Proposals

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

The Office is proposing to repeal this rule. The Housing Opportunity Program, in September 2025, moved to the Maine Office of Community Affairs (MOCA) from the Department of Economic and Community Development. MOCA’s programs are exempt from the Department of Administrative and Financial Services’ statutes governing grants and contracts. 5 M.R.S. § 3205(2). Due to this exemption, the criteria listed in 08-001 CMR Ch. 2 is no longer applicable.​

This is a new rule proposed by the Maine Office of Community Affairs. This rule defines the procedures and criteria to be used in the appeal of grant awards, outlines the appointment of a hearing officer, describes procedures to be used in hearing an appeal and how appellants will be notified of final agency action pursuant to 5 M.R.S. §§ 9051, 9052-9064.

CSSP is intended to provide individuals with access to education, training and support leading to skilled, well-compensated jobs with anticipated high employment demand, to improve the economic well-being of the participants in the program and to provide employers with a skilled labor force. This Rule change is required by Maine PL 2025, Ch. 396, which required “The commissioner adopt rules in accordance… to provide for the approval of cohort-based education or training programs and eligibility for individuals participating in those programs.

This rule establishes requirements for the filing of tax returns and the payment of the Service Provider Tax pursuant to 36 M.R.S. § 2554. Maine Revenue Services proposes repealing this rule because, effective January 1, 2026, the Service Provider Tax is repealed.

Amendment to existing Chapter 308 to add compost as a Special Commodity and to define compost as nutrient-rich organic matter produced by the controlled decomposition of plant and animal materials, used in agriculture to improve soil fertility, structure, and moisture retention.

The Department proposes routine technical changes to 10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 301: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Program Rules to ensure compliance with P.L. 119-21 § 10108 signed into law and effective on July 4, 2025. The proposed rule would update Section 111-2, eliminating eligibility for Federal SNAP for some nonciti

The Commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is proposing to amend Chapter 16.11 rules pertaining to season dates and bag limits for the hunting of ducks, geese and other migratory game birds. Season frameworks and harvest limits are similar to the previous hunting season. Of note are the two proposed modifications to the South

The proposed changes update links to several source code resources and modify descriptions for several other data elements to more accurately reflect the requirements. It also adds a new data element labeled “Payment Source” to identify those inpatient and outpatient hospital encounters that are considered “self-pay” and those encounters that fall under the hospital's “charity care” policy. This change will enhance the level of granularity and standardi

The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is proposing to amend Chapter 13 rules to include electronic visual distress signal devices (eVDSD) to the existing list of approved visual distress signals. This is necessary to remain in compliance with US Coast Guard law and rule standards for watercraft and will also provide boaters with more options, keeping up to date with new technology that is considered less dangerous and more reliable. Please contact the agency contact person for a complete copy of the rule proposal.

MRS is proposing to repeal and replace Rule 202 (“Tree Growth Tax Law Valuations”). The following changes are being made to the proposed Rule. The rule is being replaced to provide updated valuation rates for each forest type by region. 36 M.R.S. § 576 requires that the State Tax Assessor annually establish the value per acre for each forest type, by economic region, for parcels classified under the Tree Growth Tax Law.

The Board has initiated rulemaking pursuant to recently passed laws by the 132nd legislature. These include LD 1697 (PL 2025 c. 292), which requires the Board to make the chemical tebuthiuron restricted use and LD 356 (RESLV 2025 c. 47), which requires the Board to make certain rodenticides prohibited unless used by a commercial applicator. The proposed changes to rules should satisfy these two legislative mandates.

The proposed rule would update budgeting figures for SNAP benefits including the income limits, maximum benefits, and utility allowances. Maine is required to update most of these figures each October 1 and to update the income limit for broad based categorical eligibility each January.

The Department of Health and Human Services proposes to make a number of changes to comply with the State of Maine’s December 20, 2024, settlement agreement with the United States regarding enhancements to the Department’s children’s behavioral health services. The proposed rules and accompanying Fact Sheet detailing these changes may be viewed in their entirety at www.maine.gov/dhhs/about/rulemaking.

The rule is required as a result of P.L. 2025, c. 318, An Act to Require Continuing Education for Licensed Architects, effective July 1, 2026.The proposed rule requires that as a prerequisite for renewal, licensed architects will have completed a minimum of 12 hours of approved health, safety and welfare education. The requirement can be satisfied by completing courses or programs approved by the National Council of Registration Boards (NCARB), the American Institute of Architects (AIA) or the board. A copy of the proposed rule and rulemaking forms can be accessed at https://www.maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing/professions/board-of-licensure-architects-landscape-architects-interior-designers.

This update to Chapter 167 revises the methods for the calculation of gross and net annual greenhouse gas emissions in the State for the purpose of assessing attainment of the reduction requirements set out at 38 MRS §§576-A(1), (2) and (3).

This proposed rulemaking specifies effort restrictions for the state allocated menhaden fishery on and after the first Monday of September, annually. Open harvest days are Mondays and Thursdays only, with a daily trip limit of 7,000 pounds, except that pound net, stop seine and fish weirs may harvest seven days a week with a weekly landing limit of 14,000 pounds.

This proposed rulemaking establishes the elver quota allocations for the 2026 season for individuals licensed under §§6505-A and 6302-A, and the method of calculating individual elver quota allocations for individuals licensed under §6505-A. The quota for the Passamaquoddy Tribe has been adjusted in accordance with their overage in the 2025 season. 2026 allocations for individuals who held a license in 2025 will be the same as their 2025 allocations, plus any quota associated with licenses not renewed in 2025, or licenses suspended for the duration of the 2026 season, in excess of that which is allocated to new license holders authori

This proposed rulemaking would require a pre-application meeting for an experimental lease application prior to an experimental application being submitted to the Department. The proposed rule also updates the sourcing requirements for Limited Purpose Aquaculture (LPA) licenses to provide consistency with existing regulations, ensure that reliable sources of stock are available for each allowable species, and streamline the LPA sourcing framework. For LPAs, an approved hatchery, or facility would be the only authori

The rulemaking implements PL 2025, c. 150, directing the formulary subcommittee of the Board of Complementary Health Care Providers to update the formulary for naturopathic doctors. The board proposes to adopt and incorporate by reference the formulary classifications listed in the American Hospital Formulary Service Pharmacologic Therapeutic Classification System (AHFS)(2025) issued by the American Society of Health System Pharmacists, copyright © 2025. The rule provides that naturopathic doctors may prescribe medications, in accordance with their training and practice, from all formulary classifications in the AHFS, except those as excluded in the rule. The proposed rule also sets forth the requirements a naturopathic doctor must meet before ordering and using IV therapies. A copy of the proposed rule and the rulemaking forms may be accessed at https://www1.maine.gov/pfr/professionallicensing/professions/board-of-complementary-health-care-providers.

CSSP is intended to provide individuals with access to education, training and support leading to skilled, well-compensated jobs with anticipated high employment demand, to improve the economic well-being of the participants in the program and to provide employers with a skilled labor force. This Rule change is required by Maine PL 2025, Ch. 396, which required “The commissioner adopt rules in accordance… to provide for the approval of cohort-based education or training programs and eligibility for individuals participating in those programs.

This rule governs the application for, and awarding of, funds from the Department of Education discretionary grants for planning for later start times. Grants are intended to assist in the financing of local initiatives.

The Commission initiates a rulemaking to amend Chapter 420 as directed by the Legislature pursuant to L.D. 1473 (132nd Legislature 2025), An Act to Require Gas Utilities to Assess for Natural Gas Leaks and to Require Reporting of Gas Leak Information (codified at 35-A MRSA § 4173).

The principal reason for this rulemaking is to update retail margins within Maine’s pricing formulas, after a study of industry conditions in Maine, as prescribed in statute. A copy of the study with recommended margin changes can be found on the Milk Commission’s webpage.

This major substantive rulemaking amends Department Rule Chapter 10 to define significant habitat for state endangered and state threatened species and update the provisions governing vernal pools to align with current statutory requirements. Please contact the agency contact person for a complete copy of the rule proposal.

The Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife is proposing changes to the moose hunting season to include adding a September hunting season for antlered moose in all remaining WMDs in which moose hunting permits are issued, and adjusting the timing of the October antlered moose season such that there is always a one-week gap between that season and the September season. Adding additional WMDs to the September season will increase moose hunting opportunity without increasing permits and reduce hunter and user conflicts by redistributing hunters. Adjusting the timing of the October season will ensure that it always occurs during a time period when bulls are more responsive to calling. Please contact the agency contact person for a complete copy of the rule proposal.

The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is proposing allocation numbers for moose hunting permits to be issued for the 2026 moose hunting season. Permits will be issued for antlered and antlerless moose. This proposal also includes the discontinuation of the Adaptive Management moose hunt referred to as WMD 4a, which was established as a 5-year research project and has now concluded. Proposed permit allocations according to Wildlife Management District are as follows:

This Chapter establishes the procedures for attorneys to request funds for experts and investigators from the Commission and provides that the Executive Director shall make the determination to grant or deny the request. It also establishes the procedures for payment of expert and investigator services authori

The Board needs to increase the annual license fee from $490.00 to $600.00 to adequately provide revenue for the board to conduct its functions and expenditures.

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention within the Department of Health and Human Services is proposing this routine technical rule change jointly with the Maine Department of Education to amend their Immuni

The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention within the Department of Health and Human Services is proposing this routine technical rule change jointly with the Maine Department of Education to amend their Immuni

The purpose of this chapter is to set forth regulations for the slaughter and processing of whole ready-to-cook poultry carcasses for a poultry producer that processes fewer than 1,000 birds annually of their own raising in accordance with 22 M.R.S. § 2517-C(4).

This Chapter establishes a consolidated retirement plan, as required by 5 M.R.A. §§18801 et seq. for local districts that are participating local districts under 5 M.R.S., Chapter 425 before the date the plan is put into operation and for local districts that enter into agreements for the participation of their employees in the Maine Public Employees Retirement System after The Plan is put into operation. The proposed amendments to this Chapter treat preconsolidated service as Consolidated Plan service for those retiring after the new Pension Administration System goes live.

This Chapter sets out the standards and definitions to be applied in determining under 5 M.R.S. §§17929(2)(B)(1) and 18529(2)(B)(1) whether a disability retirement recipient if actively seeking work. The proposed amendments to this rule remove the definition of substantially gainful activity level from this chapter, recogni

This Chapter implements the provisions in the Maine Public Employee Retirement System statutes relating to qualified domestic relations orders (5 M.R.S. §§17059 to 17061) which provide the statutory authority for the retirement system to pay benefits to the alternate payee of a member or retiree when the right to such payment is established by a qualified domestic relations order. The proposed amendments to this Chapter establish that digital certification of qualified domestic relations orders will only be accepted where it complies with Maine law. The proposed amendments also remove references to Social Security with respect to disability retirement benefits in conformity with PL 2025, c. 270.

This proposed rulemaking establishes 10-144 C.M.R. ch. 101, MaineCare Benefits Manual (the “MBM”) Chapter II, Section 66, Crisis Services. This proposed rule covers three distinct crisis services: Crisis Residential, Mobile Crisis Intervention Response, and Site-Based Crisis Stabili