An Act to Establish the Fund for a Healthy Maine Stabilization Fund
Sponsored By: Richard A. Bennett (Independent)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
New reserve to steady health programs
The law creates a dedicated, nonlapsing reserve inside the Fund for a Healthy Maine. The State Controller manages it. Effective April 6, 2026. In 2026 and 2027, the state deposits all amounts it resolves from disputed tobacco‑settlement adjustments. In 2028 and later, it deposits 10% of those disputed amounts. The reserve also gets a share of investment earnings. Starting July 1, 2027, money first keeps planned program funding at levels budgeted from settlement payments expected before April 30, 2028. Next, it reduces the need for short‑term borrowing and shifts settlement payments to fund the year after they arrive. If money remains, it can support allowed health promotion, research, and planning. If the reserve is ever ended, any remaining balance returns to the main Fund for a Healthy Maine.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Richard A. Bennett
Independent • Senate
Cosponsors
Anne Graham
Democratic • House
John Ducharme
Republican • House
Peggy R. Rotundo
Democratic • Senate
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 641
4/6/2026PASSED TO BE ENACTED - Emergency - 2/3 Elected Required, in concurrence.
3/25/2026SenateThis 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.
3/24/2026HouseCONSENT 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-548).In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
3/19/2026HouseCOMMITTEE 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" (S-548)Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence.
3/18/2026SenateReport READ and ACCEPTED.Bill READ ONCE. Committee Amendment "A" (S-548) READ and ADOPTED. ASSIGNED FOR SECOND READING NEXT LEGISLATIVE DAY.
3/17/2026SenateCARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800.
6/25/2025SenateThe Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES.In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
4/24/2025HouseCommittee on HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES suggested and ordered printed REFERENCE to the Committee on HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence
4/24/2025Senate
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (S-548), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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