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MaineLD 1778132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

An Act to Update Provisions of the Maine Administrative Procedure Act

Sponsored By: Amy Kuhn (Democratic)

Became Law

STATE GOVERNMENTSTATE GOVERNMENT - RULEMAKING

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Central filing and easy rule access

Adopted rules get legal review by the Attorney General, then are filed with the Secretary of State. Agencies must publish adoption notices with the effective date and how to get a copy. The Secretary of State sends lawmakers a yearly list of all adopted rules and an annual report on rulemaking. Every proposed rule includes a fiscal impact note for cities and counties or states there is no cost. Current state rules and cited federal rules are available for free inspection and copying at actual cost, including motor vehicle rules.

Clearer reasons and records for rules

Agencies must explain every adopted rule with a plain basis statement. They must list who commented, summarize key points, and say how they responded. Adopted rules must match what was proposed, or the agency must ask for new comments and wait 30 days. If changes are substantive, the agency sends a revised fact sheet to the Legislature. Hearings must be run by the right officials, and boards need at least one‑third of members present. The law also repeals two older subsections tied to these processes.

Faster rule adoption and start dates

Agencies must finally adopt rules within 60 days after the approving law takes effect, or 60 days after session end if lawmakers do not act. Rules usually take effect 30 days after filing with the Secretary of State, unless the agency sets a later date.

Online rule notices and comment windows

The Secretary of State posts proposed and adopted rules on a public website and arranges weekly newspaper notices. Notices appear 17 to 24 days before a hearing, or at least 30 days before the last comment date when no hearing is set. Agencies must post proposed rules on their own sites, give contacts, deadlines, and the rule text or a clear summary. A short public guide explains how to ask for a hearing and how to comment. Notices state city or county impacts only when costs to them are expected.

Land use changes: notice and deadlines

For land use district standards, boundaries, and maps, the commission follows a special process. Owners of directly affected and abutting properties get mailed hearing notices, or a newspaper notice if over 50 owners are involved. People can inspect proposals before hearings, and the commission can reopen the record to take more comments. The commission must decide within 90 days after the hearing record closes. New maps and boundaries take effect 15 days after adoption once recorded and noticed, and permanent standards take effect immediately but go to the next Legislature for review.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Amy Kuhn

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Adam Lee

    Democratic • House

  • David Sinclair

    Democratic • House

  • Donna Bailey

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 384

    5/1/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    6/17/2025Senate

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

    6/17/2025House

  4. Report READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-749) READ and ADOPTED, in concurrence.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-749), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.

    6/17/2025Senate

  5. 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" (H-749).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/17/2025House

  6. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on JUDICIARY.In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    4/24/2025Senate

  7. Committee on STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT suggested and ordered printed. On motion of Representative SALISBURY of Westbrook, the Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on JUDICIARY.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    4/24/2025House

Bill Text

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