costs to build the registry. The budget shows $0 in 2025–26 and $250,000 in 2026–27. The funds do not lapse and carry forward until used for this purpose.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Craig V. Hickman

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Billy Bob Faulkingham

    Republican • House

  • Bradlee T. Farrin

    Republican • Senate

  • Trey L. Stewart

    Republican • Senate

  • Kenneth Fredette

    Republican • House

  • Laura Supica

    Democratic • House

  • Mark Babin

    Republican • House

  • Morgan Rielly

    Democratic • House

  • Nicole C. Grohoski

    Democratic • Senate

  • Susan Bernard

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 763

    4/16/2026

  2. On motion by Senator DUSON of Cumberland taken from the Special Study Table Subsequently, PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    4/14/2026Senate

  3. On motion by Senator DUSON of Cumberland placed on the SPECIAL STUDY TABLE pending PASSAGE TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    4/14/2026Senate

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

    4/13/2026House

  5. The House RECEDED and CONCURRED to PASSAGE TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-347) as Amended by Senate Amendment "A" (S-700) thereto.ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    4/13/2026House

  6. On motion by Senator ROTUNDO of Androscoggin taken from the Special Appropriations Table On motion by Same Senator the Senate SUSPENDED THE RULES to RECONSIDER their actions whereby the Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED by Committee Amendment "A" (S-347) in concurrence. On further motion by Same Senator the Senate SUSPENDED THE RULES to RECONSIDER their actions whereby Committee Amendment "A" (S-347) was ADOPTED. On further motion by Same Senator Senate Amendment "A" (S-700) to Committee Amendment "A" (S-347) READ and ADOPTED. Committee Amendment "A" (S-347) as Amended by Senate Amendment "A" (S-700) thereto ADOPTED. PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-347) as Amended by Senate Amendment "A" (S-700) thereto in NON-CONCURRENCE. Sent down for concurrence.

    4/13/2026Senate

  7. CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800.

    6/25/2025Senate

  8. On motion by Senator RENY of Lincoln PLACED ON THE SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS TABLE pending ENACTMENT in concurrence

    6/13/2025Senate

  9. This 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.

    6/12/2025House

  10. 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-347).In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/11/2025House

  11. Report READ and ACCEPTED.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (S-347) READ and ADOPTED.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-347).Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence.

    6/11/2025Senate

  12. Received by the Secretary of the Senate on April 11, 2025 and REFERRED to the Committee on VETERANS AND LEGAL AFFAIRS pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2

    4/11/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Amendment C-A (S-347), adopted by House & Senate

    PDF

  • Amendment S-A to C-A (S-700), adopted by House & Senate

    PDF

  • Enacted

    PDF

  • Introduced

    PDF

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