An Act to Modernize the State Supplement to Supplemental Security Income by Removing Marriage Disincentives
Sponsored By: Michael Tipping
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Full state benefits for Maine couples
For eligible blind, disabled, or older Mainers, a couple’s state income supplement equals each partner’s full benefit added together. Standard benefits cannot vary by individual budgeted need, benefit category, or location; federal rules still allow living-arrangement differences. The state adds at least $8 monthly to the federal minimum for each eligible individual, or $16 for a couple. Department-approved living arrangements qualify for up to $42 more monthly per individual, or $84 per couple, excluding adult foster and boarding homes. The law provides $36,828 in state General Fund money for couple benefit parity in 2026–27, with $0 appropriated for 2025–26.
New benefit benchmarks for Maine recipients
Maine measures need for its state income supplement using the latest one-person, lower-living-level Portland budget, not a retired-couple budget. The benchmark comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or a consistent budget; marriage does not change it. Federal rules still allow living-arrangement differences, and the Department must consider bringing benefits up to the applicable budget level. Subject to available funding, July 1 adjustments use the April 1-to-April 1 Consumer Price Index rise plus any Department-recommended percentage. If combined monthly state and minimum federal benefits reach one-twelfth of the applicable annual budget by April 1, only the inflation increase applies.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Michael Tipping
Affiliation unavailable
Cosponsors
Amy Roeder
Democratic • House
Henry L. Ingwersen
Democratic • Senate
Laurie Osher
Democratic • House
Marianne Moore
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 753
4/16/2026PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.
4/14/2026SenatePASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
4/13/2026HouseThe House RECEDED and CONCURRED to PASSAGE TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-18) as Amended by Senate Amendment "A" (S-701) thereto.ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
4/13/2026HouseOn motion by Senator ROTUNDO of Androscoggin taken from the Special Appropriations Table On motion by Same Senator the Senate SUSPENDED THE RULES to RECONSIDER their actions whereby the Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED by Committee Amendment "A" (S-18) in concurrence. On further motion by Same Senator the Senate SUSPENDED THE RULES to RECONSIDER their actions whereby Committee Amendment "A" (S-18) was ADOPTED. On further motion by Same Senator Senate Amendment "A" (S-701) to Committee Amendment "A" (S-18) READ and ADOPTED. Committee Amendment "A" (S-18) as Amended by Senate Amendment "A" (S-701) thereto ADOPTED. PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-18) as Amended by Senate Amendment "A" (S-701) thereto in NON-CONCURRENCE. Sent down for concurrence.
4/13/2026SenateCARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800.
6/25/2025SenateOn motion by Senator ROTUNDO of Androscoggin PLACED ON THE SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS TABLE pending ENACTMENT in concurrence
4/24/2025SenatePASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
4/23/2025HouseCONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-18).In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
4/22/2025HouseReport READ and ACCEPTED.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (S-18) READ and ADOPTED.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-18).Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence.
4/17/2025SenateCARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.
3/21/2025SenateThe Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES.In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
3/4/2025HouseCommittee on HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES suggested and ordered printed REFERENCE to the Committee on HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence
3/4/2025Senate
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (S-18), adopted by House & Senate
Amendment S-A to C-A (S-701), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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