# Maine LD 609: An Act Making Certain Appropriations and Allocations and Changing Certain Provisions of Law Necessary to the Proper Operations of State Government Maine LD 609, An Act Making Certain Appropriations and Allocations and Changing Certain Provisions of Law Necessary to the Proper Operations of State Government, is a 132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026) House bill sponsored by Drew Gattine (Democratic); status signed, last action 2025-03-21 (Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 2); PRIA reads it as touching household money (as of 2026-10-17). - Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/ME-LD609-132 - As of: 2026-10-17 - Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts. ## Facts - Bill: Maine LD 609 - State: Maine - Session: 132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026) - Title: An Act Making Certain Appropriations and Allocations and Changing Certain Provisions of Law Necessary to the Proper Operations of State Government - Status: signed - Chamber: House - Introduced: 2025-02-20 - Last action: 2025-03-21, Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 2 - Sponsor: Drew Gattine (Democratic) - Cosponsors: 0 - Subjects: GENERAL FUND, GENERAL FUND - BIENNIAL BUDGET - Touches household money: yes - Roll calls: 34 (1,967 yes, 1,741 no in all) - Economic provisions PRIA read: 108 ## Summary No summary available. ## Bill overview: provisions PRIA read - Retro pay for Long Creek managers: benefit, high. Four Juvenile Program Managers at Long Creek are reclassified to a higher pay range, retroactive to April 19, 2019. The law funds $159,121 in 2025–26 and $36,365 in 2026–27 for retro and ongoing pay. - Bigger MaineCare payments and rates: benefit, high. The law puts a one-time $117.6 million into MaineCare provider payments in 2024–25. It adds a large, one-year funding boost across MaineCare in 2025–26, including federal match dollars. Some provider rates rise by 1.95%, and room-and-board payments for certain nonmedical facilities get extra funds.… - Medicaid funding shifts keep care stable: benefit, high. The law increases the state share of Medicaid costs to match new federal split rules. It adds $3.9 million in 2025–26 and $4.9 million in 2026–27 to keep MaineCare benefits funded. It shifts provider payment funding sources by adding $15.5 million (2025–26) and $19.6 million (2026–27) in state fund… - More help for disability services: benefit, high. The law boosts MaineCare funding for people with intellectual disabilities, autism, and brain injuries. It adds a one-time $17.7 million for developmental services and large federal funds for agency home supports. It increases the state share due to federal match changes and gives a 1.95% cost-of-l… - More MaineCare help for disability supports: benefit, high. The law raises MaineCare payment rates by 1.95% and adds funding for disability waiver services. It adds $22,795,066 in 2025–26 and $22,906,999 in 2026–27 for agency home supports under Section 21. It provides a one‑time $878,480 in 2025–26 to handle higher costs and enrollment, and adds $77,542 in… - Public worker and retiree health funded: benefit, high. The state funds health coverage operations for public employees and retirees. It provides $116.95 million each year for retiree health and $772,957 each year from the General Fund for operations, and adds 18 positions. It also sets aside $48.27 million each year for retired teachers’ health insuran… - Free community college continues: benefit, high. The state funds two years of free community college for eligible students. It transfers $7.3 million to the program by June 30, 2026. If you meet the program’s rules in current law, your tuition for two enrollment years is covered. - Most existing tax breaks continue: benefit, high. The law keeps state tax breaks that appear in the Governor’s January 10, 2025 budget. Those credits and exemptions remain funded unless this law changes them elsewhere. Eligible filers can keep claiming those benefits. - More staff and programs at Education Department: benefit, high. The Learning Systems Team receives about $111 million in federal funds each year, plus about $2.9 million from the state, to run core education programs. Innovative Teaching and Learning gets about $2.02 million in 2025–26 and $2.11 million in 2026–27; Learning Through Technology gets $12.14 millio… - Retro pay for Fire Marshal staff: benefit, medium. The Office of the Fire Marshal gets one‑time funds to pay retroactive reclassification costs in FY 2025–26. It provides $155,641 from the General Fund and $464,267 from other funds. - Child Development Services funding rises: benefit, medium. Child Development Services get over $51.6 million each year from the General Fund, plus federal funds. The law adds more General Fund money in both years to cover staff cost increases from bargaining. This supports evaluations and services for eligible young children and families. - More food aid and incentives: benefit, medium. The law gives $1 million each year to the Statewide Hunger Relief Program. It also adds $50,000 each year to a fund that supports programs with nutrition incentives. These funds help food‑insecure households through local partners and programs. - More help with Medicare drug costs: benefit, medium. The law adds $8.53 million in 2025–26 and $9.07 million in 2026–27 to cover higher Medicare Part D costs that affect MaineCare. It gives a one‑time $346,343 in 2025–26 to the Low‑cost Drugs to Maine’s Elderly program. It also adds $273,783 in 2025–26 and $291,226 in 2026–27 to handle the yearly Par… - New crisis centers and mental health help: benefit, medium. The law creates two crisis receiving centers in Androscoggin and Penobscot Counties and orders a plan to expand centers to every county. It carries forward funds to open more crisis centers, add 24 law‑enforcement mental health liaisons, and train children’s clinicians. It also preserves up to $1.5… - Limited-period state jobs extended to November: benefit, medium. Limited‑period state positions set to end in June 2025 now continue through November 1, 2025. This applies to positions funded through FY 2024–25 and proposed to continue next biennium. It keeps affected employees on payroll through that date. - More help for preschool special education: benefit, medium. Preschool special education gets $9 million in 2025–26 and $9 million in 2026–27. If your child qualifies for preschool special education, these funds support services for your family. - Pay bumps for some public safety staff: benefit, medium. Twelve Public Safety Inspectors move from range 20 to 25, retroactive to June 27, 2023, with added pay funded in FY 2025–26 and 2026–27. Nine Computer Forensic Analysts get a small range increase from 27 to 28 with added pay funded in both years. If you are in these groups, your wages rise. - State funds retired teachers’ life insurance: benefit, medium. The state funds group life insurance for retired teachers: $5.05 million in 2025–26 and $5.19 million in 2026–27. If you are a retired teacher in this program, your group life coverage is supported. - New grants and tools for farms: benefit, medium. The state expands help for farms and forestry. It sets up drought relief grants of $300,000 in 2025–26 and $300,000 in 2026–27. It funds Healthy Soils at $500,000 each year and Farms for the Future at $142,589 each year. It adds $20,000 a year for the Forestry Cleanup and Response Fund. It also car… - Fish and wildlife: hatcheries, dispatch, staff: benefit, medium. Fisheries and Hatcheries get $3.2 million in 2025–26 and $3.2 million in 2026–27 from federal recovery funds. Inland Fisheries and Wildlife also gets dispatch and fleet support: $324,411 one‑time in 2025–26 for dispatch, ongoing dispatch of $351,840 in 2025–26 and $448,580 in 2026–27, and fleet ser… - More money for farms, forests, land: benefit, medium. The law increases funding across agriculture and forestry. It adds $10.77 million in 2025–26 and $11.22 million in 2026–27 for the Bureau of Agriculture, plus $6.47 million and $6.62 million for department administration. It funds forest protection ($15.40 million in 2025–26; $15.40 million in 2026… - Shifts money to pay assigned counsel: benefit, medium. In FY 2024–25, the public defense commission can move up to $5.3 million from salaries to operations to pay assigned legal counsel. The move needs the State Budget Officer’s recommendation and the Governor’s approval. It happens after salary and benefit obligations are met. - Funding for unorganized territories’ services: benefit, medium. The Unorganized Territory Education and Services Fund receives $29 million in 2025–26 and $29 million in 2026–27. This money supports schools and local services in Maine’s unorganized territories. - Keep tax collection and state finances running: benefit, medium. The state tax agency is funded at $58.6 million in 2025–26 and $59.7 million in 2026–27. The Office of the State Controller receives $4.14 million and $4.33 million. These dollars keep tax administration and state accounting operating. - More money for disaster response: benefit, medium. The Disaster Recovery Fund gets $5 million in 2024–25 to meet costs tied to emergency declarations, available starting June 30, 2024. The Maine Emergency Management Agency also receives $250,000 to support operations. Another $400,000 covers FEMA 406 mitigation for January 2024 storm damage, with a… - More state revenue sharing for towns: benefit, medium. The state adds $11,183,237 to municipal revenue sharing for 2024–25. Towns and cities get more state money to support local services. This can help ease pressure on local budgets and property taxes. - State keeps 55% of K–12 costs: benefit, medium. The state pays its 55% share of K–12 school costs, adding $63.9 million in 2025–26 and $92.6 million in 2026–27 to local aid. The mill expectation for school funding is set at 6.10 for 2025–26, which factors into local property tax rates. The law also lets the state use unspent education balances t… - More money for Healthy Maine Fund: benefit, medium. The law adds $7.5 million to the Fund for a Healthy Maine by June 30, 2026 and $21.12 million by June 30, 2027. It also lets the state keep up to $3.3 million from a prior health mandate defrayal account into the next year. These moves boost funding for health programs paid from those funds. - Stronger mental health and crisis services: benefit, medium. The law funds IT and staffing to keep mental health services running and expand crisis care. It pays for statewide IT at Dorothea Dix Psychiatric Center ($716,807 in 2025–26; $675,837 in 2026–27), Crisis Outreach (about $18,124 General Fund plus $16,848 other funds each year), and the Driver Educat… - More scholarships and university support: benefit, medium. The University of Maine Scholarship Fund gets $4.71 million in 2025–26 and again in 2026–27. The University of Maine System also receives $3.6 million in federal recovery funds each year to support educational activities. If you are awarded a scholarship, this money helps pay your tuition and fees. - Grants for startups, farms, and coworking: benefit, medium. The law funds programs that support entrepreneurs and local producers. It gives $21.85 million each year to the Maine Economic Improvement Fund and $1,428,282 each year to New Ventures Maine. It funds the Local Foods Program ($437,233 in 2025–26; $445,645 in 2026–27) and the Maine Coworking Develop… - Large funding for state liquor operations: benefit, medium. The state funds alcohol regulation and operations. It includes $192,908,719 for All Other costs in 2025–26 in the State Alcoholic Beverage Fund, plus staffing and IT charges. This money supports oversight and day‑to‑day operations of the state’s alcoholic beverage system. - Money to pay state building debt: benefit, medium. The law sets aside $28,155,674 in 2025–26 and $28,155,674 in 2026–27 to pay debt service for government facilities. This covers bond and loan payments tied to state buildings. - More adult education and digital skills: benefit, medium. The law funds adult education and digital skills classes statewide. Adult Education gets $8.57 million in 2025–26 and $8.60 million in 2026–27 from the state, plus over $2.1 million in federal funds each year. The Digital Literacy Fund adds $456,115 each year for digital skills help. These dollars… - State funds workers' comp administration: benefit, medium. The state provides $21.0 million in 2025–26 and $21.1 million in 2026–27 to run workers’ compensation management. It funds 15 positions and program operations. The law does not set per‑claim payments here. - More support for small businesses and tourism: benefit, medium. The law boosts state support for business growth and tourism. It funds the Office of Tourism with about $24.3 million each year. It funds the Office of Innovation with about $7.13 million each year. It also supports the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Commission ($683,684 each year), the State… - Funding for renewable energy tax exemption: benefit, medium. The law funds the renewable energy facilities property tax exemption with $3.772 million in 2025–26 and $3.772 million in 2026–27. This pays for the state’s share of those exemptions so qualifying facilities get the relief. - Raises at Land Use Planning Commission: benefit, low. The Land Use Planning Commission gets a one‑time $93,786 to pay retro reclassification costs. It also funds raises for environmental specialists moving into licensing roles: $32,200/$33,853 for 6 positions, $34,197/$36,871 for 4 positions, and $16,113/$16,975 for 2 positions (2025–26/2026–27). - Health help for trade‑affected workers: benefit, low. The law funds the Trade Adjustment Assistance Health Insurance program each year. It sets aside small federal and special‑fund dollars to help eligible trade‑affected workers with health insurance costs. - Workers’ comp for emergency volunteers: benefit, low. The state pays workers’ compensation premiums for emergency management volunteers in 2024–25. This keeps injury coverage in place while they serve. - More funding for elderly tax deferral: benefit, low. The Elderly Tax Deferral Program gets $1.5 million from the General Fund in 2025–26 and again in 2026–27. It also gets $500 each year from federal recovery funds. This money supports the program that lets eligible seniors defer their property tax payments. - Small boost for state housing programs: benefit, low. The Maine State Housing Authority gets $340,409 more in 2024–25 from other special revenue. This adds modest support for housing programs that can help renters and households seeking assistance. - Pay boosts and help for certified teachers: benefit, low. The law funds salary supplements for National Board certified educators with $953,800 each year. It also sets aside $75,000 each year for National Board certification scholarships. If you are eligible or pursuing certification, you can get added pay or scholarship help. - Property tax reimbursements for rural programs: benefit, low. The state funds rural property tax reimbursements. Tree Growth gets $13.2 million each year. Snow grooming equipment reimbursements get $30,000 each year. Waste facility tax reimbursements get $16,000 each year. - Tax help for veterans and groups: benefit, low. The state funds veterans’ tax reimbursements. It provides $1.4 million each year for reimbursements to eligible veterans. It also provides $50,000 each year to reimburse veterans’ organizations for certain taxes. - Justice system fuel aid and fund flex: benefit, low. Corrections gets a one‑time $743,241 in 2024–25 to cover higher fuel costs. The Commission on Public Defense Services can carry forward any unused 2024–25 payroll funds into the next year and, with approval, shift them to pay contracts. - Money for disasters, animal welfare, forests: benefit, low. The state transfers $5,000,000 to the Disaster Recovery Fund by June 30, 2025. It transfers $250,000 to the Animal Welfare Fund for extraordinary animal seizure costs by June 30, 2025. It also provides $2,000,000 by June 30, 2025 to manage spruce budworm and support early intervention. - More funding for state shared services: benefit, low. The law funds central services that all agencies use. It gives $500,000 each year for Centralized Imaging Services. It covers statewide IT charges ($5,000 each year) and pays risk management insurance and claims ($6,312,886 in 2025–26 and $6,363,114 in 2026–27). It also pays for statewide fleet ser… - More funds for DHHS operations and IT: benefit, low. The state pays DHHS’s share of central financial and HR services: $858,694 in 2025–26 and $1,096,327 in 2026–27 from the General Fund, plus other funds. It also adds $242,871 in 2025–26 and $255,481 in 2026–27 for statewide IT services. This helps DHHS maintain core operations and technology. - More funds for veterans services: benefit, low. Veterans Services gets $31,984 more in 2024–25 from special revenues. This money supports veterans programs run by the department. - New fund for environmental protection board: benefit, low. The law creates a nonlapsing Board of Environmental Protection Fund. Up to $450,000 can move into the fund each year. Money can be spent only as the Legislature allocates it. - State covers volunteers’ injury insurance: benefit, low. The state pays workers’ comp premiums for emergency management volunteers. It adds $140,600 each year to the Maine Emergency Management Agency and shifts $36,026 from a related line. It also pays $80,622 each year for MEMA’s share of central finance and HR services. - Support for criminal background checks: benefit, low. The Criminal History Record Check Fund gets $34,454 in 2025–26 and $34,814 in 2026–27. This pays staff and operations to run background checks. - Tech and dispatch support for public safety: benefit, low. The law funds police dispatch and statewide IT services. State Police get $731,144 each year for dispatch and $430,196 each year for IT. It funds IT support for the Criminal Justice Academy ($36,124 each year), Drug Enforcement ($70,564 General Fund and $13,820 federal each year), Emergency Medical… - More funding for cannabis regulation: benefit, low. The law funds adult‑use cannabis regulation and public‑health work. It provides about $4.31 million in 2025–26 and $4.19 million in 2026–27 from special funds, plus General Fund staffing of $3.28 million and $3.45 million. It also pays OIT charges and one management reclassification. - Archives get small IT funding: benefit, low. The Archives division gets $1,545 in 2024–25 to cover higher statewide IT service costs. This pays a small increase directed by the state IT office. - Covers higher medical examiner lab costs: benefit, low. The state pays $52,195 in 2024–25 to cover increased toxicology expenses for the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. This funds needed lab testing work. - Forest protection and pest response funding: benefit, low. The state pays $8,601 one time for aircraft liability insurance tied to forest protection flights. It also provides a one‑time $2,000,000 for spruce budworm response to protect Maine’s forests. - Marine scientist jobs extended to 2025: benefit, low. Three limited‑period marine scientist positions continue through June 7, 2025. The change shifts money within the program and has no net new cost this year. - More funding for animal welfare work: benefit, low. Animal welfare operations are funded at $2.82 million in 2025–26 and $2.90 million in 2026–27. The state also provides a one‑time $250,000 for extraordinary animal seizure costs. This keeps animal welfare services staffed and ready. - Public defense gets federal support: benefit, low. The Maine Commission on Public Defense Services receives a one‑time $125,000 from federal funds in 2024–25. This helps the Commission meet its operating needs that year. - Solid waste program funding continues: benefit, low. The Solid Waste Management program receives $916,851 from the state each year, plus $383,840 in 2025–26 and $394,025 in 2026–27 from other funds. This pays for one position and program operations that support waste services. - Support for statewide radio and enforcement IT: benefit, low. The Statewide Radio and Network System receives $4.20 million each year, plus $500 for its reserve fund. Turnpike Enforcement gets $53,442 each year for statewide IT services. The state also pays one‑time personnel and related costs ($31,820 and $525) for Commercial Vehicle Enforcement reclassifica… - Workers’ Comp board admin costs funded: benefit, low. The state funds the Workers’ Compensation Board’s share of costs for centralized financial and HR services: $35,317 in 2025–26 and $48,315 in 2026–27. This keeps board operations running. - Funds for tick lab and pests: benefit, low. The Tick Laboratory and Pest Management Fund receives $250,000 each year in 2025–26 and 2026–27. This supports tick research and pest management to protect public health statewide. - IT to run benefits and child welfare: benefit, low. The law funds statewide IT to keep public assistance and child welfare payments moving. It provides $224,741 each year for Office for Family Independence systems that support benefits. It funds IV‑E Foster Care and Adoption Assistance IT ($769,070 in 2025–26; $715,160 in 2026–27). This helps the st… - MaineCare admin, IT, and flexibility: benefit, low. The law funds MaineCare’s share of HR, finance, and statewide IT services. It pays retroactive costs and reclassifies certain staff who support developmental services. Through June 30, 2027, the State Budget Officer and Governor can move MaineCare General Fund balances between accounts to prevent s… - Riverview hospital IT and staff support: benefit, low. Riverview Psychiatric Center gets funding for statewide IT services in both years. It also receives money to cover retroactive pay for reclassified staff and to fund reclassified psychologist positions. These funds support hospital operations and patient care. - Staffing upgrades in health and human services: benefit, low. The law funds several job reclassifications to support General Assistance, the Maine CDC, child mental health, Adult Protective Services, and Riverview Psychiatric Center. It pays small increases in salaries and related costs so these programs can keep staff in key roles. These staffing changes sup… - State repays towns for senior tax freeze: benefit, low. The state provides a one‑time $1,000,000 to reimburse towns for lost revenue from the senior property tax stabilization program for the tax year starting April 1, 2023. It also pays $46,000 for towns’ required setup and admin costs for that year. This backfills local budgets tied to the senior tax… - Early childhood and school tech funding: benefit, low. The state funds early childhood and school technology. It provides $21,404 each year from ARP funds for Early Childhood Infrastructure and $3,425 in 2025–26 for a special‑education pathways pilot. It also sends $572,450 each year to pay statewide IT services for local schools. - Education department staffing shifts and raises: benefit, low. One Public Service Manager II position moves into the General Purpose Aid for Local Schools program, with $172,611 in 2025–26 and $179,690 in 2026–27. The law funds Deputy Commissioner pay range changes ($2,570 in 2025–26 and about $2,640 in 2026–27 in two budgets). One role is reclassified and exp… - More funding for school safety center: benefit, low. The Maine School Safety Center gets $782,937 in 2025–26 and $813,037 in 2026–27, plus $312,881 and $319,511 in federal funds. It funds five positions and safety work. The law also pays one‑time retro and reclassification costs. - More funds for workforce training: benefit, low. Workforce Development gets $1,500,000 more in 2024–25 from other special revenue. This restores funding for job training and employment services. - Small staffing boosts for child and aging services: benefit, low. The state funds a reclass to add a Child Protective Services Caseworker Supervisor. It adds $14,681 in 2025–26 and $14,685 in 2026–27 from the General Fund, plus small other funds. It also funds a reclass in aging services for $8,736 in 2025–26 and $8,738 in 2026–27. These changes support frontline… - Support for service and climate corps: benefit, low. The Maine Climate Corps receives $81,310 in 2025–26 and again in 2026–27. The Maine Commission for Community Service receives state, federal, and special funds to run service programs, including about $2.9 million in federal funds each year. These dollars support service placements and program oper… - Support for university outreach and worker training: benefit, low. The Labor and Community Education Center receives $500,000 in 2025–26 and $500,000 in 2026–27. The University of Maine Cooperative Extension receives $200,000 each year. These programs support workforce training and community outreach for residents, workers, and farmers. - More money for tax-burden fund: benefit, low. The Disproportionate Tax Burden Fund gets $2,795,810 more in 2024–25. This adds money for programs or distributions tied to disproportionate tax burdens. - Small boost for renewable energy fund: benefit, low. The Renewable Energy Resources Fund gets $88,000 in 2025–26 and $88,000 in 2026–27. The money supports renewable energy projects and related work. - Small grants for local projects: benefit, low. The Municipal Grant Fund gets $500 in federal funds and $500 from a special fund each year of the budget. This supports small municipal grants and related local work. - State funds shared IT and HR: benefit, low. The state pays for shared IT and finance/HR service centers across agencies. It also funds the central HR office, including a one‑time $9,227 for retro reclassification costs and one management reclassification. Examples include small OIT and service‑center charges in multiple funds. - More staff and funds for broadband: benefit, low. The Office of Broadband Development gets about $1.35 million in 2025–26 and $1.38 million in 2026–27. The funding adds two positions and supports projects that expand internet access, especially in rural areas. - DHHS keeps funds for benefits tech: benefit, low. DHHS carries forward up to $1,217,885 from 2024–25 into 2025–26 for the Office for Family Independence. The money finishes required technology development and testing. - Paid leave premiums for public colleges: benefit, low. By June 30, 2025, the state transfers any unobligated paid family and medical leave balances to the University of Maine System, Maine Community College System, and Maine Maritime Academy. The money helps pay state leave premiums for eligible employees. Transfers require the State Budget Officer’s r… - More funding for tourism promotion: benefit, low. The Office of Tourism gets $694,814 more in 2024–25 from special revenues. This supports marketing and programs that can help tourism businesses. - Cuts to psychiatric and nursing facilities: cost, medium. The budget cuts some funding tied to federal match rates and other revenue. Dorothea Dix Psychiatric Center loses $457,133 in 2025–26 and $523,509 in 2026–27 for personnel, plus small other cuts. Nursing facilities lose $3,639,290 in other special revenue in 2024–25. These changes may reduce resour… - Easy health coverage enrollment is repealed: cost, medium. The law repeals the easy enrollment pathway for health coverage. It removes the related statute and a tax return check‑off box that helped connect people to plans. Uninsured people lose that simple route to get information and enroll. - School aid capped at appropriation: cost, medium. For July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026, the state does not have to pay more than the amount appropriated for general purpose school aid. If the appropriation is short, payments to school units can be reduced. - One-time lapses and transfers to General Fund: cost, medium. Several program balances move back to the state’s General Fund. $1,500,000 lapses from the Maine Background Check Program fund by June 30, 2026. $2,400,000 transfers from Public Safety’s special revenue by June 30, 2026. $3,300,000 lapses from the State Benefit Mandate Defrayal account by June 30,… - State payroll trimmed through attrition: cost, medium. The state lowers planned payroll spending to meet attrition targets. Executive branch payroll is reduced by $19,333,382 in 2025–26 and $20,023,933 in 2026–27. Court payroll is reduced by $2,100,122 in 2025–26 and $2,140,911 in 2026–27. Agencies are expected to meet these savings mainly by not filli… - State sets 5% attrition savings: cost, medium. The law sets a 5% attrition rate for the 2026–27 budget for judicial and executive agencies. After that, 1.6% applies in later biennia. The State Budget Officer calculates savings, moves them with the Governor’s approval, and reports to the Appropriations Committee by October 1, 2025. - Higher hospital tax starting 2025: cost, medium. Beginning January 1, 2025, acute care and rehabilitation hospitals must pay a 3.25% tax on net operating revenue. The tax base uses each hospital’s audited fiscal year that ended in 2022. Critical access hospitals are exempt starting the same date. - Less state help for infertility coverage: cost, low. The state lowers its payments that help cover the infertility insurance mandate. Funding drops by $2.6 million in 2025–26 and $2.6 million in 2026–27, leaving $1.2 million each year. This may raise insurer costs and could affect premiums for covered people. - Annual training for local overseers: cost, low. Overseers and municipal officials who run this program must finish required training within 120 days of taking office. They must also complete the training every year after that. This adds a recurring time and compliance duty. - Slight cut to dairy improvement fund: cost, low. The Dairy Improvement Fund is reduced by $30,319 in 2024–25 to match revenue. Small dairy operations may see slightly less support. - Cuts to school and college aid: cost, low. Other special revenue for K–12 school aid drops by $1,588,909 in 2024–25. The community college system loses $219,077 in 2024–25. Scholarship funds drop by $303,594 at the University of Maine and by $13,282 at Maine Maritime in 2024–25. Students may see fewer or smaller awards, and districts may fa… - K–12 funding and local share set: mixed, high. The state sets total K–12 funding for FY 2025–26, including $1.65 billion for operating costs and $2.74 billion including normal retirement. It maintains the state’s 55% share goal and lists the state and local shares. Local districts are set to raise $1.232 billion, while the state contributes $1.… - Parks and trails jobs reorganized: mixed, medium. Two 26‑week Navigational Aides Assistant jobs become one full‑time job, cutting one position and reducing Personal Services by $10,019 in 2025–26 and $13,477 in 2026–27. Two 26‑week Recreation Trails Coordinator jobs become one full‑time job, with Personal Services down $10,328 in 2025–26 and $13,0… - Homestead tax aid reduced, shifts: mixed, medium. State support for the homestead property tax exemption is cut by $13,364,497 in 2025–26 and $10,364,497 in 2026–27. Totals after the cuts are $92 million in 2025–26 and $95 million in 2026–27. Up to $14 million from 2024–25 is carried forward to help next year. Another $14 million of unspent funds… - One-time transfers to state surplus: mixed, medium. The State Controller transfers set balances to the General Fund by June 30, 2026. Transfers include $45 million from the Education Stabilization Fund, a $10 million lapse from General Purpose Aid for Local Schools, $3,943,283 from Homestead Property Tax reimbursement, and $2,300,081 from Property T… - State budget caps paused and staffing shifts: mixed, medium. The law suspends the General Fund spending cap rules for fiscal years 2024–25 and 2025–26. Starting with the 2028–29 budget, the executive must include an extra 18% above a department’s requested biennial budget for certain programs. It shifts MEMA IT costs to 100% General Fund (about +$392,377 in… - Hospital tax changes and deadlines: mixed, medium. The hospital tax rules now reflect earlier changes starting January 1, 2025. Acute and rehab hospitals pay a 3.25% tax on 2022 net operating revenue, and half is due by May 15, 2025. Critical access hospitals are exempt. The law also shifts $29,472,420 each year from the General Fund to a special f… - Faster DHHS rules and limited data sharing: mixed, low. DHHS can use emergency rulemaking to carry out this law faster, even without the usual emergency findings. For tax years that start in 2023 and 2024, the law allows limited tax data sharing with the Maine Health Insurance Marketplace to run the easy enrollment program. This can speed enrollment, wi… - Recreation and gaming funds adjusted: mixed, low. Funding changes align these programs with expected revenues. The state cuts the Milk Commission by $5,880,687 and the Harness Racing Commission by $962,281 for 2024–25. It also cuts the Off‑Road Recreational Vehicles Program by $619,689. The ATV Safety and Educational Program gets $3,443 more, and… - Wildlife department staff raises and tech: mixed, low. The wildlife department funds several job upgrades and retro pay. Examples include reclassifying resource biologists, office staff, and wildlife keepers, plus one secretary and one assistant superintendent. It also pays statewide tech and service‑center charges, such as $586,021 in 2025–26 for comm… - Agency staffing shifts and reclassification: mixed, low. The law reclassifies one job to Public Service Coordinator I and adjusts a manager’s pay range. It also moves a manager position to Central Operations with 60% General Fund and 40% other special revenue. The Multicultural Services program loses one General Fund position. - Forestry shifts extra funds to equipment: mixed, low. At year‑end, the Forest Protection account keeps $250,000 for pay and $300,000 for operations. Any extra unencumbered funds move to capital equipment by August 1 (2025 and 2026). This preserves minimum operating balances and sends the rest to gear and facilities. - One-time transfers to General Fund surplus: mixed, low. By June 30, 2026, $42,393,017 of ARP interest moves into the General Fund surplus. Small balances also move: $350 from state property sales, $40,229 from a Maine Military Authority account, $1,500 from an insurance account, $500 from a women veterans monument account, and $1,784 from a vending acco… ## Sponsors and cosponsors - Sponsor: Drew Gattine (Democratic), House ## Roll call votes | Date | Chamber | Motion | Result | Yes | No | Other | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2025-03-20 | Senate | ACCEPT MAJORITY OUGHT TO PASS AS AMENDED REPORT | pass | 18 | 17 | | | 2025-03-20 | Senate | ADOPT HOUSE AMENDMENT R (H-33) to COMMITEE AMENDMENT | pass | 18 | 17 | | | 2025-03-20 | Senate | ADOPT COMMITTEE AMENDMENT AS AMENDED BY HOUSE AMENDMENT | pass | 18 | 17 | | | 2025-03-20 | Senate | SUSPEND RULES (2/3) | fail | 22 | 13 | | | 2025-03-20 | Senate | PASSAGE TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED | pass | 18 | 17 | | | 2025-03-20 | Senate | FORTHWITH | pass | 20 | 15 | | | 2025-03-20 | Senate | ENACTMENT | pass | 18 | 17 | | | 2025-03-20 | Senate | FORTHWITH | pass | 20 | 15 | | | 2025-03-20 | House | ACC MAJ OTP AS AMENDED REP | pass | 74 | 69 | | | 2025-03-20 | House | INDEF PP HAH-15 TO CAH-13 | pass | 74 | 69 | | | 2025-03-20 | House | INDEF PP HBH-16 TO CAH-13 | pass | 74 | 69 | | | 2025-03-20 | House | INDEF PP HCH-17 TO CAH-13 | pass | 74 | 68 | | | 2025-03-20 | House | INDEF PP HEH-19 TO CAH-13 | pass | 75 | 63 | | | 2025-03-20 | House | INDEF PP HHH-23 TO CAH-13 | pass | 75 | 67 | | | 2025-03-20 | House | TABLE UNTIL LATER | fail | 67 | 75 | | | 2025-03-20 | House | INDEF PP HFH-20 TO CAH-13 | pass | 75 | 64 | | | 2025-03-20 | House | INDEF PP HGH-21 TO CAH-13 | pass | 76 | 66 | | | 2025-03-20 | House | SUSPEND RULE 401 PART 11 | fail | 68 | 74 | | | 2025-03-20 | House | INDEF PP HIH-24 TO CAH-13 | pass | 73 | 66 | | | 2025-03-20 | House | INDEF PP HKH-26 TO CAH-13 | pass | 75 | 63 | | | 2025-03-20 | House | INDEF PP HLH-27 TO CAH-13 | pass | 74 | 63 | | | 2025-03-20 | House | INDEF PP HOH-30 TO CAH-13 | pass | 74 | 61 | | | 2025-03-20 | House | INDEF PP HPH-31 TO CAH-13 | pass | 74 | 62 | | | 2025-03-20 | House | INDEF PP HRH-33 TO CAH-13 | fail | 64 | 75 | | | 2025-03-20 | House | DISPENSE THE READING OF H"D" | pass | 84 | 56 | | | 2025-03-20 | House | INDEF PP HDH-18 TO CAH-13 | pass | 74 | 66 | | | 2025-03-20 | Senate | 1ST READING | pass | 21 | 14 | | | 2025-03-20 | Senate | DISPENSING OF THE READING | pass | 24 | 11 | | | 2025-03-20 | House | INDEF PP HMH-28 TO CAH-13 | pass | 75 | 61 | | | 2025-03-20 | House | INDEF PP HQH-32 TO CAH-13 | pass | 74 | 64 | | | 2025-03-20 | House | ADOPT HRH-33 TO CAH-13 | pass | 74 | 67 | | | 2025-03-20 | House | ENACTMENT | pass | 76 | 66 | | | 2025-03-20 | House | ADOPT C A AS AM BY HRH-33 | pass | 73 | 67 | | | 2025-03-20 | House | PASSAGE TO BE ENGROSSED | pass | 74 | 67 | | ## Actions (8) - 2025-03-21: Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 2 - 2025-03-20: PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence. PREVAILED Roll Call Ordered Roll Call Number 62 Yeas 18 - Nays 17 - Excused 0 - Absent 0 Ordered sent down forthwith PREVAILED Roll Call Ordered Roll Call Number 63 Yeas 20 - Nays 15 - Excused 0 - Absent 0 (Senate) - 2025-03-20: PASSED TO BE ENACTED. ROLL CALL NO. 47(Yeas 76 - Nays 66 - Absent 8 - Excused 0 - Restricted - 1)Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH. (House) - 2025-03-20: 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-13) AS AMENDED BY House Amendment "R" (H-33) in concurrence PREVAILED Roll Call Ordered Roll Call Number 59 Yeas 18 - Nays 17 - Excused 0 - Absent 0 Ordered sent down forthwith PREVAILED Roll Call Ordered Roll Call Number 60 Yeas 20 - Nays 15 - Excused 0 - Absent 0 (Senate) - 2025-03-20: Reports READ On motion by Senator ROTUNDO of Androscoggin The Majority Ought to Pass As Amended Report Accepted PREVAILED Roll Call Ordered Roll Call Number 53 Yeas 18 - Nays 17 - Excused 0 - Absent 0 READ ONCE PREVAILED Roll Call Ordered Roll Call Number 54 Yeas 21 - Nays 14 - Excused 0 - Absent 0 Dispensing of First Reading PREVAILED Roll Call Ordered Roll Call Number 55 Yeas 24 - Nays 11 - Excused 0 - Absent 0 Committee Amendment "A" (H-13) READ House Amendment "R" (H-33) to Committee Amendment "A" (H-13) READ and ADOPTED in concurrence PREVAILED Roll Call Ordered Roll Call Number 56 Yeas 18 - Nays 17 - Excused 0 - Absent 0 Committee Amendment "A" (H-13) as Amended by House Amendment "R" (H-33) thereto ADOPTED PREVAILED Roll Call Ordered Roll Call Number 57 Yeas 18 - Nays 17 - Excused 0 - Absent 0 To Suspend the Rules of Second Reading FAILED Roll Call Ordered Roll Call Number 58 Yeas 22 - Nays 13 - Excused 0 - Absent 0 ASSIGNED FOR SECOND READING IN ONE HOUR. (Senate) - 2025-03-20: Motion of Representative CARLOW of Buxton to SUSPEND House Rule 401 part 11 FAILED.ROLL CALL NO. 33(Yeas 68 - Nays 74 - Absent 8 - Excused 0 - Restricted - 1)Subsequently, House Amendment "I" (H-24) to Committee Amendment "A" (H-13) was INDEFINITELY POSTPONED.ROLL CALL NO. 34(Yeas 73 - Nays 66 - Absent 11 - Excused 0 - Restricted - 1)On motion of Representative LIBBY of Auburn, House Amendment "K" (H-26) to Committee Amendment "A" (H-13) was READ.On motion of Representative GATTINE of Westbrook House Amendment "K" (H-26) to Committee Amendment "A" (H-13) was INDEFINITELY POSTPONED.ROLL CALL NO. 35(Yeas 75 - Nays 63 - Absent 12 - Excused 0 - Restricted - 1)On motion of Representative LIBBY of Auburn, House Amendment "L" (H-27) to Committee Amendment "A" (H-13) was READ.On motion of Representative GATTINE of Westbrook House Amendment "L" (H-27) to Committee Amendment "A" (H-13) was INDEFINITELY POSTPONED.ROLL CALL NO. 36(Yeas 74 - Nays 63 - Absent 13 - Excused 0 - Restricted - 1)On motion of Representative LIBBY of Auburn, House Amendment "M" (H-28) to Committee Amendment "A" (H-13) was READ.On motion of Representative MOONEN of Portland House Amendment "M" (H-28) to Committee Amendment "A" (H-13) was INDEFINITELY POSTPONED.ROLL CALL NO. 37(Yeas 75 - Nays 61 - Absent 14 - Excused 0 - Restricted - 1)On motion of Representative LIBBY of Auburn, House Amendment "O" (H-30) to Committee Amendment "A" (H-13) was READ.On motion of Representative GATTINE of Westbrook House Amendment "O" (H-30) to Committee Amendment "A" (H-13) was INDEFINITELY POSTPONED.ROLL CALL NO. 38(Yeas 74 - Nays 61 - Absent 15 - Excused 0 - Restricted - 1)On motion of Representative LIBBY of Auburn, House Amendment "P" (H-31) to Committee Amendment "A" (H-13) was READ.On motion of Representative GATTINE of Westbrook House Amendment "P" (H-31) to Committee Amendment "A" (H-13) was INDEFINITELY POSTPONED.ROLL CALL NO. 39(Yeas 74 - Nays 62 - Absent 14 - Excused 0 - Restricted - 1)On motion of Representative LIBBY of Auburn, House Amendment "Q" (H-32) to Committee Amendment "A" (H-13) was READ.On motion of Representative GATTINE of Westbrook House Amendment "Q" (H-32) to Committee Amendment "A" (H-13) was INDEFINITELY POSTPONED.ROLL CALL NO. 40(Yeas 74 - Nays 64 - Absent 12 - Excused 0 - Restricted - 1)On motion of Representative GATTINE of Westbrook, House Amendment "R" (H-33) to Committee Amendment "A" (H-13) was READ.Motion of Representative THORNE of Carmel to INDEFINITELY POSTPONE House Amendment "R" (H-33) to Committee Amendment "A" (H-13) FAILED.ROLL CALL NO. 41(Yeas 64 - Nays 75 - Absent 11 - Excused 0 - Restricted - 1)House Amendment "R" (H-33) to Committee Amendment "A" (H-13) was ADOPTED.ROLL CALL NO. 42(Yeas 74 - Nays 67 - Absent 9 - Excused 0 - Restricted - 1)Committee Amendment "A" (H-13) as Amended by House Amendment "R" (H-33) thereto was ADOPTED. ROLL CALL NO. 43(Yeas 73 - Nays 67 - Absent 10 - Excused 0 - Restricted - 1)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" (H-13) as Amended by House Amendment "R" (H-33) thereto.ROLL CALL NO. 44(Yeas 74 - Nays 67 - Absent 9 - Excused 0 - Restricted - 1)Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH. (House) - 2025-03-20: Reports READ.On motion of Representative GATTINE of Westbrook, the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report was ACCEPTED.ROLL CALL NO. 22(Yeas 74 - Nays 69 - Absent 7 - Excused 0 - Restricted - 1)The Bill was READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-13) was READ.On motion of Representative BOYER of Poland, House Amendment "A" (H-15) to Committee Amendment "A" (H-13) was READ.On motion of Representative GATTINE of Westbrook House Amendment "A" (H-15) to Committee Amendment "A" (H-13) was INDEFINITELY POSTPONED.ROLL CALL NO. 23(Yeas 74 - Nays 69 - Absent 7 - Excused 0 - Restricted - 1)On motion of Representative BOYER of Poland, House Amendment "B" (H-16) to Committee Amendment "A" (H-13) was READ.On motion of Representative GATTINE of Westbrook House Amendment "B" (H-16) to Committee Amendment "A" (H-13) was INDEFINITELY POSTPONED.ROLL CALL NO. 24(Yeas 74 - Nays 69 - Absent 7 - Excused 0 - Restricted - 1)On motion of Representative CHAPMAN of Auburn, House Amendment "C" (H-17) to Committee Amendment "A" (H-13) was READ.On motion of Representative GATTINE of Westbrook House Amendment "C" (H-17) to Committee Amendment "A" (H-13) was INDEFINITELY POSTPONED.ROLL CALL NO. 25(Yeas 74 - Nays 68 - Absent 8 - Excused 0 - Restricted - 1)On motion of Representative CHAPMAN of Auburn, House Amendment "D" (H-18) to Committee Amendment "A" (H-13) was READ.ROLL CALL NO. 26(Yeas 84 - Nays 56 - Absent 10 - Excused 0 - Restricted - 1)On motion of Representative GATTINE of Westbrook House Amendment "D" (H-18) to Committee Amendment "A" (H-13) was INDEFINITELY POSTPONED.ROLL CALL NO. 27(Yeas 74 - Nays 66 - Absent 10 - Excused 0 - Restricted - 1)On motion of Representative CHAPMAN of Auburn, House Amendment "E" (H-19) to Committee Amendment "A" (H-13) was READ.On motion of Representative GATTINE of Westbrook House Amendment "E" (H-19) to Committee Amendment "A" (H-13) was INDEFINITELY POSTPONED.ROLL CALL NO. 28(Yeas 75 - Nays 63 - Absent 12 - Excused 0 - Restricted - 1)On motion of Representative PAUL of Winterport, House Amendment "F" (H-20) to Committee Amendment "A" (H-13) was READ.On motion of Representative GATTINE of Westbrook House Amendment "F" (H-20) to Committee Amendment "A" (H-13) was INDEFINITELY POSTPONED.ROLL CALL NO. 29(Yeas 75 - Nays 64 - Absent 11 - Excused 0 - Restricted - 1)On motion of Representative PAUL of Winterport, House Amendment "G" (H-21) to Committee Amendment "A" (H-13) was READ.On motion of Representative GATTINE of Westbrook House Amendment "G" (H-21) to Committee Amendment "A" (H-13) was INDEFINITELY POSTPONED.ROLL CALL NO. 30(Yeas 76 - Nays 66 - Absent 8 - Excused 0 - Restricted - 1)On motion of Representative LIBBY of Auburn, House Amendment "H" (H-23) to Committee Amendment "A" (H-13) was READ.On motion of Representative GATTINE of Westbrook House Amendment "H" (H-23) to Committee Amendment "A" (H-13) was INDEFINITELY POSTPONED.ROLL CALL NO. 31(Yeas 75 - Nays 67 - Absent 8 - Excused 0 - Restricted - 1)On motion of Representative LIBBY of Auburn, House Amendment "I" (H-24) to Committee Amendment "A" (H-13) was READ.Representative GATTINE of Westbrook moved to INDEFINITELY POSTPONE House Amendment "I" (H-24) to Committee Amendment "A" (H-13) Motion of Representative FAULKINGHAM of Winter Harbor to TABLE the Bill untill later in today's session FAILED.ROLL CALL NO. 32(Yeas 67 - Nays 75 - Absent 8 - Excused 0 - Restricted - 1) (House) - 2025-02-20: Received by the Clerk of the House on February 20, 2025.The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on APPROPRIATIONS AND FINANCIAL AFFAIRS pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2 and ordered printed pursuant to Joint Rule 401. (House) ## Bill text - Amendment C-A (H-13), adopted by House & Senate: [PDF](https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=HP0377&item=2&snum=132) - Amendment H-R to C-A (H-33), adopted by House & Senate: [PDF](https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=HP0377&item=7&snum=132) - Enacted: [PDF](https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=HP0377&item=23&snum=132) - Introduced: [PDF](https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=HP0377&item=1&snum=132) ## Related bills - LD 1522: An Act to Establish the Maine Eviction Prevention Program (failed) - LD 1665: An Act to Provide Property Tax Relief to Maine Families (failed) - LD 1872: An Act to Reinvest in the Pension Funds of the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (failed) - LD 2067: An Act to Include Community Mental Health Workers Under the 1998 Special Plan for Retirement (failed) - LD 1611: An Act to Decrease the Retirement Contributions Required for Teachers and State Employees (failed) - LD 1294: An Act to Expand the Dependent Exemption Tax Credit (failed) ## Sources - [Amendment C-A (H-13), adopted by House & Senate (PDF)](https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=HP0377&item=2&snum=132) - [Amendment H-R to C-A (H-33), adopted by House & Senate (PDF)](https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=HP0377&item=7&snum=132) - [Enacted (PDF)](https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=HP0377&item=23&snum=132) - [Introduced (PDF)](https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=HP0377&item=1&snum=132) ## Related - [LD 1522: An Act to Establish the Maine Eviction Prevention Program](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/ME-LD1522-132) - [LD 1665: An Act to Provide Property Tax Relief to Maine Families](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/ME-LD1665-132) - [LD 1872: An Act to Reinvest in the Pension Funds of the Maine Public Employees Retiremen…](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/ME-LD1872-132) - [LD 2067: An Act to Include Community Mental Health Workers Under the 1998 Special Plan f…](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/ME-LD2067-132) - [LD 1611: An Act to Decrease the Retirement Contributions Required for Teachers and State…](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/ME-LD1611-132) - [LD 1294: An Act to Expand the Dependent Exemption Tax Credit](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/ME-LD1294-132) - [Maine bills](https://policyrisk.com/states/maine/bills) - [Maine state hub](https://policyrisk.com/states/maine) - [All state legislation](https://policyrisk.com/state-bills) Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/ME-LD609-132 (as of 2026-10-17).