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MaineLD 1858132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)SenateWALLET

An Act to Promote Local Seafood in Schools

Sponsored By: Matthea E. L. Daughtry (Democratic)

Became Law

SCHOOL PROGRAMSSCHOOL PROGRAMS - NUTRITION PROGRAMS

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

More state help for schools buying Maine food

The law increases State help for school food purchases made in Maine. The State pays $1 for every $2 a school unit spends on eligible Maine foods, including seafood. Each school unit can receive up to $10,000 a year, or $11,000 if it sends a food service employee to department training. Eligible foods must be grown, caught, or produced in Maine; processed or value‑added items must be made in Maine and meet department standards. The Department can add outside grants so units can receive more than $5,000 when those grants are available, and program funds roll over to the next year for reimbursements or related training.

More training and yearly seafood report

The Department can hire outside groups to provide local foods training for school food staff. Training funds may pay these contractors. Beginning January 1, 2026, the Department sends a yearly report to lawmakers on program participation, seafood purchases by schools, and recommendations.

Rules for processed foods that qualify

The Department sets standards for which processed and value‑added foods made in Maine qualify for reimbursement. It also gives schools guidance on which products they can buy with program funds.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Matthea E. L. Daughtry

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Billy Bob Faulkingham

    Republican • House

  • Denise Tepler

    Democratic • Senate

  • Henry L. Ingwersen

    Democratic • Senate

  • James D. Libby

    Republican • Senate

  • Jill C. Duson

    Democratic • Senate

  • Kelly Murphy

    Democratic • House

  • Marianne Moore

    Republican • Senate

  • Morgan Rielly

    Democratic • House

  • Rachel Talbot Ross

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 126 • No: 21

House vote • 6/9/2025

ACC MAJ OTP AS AMENDED REP

Yes: 126 • No: 21

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 301

    5/1/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    6/10/2025Senate

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

    6/9/2025House

  4. Reports READ.On motion of Representative MURPHY of Scarborough, the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report was ACCEPTED.ROLL CALL NO. 365(Yeas 126 - Nays 21 - Absent 2 - Excused 2)The Bill was READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (S-289) was READ and ADOPTED.Under suspension of the rules, the Bill was given its SECOND READING without REFERENCE to the Committee on Bills in the Second Reading.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-289). In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/9/2025House

  5. Reports ReadOn motion by Senator RAFFERTY of York the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report ACCEPTED. Bill READ ONCE Committee Amendment "A" (S-289) READ and ADOPTED Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED by Committee Amendment "A" (S-289) Sent down for concurrence

    6/5/2025Senate

  6. Received by the Secretary of the Senate on May 1, 2025 and REFERRED to the Committee on EDUCATION AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2

    5/1/2025Senate

Bill Text

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