Proposals

This rule makes a minor change to the loan underwriting guidelines of the Kim Wallace Adaptive Equipment Loan Program Fund Board, allowing loans for refinance of a purchase of adaptive equipment or assistive technology, if the application is submitted within 90 days of the item’s purchase date. This extends the current deadline for applications for refinance to be submitted within 60 days of the item’s purchase date.

This rulemaking repeals and replaces the current rule in force, 10-144 CMR Ch. 114, Sentinel Events Reporting Rule. The revisions will serve to bring the current rule in force into compliance with changes made to 22 M.R.S. Chapter 1684 by PL 2025 Ch. 305 as well as incorporating current National Quality Forum (NQF) standards for Serious Reportable Events. These changes will allow providers to report on updated patient safety events and address current trends and needs and positively impact patient safety. Facilities will notice some new sentinel event categories have been added and some have been modified or retired. This will lead to increased reporting for some events and a decrease in others. The revision also allows for some clarification and updating of language with the goal of enhancing ease of use and interpretation of the Rule.

This rulemaking clarifies that compliance with section (6) of Chapter 138, Alternative Emission Limits for Startup and Shutdown, can be demonstrated through an alternative RACT determination that addresses startup and shutdown emission standards.

Section 20 in the MBM authori

This Section 20 rule regulates home and community-based services (HCBS) that are authori

The State Board is proposing changes to Chapter 61 to improve conditions under which the State will subsidi

The Maine Emergency Medical Services’ Board is proposing to repeal and replace its existing chapter of rules addressing Drugs and Medications. This rulemaking is intended to update current rules to align them with recent changes to the federal regulatory structure surrounding controlled substances, and changes to State law resulting from P.L. 2026 c. 654. This rulemaking is intended to update and clarify provisions of rule to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public, related to the storage, supply, recordkeeping, administration, and inspection of drugs and medications.

This rulemaking is proposed via two, simultaneous private citi

The Housing Opportunity Program, within the Maine Office of Community Affairs, is proposing to amend Chapter 1 to implement the statutory changes in PL 2025 Ch. 733.

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 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 amended rule Chapter includes language to conform with the definition of part-time, seasonal and temporary employees under federal law and expands the ability of eligible members to purchase Special Plan service credit.

This Chapter establishes the extent to which a participating local district may include or exclude its part-time, seasonal or temporary employees from membership in the Maine Public Employees Retirement System. It specifies the manner in which a participating local district must notify the System of its decision with respect to these employees. It provides that under certain circumstances, employees have an option to withdraw from or join the System. It requires that participating local districts continue to contribute to the System in accordance with their existing plans on behalf of part-time, seasonal or temporary employees until the System is notified of the change and it establishes deadlines for action and the Consequences of failure to act. This rule chapter is proposed for repeal as it is no longer necessary with the amendment of Rule Chapter 803 to include the definition of part-time, seasonal and temporary employees under federal law. The remainder of Rule 802 is obsolete.

This Chapter establishes standards for determining whether to grant a waiver under 5 M.R.S. §§17054(3), 17103(6) to a member or retiree who, without the waiver, would be required to make payments to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System because of an employer error or omission. The proposed amendments seek to expand the application to include all benefit recipients and errors beyond just those made by employers.

MRS Rule 302 establishes administrative requirements for tax-exempt sales and explains the circumstances under which a retailer or service provider will be relieved of its burden of proving that a sale to an entity described in 36 M.R.S. §§ 1760 or 2557, including an agency or instrumentality of the federal government or of the State of Maine, is exempt from Maine sales, use, or service provider tax. The proposed rule strikes references to service provider tax, which was repealed effective January 1, 2026, and codifies current administrative practice regarding the taxability of items purchased by an exempt entity in its capacity as a retailer.

The proposed rulemaking clarifies what activities may be authori

This proposed rulemaking seeks to modify the coastal waters gear restrictions to align with federal regulations (50 CFR §648.80(a)(16)). This proposed rulemaking clarifies grate raised footrope trawl (GRFT) net measurements. It also removes the requirement for a Department of Marine Resources gear inspection and the need to obtain a whiting endorsement prior to participating in the fishery.

This proposed rulemaking removes reference to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) voluntary Infectious Salmon Anemia (ISA) control program and the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service’s “Infectious Salmon Anemia Program Standards” which expired in April 2026. The proposed rulemaking also removes reference to outdated testing methods and replaces them with current standards. Additionally, the proposed rulemaking clarifies testing procedures.

The Department proposes routine technical changes to 10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 332; MaineCare Eligibility Manual to ensure compliance with Sections 1903(v)(5) and 2107(e)(1)(R) of the Social Security Act (SSA), amended by § 71109 of the Budget Reconciliation Act of 2025 (P.L. 119-21), effective October 1, 2026. The proposed rule will update Part 2, updating eligibility criteria for some nonciti

The proposed rulemaking would amend existing rule Chapter 579: Classification Attainment Evaluation Using Biological Criteria for Rivers and Streams. The existing rule establishes numeric aquatic life criteria and statistical models for rivers and streams based on the benthic macroinvertebrate community. No changes to those criteria are proposed. The amendment will establish new numeric criteria and statistical models for the following waterbody and biological community types: Benthic macroinvertebrate communities in soft-bottom streams, marshes and shallow lakes and ponds; epilithic algal communities (algae growing on hard surfaces such as rocks and logs) in eroded, mineral-bottom streams and rivers; epiphytic algal communities (algae growing on aquatic plant stems) in soft-bottom streams, marshes and shallow lakes and ponds. The proposed amendment will formali

In this rulemaking, the Department intends to update Appendix A of Chapter 418 (“Appendix A”) to reflect the current allowed levels of chemicals in waste to be permitted at beneficial use sites. Appendix A’s screening levels for waste are derived using the standard risk assessment methodology described in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Regional Screening Levels (“RSLs”) for Chemical Contaminants at Superfund Sites (last updated March 13, 2026). Acceptable risk levels were set at one-half the risk standard used by the Department for clean up of sites contaminated with ha

The Department is proposing to repeal its Occupational Disease Reporting Rules and Regulations (Chapter 254). Public Law 2023, ch. 412 repealed the statute requiring the Department to establish, operate and maintain a statewide occupational disease reporting system. The rule was last amended September 1994 and is now obsolete. Occupational disease reporting may still be required by the Department, as authori

This proposed new rule for the Department of Public Safety, Maine Criminal Justice Academy Board of Trustees creates supplementary entrance standards for certain Academy courses requiring students to provide immuni

This proposed rulemaking establishes the 2026-2027 scallop fishing season. All dates specified are inclusive. For

The current rule in force has not been updated since 2007. This rulemaking updates the current rule in force to comply with the significant changes caused by the enactment of PL 2025 c. 488 and also a previous statutory revision in 2017. This proposed rule will repeal and replace the rule in force, and includes changes to definitions, application and eligibility requirements, patient notices and publication requirements, appeal and complaint procedures, payment plans and bill disputes, and enforcement actions.

This Chapter establishes guidelines for determining a person’s financial eligibility for counsel at PDS expense. These guidelines govern the work of financial screeners employed by the Commission and are intended to provide guidance to courts in their determination of financial eligibility.

This proposal will repeal the emerald ash borer quarantine.

This proposal will repeal the European Larch Canker quarantine.

The 132nd Legislature enacted LD 1730 (P.L. 2025, c. 644, effective July 29, 2026) to amend Title 35-A. The law adds a new section 3475 and authori

The proposed rulemaking makes changes to the existing rules governing mandatory testing of cannabis and cannabis by adult use licensees to address concerns identified by the Office and program participants through the administration of the existing rule and to incorporate changes to the laws regarding mandatory testing of edible cannabis products. Specifically the proposed changes to the rule clarify what tests are required for cannabis and cannabis products in its final form, clarify the requirements applicable to retests for potency, and updating the standard operating procedure that must be used by all adult use cannabis program participants collecting, handling, transporting and receiving samples of cannabis or cannabis products for mandatory testing.

The proposed rulemaking makes changes to the existing rules governing the certification of cannabis testing facilities and the processes and procedures used to collect, receive, prepare, process, test adult use cannabis and cannabis products and the reporting of the results of such testing. These changes were identified through administration of the rule by the Maine CDC and OCP, feedback from cannabis testing facilities and other licensees and changes to the laws governing the adult use cannabis program and include: the definition of often-used but previously undefined terminology, clarification of the annual assessment process, clarification of the requirements applicable to quality control, standard operating procedures, chain of custody records and sample rejection, including a requirement that samples not meeting acceptance criteria be rejected by the cannabis testing facility that received it, and updates to the mandatory testing requirements applicable to edible cannabis products manufactured from cannabis concentrate that has already passed mandatory testing.

​​Statutory changes to M.R.S.A. Chapter 26, sub 1193(5) per Public Law 419, signed into law by the governor on June 20, 2019, removed both Holiday and Vacation pay from the main statute governing Other Remuneration. The rule is being updated to reflect those changes.

​​The primary reason for updating the rule is the result of PL 456, signed into law on July 12, 2021, which added a new provision to M.R.S.A. Chapter 26, sub. 1193(1) for individuals who have to voluntarily leave their employment due to the unexpected loss of child- or eldercare. In addition to this significant change, the chapter was last updated in 2004 and required miscellaneous clean-up and edits to become consistent with current statutes.

Maine Revenue Services (“MRS”) is proposing to amend Rule 807 (“Residency”) to clarify the determination of when an individual is treated as a “safe harbor” resident (i.e. a resident treated as a nonresident due to spending a significant amount of time outside Maine) and to clarify that certain military compensation derived by a Maine resident from service in the Space Force outside Maine is not taxable to Maine. Other technical changes are made to enhance clarity.

Maine Revenue Services (“MRS”) is proposing to amend Rule 806 (“Nonresident Individual Income Tax”) to clarify that contributions to the Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave Act program is compensation for purposes of determining income of a nonresident individual subject to Maine income tax. Also, consistent with the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act and the provisions of other Maine tax law, the rule adds to certain military pay earned or derived by a nonresident individual that is not subject to Maine income tax to include, in addition to compensation paid to active members of other branches of the military, the compensation paid by the United States to active duty members of the Space Force, the commissioned corps of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the commissioned corps of the Public Health Service who are assigned to a military air base, naval station, or any facility in Maine, public or private, to which they must report under service orders. Other technical changes are made to the rule to enhance clarity and to remove gender-specific language.

This rulemaking proposal is to update Chapter 424’s dust-lead ha

In this rulemaking, the Department intends to update Appendix A of Chapter 418 (“Appendix A”) to reflect the current allowed levels of chemicals in waste to be permitted at beneficial use sites. Appendix A’s screening levels for waste are derived using the standard risk assessment methodology described in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Regional Screening Levels (“RSLs”) for Chemical Contaminants at Superfund Sites (last updated March 13, 2026). Acceptable risk levels were set at one-half the risk standard used by the Department for clean up of sites contaminated with ha

The Commission proposes changes to Chapter 410 to (1) clarify the confidentiality provision for buyer names and addresses and (2) respond to the Joint Standing Committee on Housing and Economic Development’s request that the Commission review the rules and standards of practice and adopt further rule changes to combat deed fraud. The Commission is proposing to address deed fraud issues with a new section in the rule to require an affiliated licensee to take reasonable steps to verify the identity of a seller and the seller‘s legal authority to transfer a property prior to entering into a brokerage agreement or providing real estate brokerage services in a real estate transaction.

In accordance with 12 MRS, §11401, the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife in conjunction with the Town of Tremont in Hancock County is proposing to conduct a special deer hunt during the month of November beginning in 2026 and extending for 3 years. Deer taken during this special hunt are in addition to the statewide bag limit. All other specifications of the special hunt set by the Town and all other laws and rules relating to deer hunting shall apply. Please contact the agency contact person for a complete copy of the rule proposal.

On February 17, 2026, Public Law Chapter 540 “An Act to Address Maine’s Health Care Workforce Shortage and Improve Access to Care” was enacted authori

Maine Revenue Services (“MRS”) is proposing to amend Rule 104 (“Filing of Maine Tax Returns”) to add any tax return and tax return schedules and worksheets for which MRS provides a program of electronic filing or electronic data submission to the list of forms that are subject to the electronic filing mandate. The rule also proposes to impose an electronic filing requirement beginning in 2026 on certain taxpayers and tax return preparers filing fuel tax or cigarette tax refund applications and, beginning in 2027, that file mining excise tax or composite income tax forms. The rule removes service provider and initiator of deposit tax returns from the list of returns that are required to be filed electronically. Other technical changes are made to the rule to enhance clarity.

This proposed rule amends the current rule to clarify eligibility, aligns the rule with the statutory framework governing line-of-duty death benefits for law enforcement officers, updates and refines key definitions including those relating to children, parents, official duty, and line-of-duty deaths, provides greater clarity regarding who may qualify for benefits and under what circumstances, and conforms with recent updates to 25 MRS §§1611 – 1612 and conforms to federal Protecting America’s First Responders Act of 2021 (P.L. 117-61)

This chapter provides guidance on compensation limits and offsets applicable to disability retirement benefits. The proposed amended rule chapter updates references in conformity with PL 2025, c. 598 and eliminates the requirement that excess benefit payments addressed by this chapter be reimbursed to the System.

This chapter sets forth the standards and processes for determining eligibility for disability retirement benefits. The proposed amended rule chapter implements changes enacted in PL 2025, c. 598 and clarifies that a member reinstated to service under certain conditions is considered to have been in service throughout the period of reinstatement.

The Department proposes updates to 10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 609; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) rules to ensure consistency with other Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Family Independence Employment and Training programs. Section 4 (III)(B) would provide clarity that the most cost-effective approach reasonable for the Participant’s Individuali

The Public Utilities Commission initiates a rulemaking to promulgate a new rule, Chapter 398. In this rule the Commission proposes to adopt the standards, requirements, and procedures it will employ in reviewing: (1) Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for Renewable and Clean Resources submitted by the Department of Energy Resources (Department); and (2) contracts between an entity selected by the Department pursuant to an RFP and a transmission and distribution (T&D) utility.

Routine rate adjustment

The proposed changes to Chapter 7 are intended to benefit the harness racing industry by making the rules clearer for participants and officials. The changes will keep racing practices current and protect the equines that compete by adding more restrictions to the whipping rule and requiring that claims not be announced until after the race is official.

The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is proposing to amend the areas open to hunting during the expanded archery season. The proposed change adds land area and joins and consolidates several existing expanded archery deer hunting areas along the southern and central Maine coast and adds some coastal islands to expanded archery. This proposed change provides additional deer harvest opportunities in areas where doe harvest tends to be below desired levels and where hunting as a management tool is limited by land access, challenging geography such as islands and peninsulas, and high levels of development. Please contact the agency contact person for a complete copy of the rule proposal.

MRS is proposing an amendment to Rule 205 that (1) clarifies the administration of carry-forward continuing education credits; (3) creates a framework for the approval or denial of continuing education credit-awarding activities; (4) creates a framework for the enforcement of continuing education requirements, including advanced continuing education; (5) restructures the inactive/withdrawn and retired CMA statuses; and (6) makes other technical and clarifying changes.

The proposed changes would update agency rules to reflect P.L. 2025, Chapter 593, which requires paid communications to the public containing images or audio of a candidate that have been misleadingly manipulated or altered to contain a specific disclosure statement, and P.L. 2025, Chapter 600, which increased the spending threshold for communications to the public that require the filing of an “independent expenditure report” from spending $250 per candidate to spending $1,000 per candidate.

The Department proposes routine technical changes to 10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 301; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Rules to ensure compliance with P.L. 2025, Ch. 647, 1-A signed into law on April 6, 2026. Consistent with P.L. 2025, Ch. 647, 1-A, the proposed rule would update Section 111-2 to provide clarity for participants, applicants, and Department staff for Special Immigrant Juvenile requirements and survivors of human trafficking that do not qualify for federal food assistance benefits who may be potentially eligible for State Funded SNAP. Other non-substantive changes were made to align the language of the rule with the amended language in the law.