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MaineLD 2096132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)House

An Act Regarding Scheduling of Agricultural Fairs and Pulling Events

Sponsored By: Christina Mitchell (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

FAIRSFAIRS - AGRICULTURAL

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Fair date limits allow narrow early exhibitions

Effective immediately, Maine fair licensees cannot operate or advertise fairs outside dates assigned by the agriculture commissioner. Events within one week of assigned dates count as operating outside them. A narrow exception allows exhibitions up to 48 hours before assigned dates, solely to display entries and award qualifying premiums. The commissioner may suspend licenses for violations of the fair law. The commissioner must also review harness-racing date rules with the State Harness Racing Commission and start rulemaking as needed. Findings are due to the Legislature’s agriculture committee by January 15, 2027.

Fair funding includes payments, with limits

Maine may count qualifying prize premiums and payments when dividing state funds among agricultural fair licensees. Premiums offered and paid during the annual fair, or at events judged up to 48 hours before it, may count. The pre-fair allowance excludes categories A, F-1, I, J, and K in the law. Previously arranged payments for presenting or displaying animals or products do not count. Payments must serve purposes listed in the law. The department may count payments for category K agricultural talks, workshops, and demonstrations regardless of related competition premiums.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Christina Mitchell

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Caldwell Jackson

    Republican • House

  • Jeffrey L. Timberlake

    Republican • Senate

  • Mark Cooper

    Republican • House

  • Parnell Terry

    Democratic • House

  • Sharon Frost

    Independent • House

  • Teresa S. Pierce

    Democratic • Senate

  • Timothy Guerrette

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 582

    3/23/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED - Emergency - 2/3 Elected Required, in concurrence.

    3/18/2026Senate

  3. 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.

    3/17/2026House

  4. 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-823), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.

    3/12/2026Senate

  5. Report READ and ACCEPTED. Bill READ ONCE. Committee Amendment "A" (H-823) READ and ADOPTED. ASSIGNED FOR SECOND READING NEXT LEGISLATIVE DAY.

    3/10/2026Senate

  6. 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-823).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    3/5/2026House

  7. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY in concurrence

    1/7/2026Senate

  8. Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry suggested and ordered printed. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    1/7/2026House

Bill Text

  • Amendment C-A (H-823), adopted by House & Senate

    PDF

  • Enacted

    PDF

  • Introduced

    PDF

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