Proposals

The Board of Licensure of Water System Operators, established within the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, proposes changes to its Water System Operators Licensing Rule. This rule regulates the licensure of Public water system operators, establishes classifications, sets license fees, and outlines complaint procedures. The primary purpose of the Department’s and Board’s proposed amendments include updating the classification of public water systems by adding a third classification - Very Small Water System (VSWS) - at Section 3(A); reorgani

The existing rule will be amended to incorporate by reference the new and amended NESHAP promulgated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency between July 1, 2022, and July 1, 2025, for which the Department seeks delegation of enforcement authority.

The existing rule will be amended to incorporate by reference the new and amended NSPS promulgated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency between July 1, 2022, and July 1, 2025, for which the Department seeks delegation of enforcement authority.

The rule package is being updated to reflect the changes in law requiring all licensees to pay 10% of gross fantasy contest revenues due on the 10th of January each year for the previous year.

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

This proposed rule-making amends the limited entry system for scallop licenses. Scallop dive licenses are proposed to be issued through a license lottery held annually, as is currently the case. Scallop drag licenses would be issued through a license lottery annually, but individuals selected through the lottery will need to complete a Scallop Drag Apprenticeship Program before they will be eligible to purchase their scallop drag license.

This Chapter establishes the procedures for the submission, consideration and disposition for requests for advisory rulings as required by 5 M.R.S. § 9001.

This Chapter outlines the procedure that may be used in selecting a contractor to provide deliverables to MainePERS. The proposed amended rule provides clarifications about the applicability of the rule, conforms to updated practices and updates language for clarity and accuracy.

This chapter places restrictions on retirees reemployment while receiving a MainePERS retirement benefit. This proposed repeal and replacement rule narrows those restrictions to only those otherwise required by law, including only applying restrictions to retirees returning to work with the same employer, incorporates information on early distribution taxes and clarifies the language of the rule.

The proposed changes focus on moderni

The Rule establishes standards for the Home Energy Assistance Program for the State of Maine as administered by the Maine State Housing Authority. The Home Energy Assistance Program provides Fuel Assistance and Energy Crisis Intervention Programs to income Eligible Households. The Rule also establishes standards for the HEAP Weatheri

The Department proposes routine technical updates 10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 331; Public Assistance Manual Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) consistent with legislative changes made to 22 M.R.S. § 3769-C(1)(D) made by P.L. 2023, Ch. 622, § 2.

Under current regulation, it is prohibited to fish or to possess fish or fish parts on the Androscoggin River upstream of the Route 201 bridge between Brunswick and Topsham, to the Central Maine Power Company dam. Following the installation of a new bridge, Maine DOT is removing the bridge referenced in the regulation, so this proposed rulemaking would amend the boundary to a line 150 feet downstream from the fishway in Brunswick, north to the eastern tip of the first unnamed point upstream of the Pejepscot Paper Company Mill in Topsham, to the Central Maine Power Company dam.

This proposed rulemaking would modify the mackerel recreational possession limit to align with recent changes adopted by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) under NOAA. Mackerel is regulated by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC). The 2025 management track stock assessment indicated that the Atlantic mackerel stock was not overfished, allowing for a higher recreational bag limit. As a result, this proposed rulemaking increases the mackerel possession limit from 20 fish to 25 fish, in alignment with the private angler bag limit established by MAFMC.

This proposed rulemaking would modify the bluefish recreational possession limit to align with recent changes adopted by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) under NOAA. Bluefish is regulated by the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council (MAFMC) and the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC). The 2025 management track stock assessment projected that the bluefish stock would reach its rebuilding target in 2025, allowing for a higher recreational bag limit. As a result, this proposed rulemaking increases the bluefish possession limit from 3 fish to 5 fish, in alignment with the private angler bag limit established by MAFMC and ASMFC.

This proposed rulemaking seeks to modify the recreational si

Amended Rule 207 removes references to now-repealed tax rates (see PL 2025, c. 388), clarifies provisions relating to administration of the tax for multi-transfer transactions, and makes other clarifying and technical changes.

The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (DIFW) is proposing its annual permit numbers for the hunting of antlerless deer. Also, as directed by the Legislature in Resolve 2025, Chapter 35, DIFW has assessed the ability of additional WMDs to support a 2nd week of mu

This rule creates a new Chapter 3 in the Maine Pilotage Commission rules, which includes rates for vessels required to take sea pilots transiting Portland Harbor.

The OSHA Ha

This rule package is to create rules to implement statutory changes in 17 M.R.S. ch. 62 as amended by LD 1490 in 2025, that allows nonprofit organi

The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is proposing changes to Chapter 17 rules to open an early raccoon trapping season, adjust the areas open or closed to beaver trapping, make minor changes to the definition of rat traps that are used primarily for weasel trapping and to the definition of bait. Please contact the agency contact person for a complete copy of the rule proposal.

The amended rule responds to activity in the market, the changes are clarifications of current requirements and improved data collection.

The Department proposes routine technical changes to 10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 301; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Program Rules to enhance program integrity and avoid excessive program costs imposed by federal cost sharing requirements as enacted by P.L. 119-21 § 10105, signed into law and effective on July 4, 2025. The proposed rule would update Sections 222-5, 666-6, 666-9, and 999-1 to provide clarity to applicants, SNAP participants, and Department staff on eligibility and redetermination verification and documentation requirements.

The proposed rulemaking repeals the current Chapter 120, Electrical Installation Standards, and replaces it with a rule with the same title and in the same location that adopts and incorporate by reference into board rule the 2026 National Electrical Code, National Fire Protection Association (“NFPA”) standard #70 (“2026 NEC”) subject to certain amendments and exclusions. Go to https://www.maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing/professions/electricians to access the proposed rule and related rulemaking documents.

These rules will govern the new multi-jurisdictional game called “Powerball Xs & Os”. This game will allow players to select eight National Football League (NFL) teams from the thirty-two NFL teams. The lottery will randomly draw eight teams from the thirty-two NFL teams. Players win pri

This amendment to the Millionaire for Life rules clarifies the grand pri

This new proposed rule contains the organi

The rule repeals and replaces the current Chapter 16, Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Rule. The rule is the qualified allocation plan for allocating and administering the federal low-income housing tax credit in the State of Maine, including the State’s housing credit ceiling for calendar years 2027 and 2028, as required pursuant to Section 42 of the Internal Revenue Code.

Chapter 5 creates an appeal process for reconsideration of a spirits product retail price as established by the Liquor and Lottery Commission.

Amends chapter 2, regarding spirits pricing to provide elements of the pricing formula, multi-pack and emergency pricing and the process by which wholesale and retail pricing is determined.

This proposed rule allows the Commission to certify Lifeline-only ETCs and alters the standards and procedures for certifying such ETCs.PUBLIC HEARING: April 16, 2026 at 1:30pm at the Public Utilities Commission, 26 Katherine Drive, Hallowell, Maine 04347. COMMENT DEADLINE: May 15, 2026. Final comments on the proposed rule may be filed electronically using the Commission’s Case Management System (CMS). Please refer to the Docket No. 2026-00020 when submitting comments. Initial Comments regarding the proposed rule must be filed on or before Friday, April 10, 2026.CONTACT PERSON FOR THIS FILING: Hailey Ri

​​LD 706 as signed into Public Law (PL) 235 by Governor Mills on June 10, 2025, included a change to 26 M.R.S.A. §1221-A, sub-§3 for Employee Leasing Companies. The change consisted of making each individual client of an Employee Leasing Company liable for the tax rate based on the client’s individual experience rating, instead of a blended rate of all clients within defined units maintained by the Employee Leasing Company. The change was made to more accurately reflect employer liability for contributions to the UI Trust Fund, as well as to ensure employers are paying the correct rate, as opposed to potentially a higher or lower rate than their individual experience requires.​

​​LD 706 as signed into Public Law (PL) 235 by Governor Mills on June 10, 2025, included a repeal and replace of §1192 related to UI eligibility conditions to a newly created §1192-A. Furthermore, several other changes related to Able & Available eligibility guidelines were updated in PL 235. These changes necessitated a review and update of this rule as proposed. Furthermore, this rule had not been updated since 2017, and since then a challenge to the Able & Available requirements for incarcerated individuals needed to be clarified through rule making.​

The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (IFW) is proposing to amend Chapter 2 rules as they apply to fishing derbies and tournaments to improve IFW’s ability to ensure bass tournaments conduct aquatic invasive species and livewell inspections on all watercraft as intended, allowing additional opportunity for trained aquatic invasive species inspectors not associated with a bass club to conduct inspections if available and mutually agreed upon, and ensure that data is submitted legibly, and in a complete manner. Please contact the agency contact person for a complete copy of the rule proposal.

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

The proposed rule repeals and replaces Chapter 800. The rule establishes general parameters and requirements for agencies to electronically file rulemaking proposals and rulemaking adoptions with the Department of the Secretary of State.

This proposed rule change will require Maine hospitals to include payor mix information and provide a copy of the IRS Form 990 with their financial data reporting requirements to MHDO. It will also require financial data reporting and payor mix information from other non-affiliated health care facilities (Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (AFS), Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC’s), Rural Health Centers (RHC’s), Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC’s), Urgent Care Facilities) and health care providers as defined in this rule. Lastly, this proposed rule change removes the organi

The proposed changes are necessary to provide additional clarity with specific requirements, align with national data collection standards, and for increased transparency in the reporting of prescription drug data by adding two new data elements to the prescription drug file, a mail-order pharmacy indicator and a formulary designation. This rule change is anticipated to provide increased transparency in the reporting of prescription drug data.

This rule is being proposed to align changes with national data collection standards. It includes updates to Appendix B Source Codes, Appendix C Behavioral Health Provider Type Taxonomy Codes, and updates to data fields. These changes are needed to ensure the collection of complete and accurate data.

MRS Rule 323 explains 36 M.R.S. § 2013 as it pertains to the issuance of refunds and certificates of exemption to persons who are engaged in commercial agricultural production, commercial aquacultural production, commercial fishing, and commercial wood harvesting. Proposed amendments to Rule 323 incorporate recently enacted Maine legislation expanding qualifying activities under 36 M.R.S. § 2013 to include commercial mining and update the rule’s title. See P.L. 2025, c. 469. The definition of “machinery and equipment” in the proposed rule is also amended to specify the time period over which machinery and equipment must be used “primarily” in qualifying activities to be eligible for the exemption.

The rule will replace Rule 160 and update provisions relating to surplus lines insurers to reflect changes made in statute by PL 2025, Chapter 348 (LD 1837).

The purpose of this rule is to provide a mechanism for winding down the workers’ compensation residual pool.

This proposed rule corrects references to sections of Bureau Rule Chapter 300 that have been repealed or renumbered, and revises applicant financial statement requirements to allow for alternatives to providing audited financial statements.

Pursuant to 22 MRS §1409, which requires the Department to adopt rules to administer the Maine Children's Cancer Research Fund to support research facilities in the State of Maine that operate children's cancer programs, the Department is proposing this rule to establish the eligibility and application requirements and the method for distributing these funds collected from Maine income tax contributions and other sources to support children's cancer research.

Pursuant to its authority at 22 MRS § 264 (9), the Department is proposing this new rule to outline procedures for the Aging and Disability Mortality Review Panel. The Panel is established by Maine law to review deaths of, and serious injuries to, ‘adults receiving services’, defined as adults receiving home-based and community-based services under 42 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 441 and adults subject to public guardianship under Title 18‑C, Article 5, to identify factors contributing to the mortality of adults receiving services and strengths and weaknesses of the system of care. This rule describes the Panel’s authority and responsibilities, including managing conflicts of interest; collecting and using identifiable health information; participating in case reviews, conducting interviews; and making recommendations for improvements to the system for protecting adults receiving services.

The Department proposes to repeal 10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 311; Work Incentive (WIN) Program Manual as this rule has been replaced by the Job Opportunities and Basic Skills Training Program (JOBS) created by the Family Support Act of 1988. In addition, the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act established the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) which replaced the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) in 1996. The WIN Program has been determined as an obsolete rule and as is proposed for repeal.

The Department proposes to repeal 10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 325; 1987 Flood Recovery Policy. The 1987 Flood Recovery program was established by the Maine State Legislature’s 113th Session to assist individuals impacted by the April 1987 flood. The 10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 325 rule is outdated and considered obsolete.

The Department proposes to repeal 10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 610; Maine At-Risk Child Care Program Rules. This rule has been replaced by 10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 6, Child Care Affordability Program Rules administered by the DHHS, Office of Child and Family Services. 10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 610; Maine At-Risk Child Care Program Rules is considered obsolete, and the Department proposes to repeal this rule.

The Department proposes a new rule, 10-144 C.M.R. Chapter 303; Office for Family Independence SupportLink Program Rule #1 consistent with a legislative change to 22 M.R.S. § 3110 made by P.L 2023, ch. 412, Pt. VV, § 1. The proposed rule would establish regulations and standards for an optional referral process between the Department and other agencies known as an “Information Exchange.” The purpose of this program is to provide applicant and recipient information to help establish potential eligibility for other programs. The Information Exchange will provide timely transfer of income records and program enrollment information to other state agencies, quasi-state agencies or other entities approved by the Department for purposes of the administration and application for the low-income home energy assistance program; low-income assistance programs, local, state or federal subsidi