An Act to Provide a Death Benefit for Department of Transportation Workers
Sponsored By: Amy Roeder (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Death benefit now covers DOT workers
DOT employees who die while doing official duties are now covered. Eligible survivors get a one-time $100,000 payment, adjusted each year for inflation starting July 1, 2021. The payment equals the indexed amount in effect right before the death. Duties count on state or state-aid roads, bridges, rail, ports, aviation sites, DOT projects, or work zones. Money goes to a spouse; or split with children; or to children; or to parents if no spouse or children.
One-time payments to two families
The State will pay $100,000 to the family of James Brown and $100,000 to the family of Dwayne Campbell. The money comes from the Maine Budget Stabilization Fund. Each amount is adjusted by the same inflation formula used in law. These payments apply even if another law would normally block them.
Rainy day fund pays death benefits
The Governor can use the Maine Budget Stabilization Fund to pay required death benefits. The Transportation Commissioner must make a written request. The State Budget Officer must be consulted before money is released. This keeps payments flowing to eligible survivors under the law.
Interim cash and repayment for DOT
The DOT Commissioner can pay up to $3,000 right away to survivors who show need, before the final decision. This applies when the death will probably qualify for the state benefit. If the final benefit is not paid, the interim money must be repaid. The Commissioner can waive some or all repayment if it would cause undue hardship.
DOT must set death benefit rules
The Department of Transportation must adopt rules to run this death benefit. The rules are routine technical rules. The rules cover eligibility, payments, interim payments, and how money is split among family members.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Amy Roeder
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 749
4/16/2026On motion by Senator ROTUNDO of Androscoggin taken from the Special Appropriations Table. Subsequently, PASSED TO BE ENACTED in concurrence.
4/13/2026SenateOn motion by Senator ROTUNDO of Androscoggin PLACED ON THE SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS TABLE pending ENACTMENT in concurrence.
4/2/2026SenatePASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
3/30/2026HouseReport READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-893) 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-893), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.
3/26/2026SenateCONSENT 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-893).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
3/25/2026HouseCarried over, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800.
6/25/2025HouseCarried over, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.
3/21/2025HouseReceived by the Clerk of the House on February 20, 2025.The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on LABOR pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2 and ordered printed pursuant to Joint Rule 401.
2/20/2025House
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (H-893), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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