Proposals

The purpose of this chapter is to implement changes made by statute P.L. 2023, Ch. 333, moderni

This regulation would establish open harvest days and tote limits for the taking of sea urchins by divers, rakers, trappers, and draggers in

The proposed amended rules eliminates reference to the offset of disability retirement benefits for Social Security benefits received by a member for the same condition.

The Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is proposing to repeal Chapter 22 rules. The Chapter is now obsolete as the Department’s maga

The Land Use Planning Commission’s current fee schedule works well for complex and multi-faceted projects, but has adversely impacted the time needed to process residential development permits. The Commission is proposing to revise its fee schedule to simplify the application fee structure for residential development. Proposed revisions also include clerical edits.

Statutory authority for this Rule is 5 MRSA, Chapter 6, §95-C. This chapter prescribes policies, standards, and procedures for the economical and efficient management of State records. We will add a statement requiring state agencies to get approval from the Maine State Archives before purchasing a new document management system to ensure proper document management capability.

To amend the Oil Import Fees listed in Section 4 of the rule by increasing the fee from 18 cents per barrel of gasoline to 20 cents per barrel as well as increasing the fee from 6 cents per barrel for other petroleum products except unrefined crude oil, liquid asphalt, and number 6 fuel oil to 10 cents per barrel.

This Rule administers the State of Maine drinking water requirements for approximately 1,900 public water systems by the Department’s Maine CDC Drinking Water Program (Department), which has federal primacy. The Department proposes rule changes to reflect current practice, by removing any outdated language and meet a Legislative Resolve approved by emergency on June 21, 2021: Resolve to Protect Consumers of Public Drinking Water by Establishing Maximum Contaminant Levels for Certain Substances and Contaminants (Resolves 2021, ch. 82; S.P. – LD 129), which requires public water systems to test and monitor drinking water for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The Department also proposes to incorporate the recently announced by USEPA in April 2024 for federal PFAS standards into this Maine rule EPA for six PFAS compounds. Community public water systems, non-transient non-community systems, and bottled water suppliers will be required to test for PFAS and report their results to the Department, resulting in possible mitigation, if levels are reported above certain levels. The Department also proposes to require seasonal transient public water systems and all community public water systems to test for total coliform on a monthly basis, to further protect public health and alert the Department to possible bacterial contamination quicker. The Department proposes to add a definition for “common scheme of development” to clarify its process to identify and regulate public water systems, and finally, the Department proposes a new rule title to reflect Maine CDC rulemaking formatting convention.

This proposed amendment would revise the language of the rule referencing the current amount for eligible reimbursement per night, establish an individual annual and lifetime grant cap, incorporate recent legislative changes to the statute, and update outdated definitions. Amended rules may incorporate and align these annual and lifetime grant caps with 15-215, Chapter 2: Administration of the Veteran's Financial Assistance Program.

This proposed amendment would revise the language of the rule referencing the current amount for an individual annual grant and reinforce the lifetime cap of $10,000. Amended rules may incorporate and align these annual and lifetime grant caps with 15-215, Chapter 3: Administration of the Veteran's Homelessness Prevention Coordination Program.

The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is proposing regulation changes for the upcoming ice fishing and open water fishing seasons. These regulations are needed to provide for the effective conservation of Maine’s inland fisheries and to enhance fishing opportunities throughout the State. This rule-making packet includes 12 individual proposals presented in the following “theme” categories: Special Need; Salmonid Growth, Condition, and Performance; Expanded Angler Opportunity; and Errors, Conflicts, and Confusion. The complete list of proposals may be obtained from the Agency Contact Person or online at: https://www.maine.gov/ifw/news- events/rulemaking-proposals.html. The proposals, if adopted, will become effective January 1, 2026. Members of the public are encouraged to review the proposals and provide comments by submitting written comments by mail or email to the contact person for this filing or by participating in the public hearing. (All comments must be related to this rulemaking packet.) Note: Written comments are given equal consideration to testimony given at the public hearing.

This rule establishes the requirements for the use of trailer transit plates pursuant to 29-A M.R.S.A. Section 462, sub-section 8.

This rule establishes the requirements for licensing and for receipt of registration plates for vehicle dealers, persons in the business of conducting vehicle auctions, vehicle recyclers, mobile crushers, and holders of loaner and transporter plates. The rule sets forth required facilities, equipment, records and hours and describe required application procedures. The rule also establishes requirements for annexes and for secondary locations.

This chapter establishes a consolidated retirement plan, as required by 5 M.R.S. §18801 et seq. for local districts that are participating local districts under 5 M.R.S., Chapter 425. The proposed amended rule eliminates of the reduction of disability retirement benefits due to receipt of Social Security benefits for the same condition.

This rule provides guidance on disability compensation limits and benefit offsets. The proposed amended rules eliminates reference to the offset of disability retirement benefits and compensation limits for Social Security benefits received by a member for the same condition.

This chapter establishes a consolidated retirement plan, as required by 5 M.R.S. §18801 et seq. for local districts that are participating local districts under 5 M.R.S., Chapter 425. The proposed amended rule eliminates of the reduction of disability retirement benefits due to receipt of Social Security benefits for the same condition.

This rule repeals license application and renewal requirements for collection agencies in Chapter 300 superseded by requirements in Bureau Rule Chapter 705, clarifies surety coverage requirements for residential real estate property preservation provider and debt buyer licensees, and repeals the requirement that licensees receive pre-approval of form letters used in communicating with Maine debtors.

At the annual Highland Plantation meeting on April 26, 2025, residents in attendance voted 11-6 to repeal the comprehensive plan and land use ordinance. Pursuant to 12 M.R.S. §685-A(4-A)(B), this rule needs to be updated to officially reestablish the Commission’s jurisdiction regarding land use planning and

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a federal program that provides food assistance to low-income households. It's a partnership between the USDA, states, and local organi

Chapter 2 of the Commission’s rules sets out the minimum requirements to be Eligible to accept assignments from the Commission. The rules in Chapter 3 are promulgated to establish the eligibility requirements for Speciali

This rule package is to create a rule to define special events and remove the requirement for form 5475.

This chapter outlines the procedures governing the award of death benefits to the child, spouse or parent of a law enforcement officer who dies while in the line of duty. 25 MRS §§1611 – 1612.

The Department determines that adoption of this rule is necessary for compliance with federal rule changes adopted in April 2024 for the use of CCDF funds, according to 42 U.S.C. 9858 et seq., 45 C.F.R. Pt. 98. This routine/technical rulemaking is necessary to comply with Federal Rule updates according to 42 U.S.C. 9858 et seq., 45 C.F.R. Pt. 98. The Department adopted these changes on an emergency basis on 5/19/25 and this proposed rulemaking will adopt them after the emergency rule expires on 8/17/25 at 11:59pm EST (U.S. and Canada). Revisions to payment processes, including paying prospectively and by enrollment, as well as changes to co-payments are required to meet these federal rule changes. As well, the Department has proposed paying child care providers the market rates as part of these rule changes.

This proposed rulemaking repeals Rule Chapter 901. Chapter 901 was adopted in 1986 to provide a schedule for adjustments to confidential state employee’s average final compensation for the period January 1986 through March 1987. This rule appears to no longer have any application.

This rule defines the requirements to qualify as a full-time student for the purposes of survivor benefit payments to a dependent child of a deceased member. Rule Chapter 102 was adopted in 1986 and has not been substantively amended since that date. The proposal is to repeal and replace the rule. The proposed replacement rule includes updated language and formatting, and the removal of wording for consistency with existing statutory language.

This rule amends Chapter 709 as it pertains to reporting requirements for unhosted cryptocurrency wallets. The existing provisions have proven difficult or impossible for industry to comply with and new methods have been developed and are being implemented to address the concerns surrounding unhosted wallets.

The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is recommending the following changes to Chapter 14 rules Commercial Whitewater Rafting: Changing the whitewater guide total training run requirement for a Level One Whitewater Guide from the current 20 to 15 total training runs; changing the whitewater guide written exam waiting period for an applicant that is unsuccessful in passing the written exam from the current 30 days to 14 days; and, clarifying the language that requires a whitewater guide to carry on their person a knife. The proposed changes will assist outfitters in the quality of training runs and increase safety for rafters. Please contact the agency contact person for a complete copy of the rule proposal.

The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is proposing to amend Chapter 20 rules to separate the current “Mammals and Heads” classification into their own classifications. Separate mammal and head classifications will allow applicants to choose one or both classifications for testing, which may help with the quality of the specimen produced during the exam process. Please contact the agency contact person for a complete copy of the rule proposal.

The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is proposing a deer management assistance program (DMAP) to improve ability to serve some landowners that have deer conflicts. Part of this program will be providing landowners with additional deer removal options where deer are damaging market trees and crops, and this additional removal will come by way of DMAP permits allowing for the removal of additional antlerless deer from impacted properties. Please contact the agency contact person for a complete copy of the rule proposal.

The proposed rulemaking reflects the Appraisal Qualifications Board’s (AQB) adoption of changes to continuing education requirements contained in the 2026 Real Property Appraiser Qualification Criteria (Criteria). Licensed appraisers completing continuing education for the renewal of their license will be subject to these changes effective January 1, 2026. The Maine Board of Real Estate Appraisers proposes to adopt the following changes made by the AQB to continuing education requirements:

The Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IFW) is proposing to adopt antlerless deer permit (ADP) numbers for the 2025 deer hunting seasons and special mu

This rule implements the recent change in Maine law creating a universal exclusion list for all areas of gambling under the oversite of the Gambling Control Board and Gambling Control Unit respectively.

In this Rule, the Commission proposes to set forth a process for mediation between a municipality and a video service provider relating to negotiations of a franchise agreement or contract, the obligations of the Participants under the agreement or contract, or the obligations of the Video Service Provider.

This Chapter establishes a method for Counsel to seek payment for Secretarial Services and Paralegal Services on assigned cases.

This Chapter establishes a fee schedule and administrative procedures for payment of Counsel. The Chapter sets a standard hourly rate and fee amounts that trigger presumptive review for specific case types. The Chapter also establishes rules for the payment of mileage and other expenses that are eligible for reimbursement by the Commission. Finally, this Chapter requires that all vouchers for attorney fees and reimbursable expenses must be submitted using the PDS electronic case management system. The revisions to this Chapter permit Counsel to seek payment for Secretarial Services and Paralegal Services on assigned cases.

This rule is proposed to be repealed and replaced to update its provisions, including those related to acceptable ways of sending funds and hold periods on funds sent, and to add provisions on credit improvement loans and debit cards.

The Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is proposing to amend Chapter 16 rules to open WMD 3 to fall turkey hunting with a one turkey (can be either sex) season limit. Please contact the agency contact person for a complete copy of the rule proposal.

The proposed rule is intended to conform to recent legislative changes regarding consumer consent for certain contract renewals and regarding early termination fees. The proposed rule also includes changes to reflect the Commission’s experience in enforcing the statutory and regulatory provisions applicable to competitive electricity providers (CEPs) and otherwise includes changes intended to provide consistency and clarity within the rule.

The Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund Board is proposing to amend its strategic plan to provide a six-year review of the plan. A complete copy of the proposal may be obtained from the contact person listed below.

The proposed rule changes would update the ASPIRE-TANF Program rules to ensure services provided are trauma-informed, culturally and linguistically appropriate and consistent with a legislative change to 22 M.R.S. §§ 3762(A-1), 3788, and 3790 made by P.L. 2021, Chapter 648 Part 5. The Department held a listening session on September 21, 2023 for current and former participants in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program and community partners. Feedback from the listening session was incorporated in the development of the proposed rule changes.

The purpose of this chapter is to incorporate by reference certain rules governing Occupational Safety and Health in construction industry employment as promulgated by the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration at 29 CFR Part 1926 as most recently amended as of January 13, 2025. This change updates the construction standard to require personal protective equipment (PPE) to properly fit the employee.

This replacement rule repeals and replaces in its entirety the current Home Energy Assistance Program Rule. The Rule establishes standards for administering fuel assistance, emergency fuel assistance, TANF Supplemental Benefits, weatheri

The Maine Land Use Planning Commission is proposing to repeal Chapter 15 as it is inconsistent with the Commission’s authority over forestry-related uses, including land management roads in management districts. Other road construction, repair, and relocation activities are addressed by Chapter 10 of the Commission’s rules.

The Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is proposing changes to Chapter 17 rules to adjust the time limits to register furbearer pelts by trappers, clarify the requirements for exclusion devices, and adjust the areas open or closed to beaver trapping. The proposed rules will have an effective date of 7/1/2025 to keep the chapter consistent with changes that were previously adopted in filing 2024-251 with an effective date of 7/1/2025. Please contact the agency contact person for a complete copy of the rule proposal.

This rule implements the recent change in Maine law requiring the Gambling Control Board in cooperation with the Department of Public Safety to approve qualified independent laboratories for certification of slot machines and associated equipment from distributors and service vendors.

The proposed rulemaking repeals and replaces several chapters to update the Commission’s rules in order to make technical and organi

The MDIFW is proposing to amend Chapter 27 rules to provide clarity in the eligibility and standards to operate as an Animal Damage Control (ADC) agent. Changes will allow the Department to address factors such as geographic location, unique services, and changing levels of human-wildlife conflict in the assessment of certification of prospective ADC agents. Addressing these Departmental program needs will help meet the increased demand for services on Departmental staff and ADC agents that deal with nuisance wildlife issues and provide consistent, safe, and reliable services to Maine’s citi