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Legislative Affairs

The Maine Merchants Association Legislative Affairs Team is our member's full-time advocate in Augusta. Throughout the legislative session, we track dozens of bills relevant to Maine's merchant community.

We have developed a unique bill tracking service that enables our members to quickly find relevant bills, understand their impact, and the progress a bill has made. We also will feature particular bills that have garnered a lot of attention or stand to impact our industry in significant ways. We urge our membership to pay close attention to the Featured Bills.

You're viewing: 2010 | Show All

An Act To Amend the Laws Governing the Knowing Misclassification of Construction Workers
Last Update: July 10, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 1565

Senator Martin of Eagle Lake would authorize the executive director of the Workers’ Compensation Board to shut-down a business or work site if the hiring agent or construction subcontractor has knowingly misrepresented one or more employees as independent contractors. It would also prohibit the subcontractor from performing work on a public works project for three years.

FILED UNDER: Wage and Labor Related | Passed | 2010
An Act To Prohibit Surcharges on the Use of Debit Cards
Last Update: April 02, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 1779

Representative Sharon Treat, D-Hallowell, would prohibit surcharges on the use of debit cards.

FILED UNDER: General Business | Passed | 2010
An Act To Prevent Predatory Marketing Practices against Minors (TITLE CHANGE)
Last Update: April 02, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 1183

REPEALED! The Judiciary Committee is recommended that LD 1183 be repealed and recognized that time was of the essence. Additionally, a new bill with a narrower focus is expected in January 2010.

FILED UNDER: Miscellaneous | Passed | 2010
An Act To Enhance Cooperation between the Workers' Compensation Board's Abuse Investigation Unit and
Last Update: April 02, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 1528

Senator Jackson of Aroostook appears to be part of the state’s clamp-down on the use of independent workers. This bill would clarify that the Workers’ Compensation Board’s abuse investigation unit may share information with other state agencies and would also clarify that coverage penalties in the Workers’ Compensation Act of 1992 apply to all business entities. (A MMA priority issue)

FILED UNDER: Wage and Labor Related | Passed | 2010
An Act To Provide Leadership Regarding the Responsible Recycling of Consumer Products
Last Update: April 02, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 1631

Representative Walsh Innes of Yarmouth is a major piece of environmental legislation that expands the concept of establishing responsibility for end-of-life product recycling, an idea Maine has already applied to electronic products such as televisions and computers and is attempting to apply to the recovery of unused prescription drugs. This proposal would empower environmental officials to pursue any number of products sold in Maine.

FILED UNDER: Environmental | Passed | 2010
An Act To Index the State Minimum Wage to Inflation
Last Update: April 02, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 192

Representative Tuttle of Sanford would require the state’s minimum wage to be adjusted annually for inflation.

FILED UNDER: Wage and Labor Related | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Create the Children's Wireless Protection Act
Last Update: April 02, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 1706

Representative Boland of Sanford would require a warning to be placed in the packaging of all cellular phones sold for use in Maine, warning of the alleged danger of brain cancer.

FILED UNDER: General Business | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Prevent the Spread of H1N1 (EMERGENCY)
Last Update: April 02, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 1665

Senate President Mitchell would require “large” businesses in Maine to provide up to 52 hours paid family sick leave a year, and half that amount for smaller firms. The bill’s expressed purpose is to prevent the spread of the H1N1 flu virus, but the leave could be taken for numerous health and domestic violence-related purposes. Maine would become the first state to mandate paid family medical leave.

FILED UNDER: Wage and Labor Related | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Support Collection and Proper Disposal of Unwanted Drugs
Last Update: April 02, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 821

Representative Perry of Calais would establish a state system to collect and safely dispose of unwanted drugs from households and other residential sources.

FILED UNDER: Pharmaceutical | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Protect Minors from Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices
Last Update: April 02, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 1677

Senator Schneider of Penobscot is sponsoring the 2010 version of a controversial law enacted in 2009 to regulate the obtaining of information from teenagers. A federal judge and the Maine attorney general have indicated that the original law (LD 1183) was too broad and vague, and suggested that it be repealed and replaced by a measure more narrowly focused. Thus, LD 1677 would prohibit the collection of personal information on the Internet from teens for purposes of pharmaceutical marketing.

FILED UNDER: General Business | Passed | 2010
An Act To Clarify the Informed Growth Act (EMERGENCY)
Last Update: March 26, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 1569

Representative Beaudette of Biddeford would amend Maine’s controversial law that requires proposed large retail developments to pay for special impact studies. The amendment would stipulate that the act applies only to permits or approvals for new construction and that a simple change of use permit would not require the study.

FILED UNDER: General Business | Passed | 2010
An Act To Provide for the Safe Collection and Recycling of Mercury-containing Lighting
Last Update: February 26, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 973

Representative Berry of Bowdoinham would require manufacturers of mercury-added lamps to implement a mercury-added lamp recycling program for lamps sold or distributed in Maine for household use. It would mandate a report by January 1, 2010, detailing how the recycling program could be extended to businesses.

FILED UNDER: Environmental | Passed | 2010
An Act To Implement Tax Relief and Tax Reform
Last Update: February 24, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 1495

This bill replaces LD 1088 and incorporates changes suggested by Governor Baldacci. This bill has been passed and was signed by the Governor.

FILED UNDER: Tax Related | Passed | 2010
An Act To Establish a Local Option Sales Tax
Last Update: February 11, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 1253

Representative Crockett of Augusta would allow a municipality to impose a local option sales tax of up to 3%, with 50% going to the municipality, 25% to the county, and 25% to the state general fund.

FILED UNDER: Tax Related | Defeated | 2010
Resolve, To Encourage the Preservation of Dark Skies
Last Update: January 29, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 11

Representative Schatz of Blue Hill would direct state agencies to establish a uniform state standard for new commercial construction and the lighting of outside space to limit light pollution.

FILED UNDER: General Business | Passed | 2010
An Act To Establish the Universal Childhood Immunization Program
Last Update: July 10, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 1408

Representative Connor of Kennebunk would establish the Universal Childhood Immunization Program to provide immunizations and cover the costs for children in Maine not covered by a federal program.

FILED UNDER: Pharmaceutical | Passed | 2010
An Act To Improve Oversight of Pharmaceutical Purchasing
Last Update: July 10, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 1339

Representative Treat of Hallowell would increase state oversight of pharmacy benefit managers.

FILED UNDER: Pharmaceutical | Passed | 2010
An Act Regarding the Law Governing Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers, Distributors and Dealers
Last Update: July 10, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 1683

Senator Schneider of Penobscot would remove motorized recreational vehicles from laws governing motor vehicle dealers and place them in statutes governing non-motorized recreational vehicles.

FILED UNDER: Auto Service Related | Passed | 2010
An Act To Change the Penalties for Writing Bad Checks
Last Update: July 10, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 1588

Representative Shaw of Standish of proposes to increase the classification of certain crimes involving negotiating a worthless instrument, provides a statute of limitations of 18 months for filing a civil action for issuing a dishonored check and increases the amount that may be recovered in a civil action for issuing a dishonored check.

FILED UNDER: General Business | Passed | 2010
An Act To Protect Consumers from Charges after a Free Trial Period
Last Update: July 10, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 1541

Representative Hunt of Buxton would prohibit a merchants from offering a consumer product or service for a free trial period if the consumer is required to contact the merchant to avoid receiving additional products or services and incurring a financial obligation.

FILED UNDER: General Business | Passed | 2010
An Act To Amend the Tax Laws
Last Update: July 10, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 1540

Representative Watson of Bath would make several changes to state tax laws, including those dealing with the Maine use tax on autos purchased and used in another state, ability of an insurance agency to pay taxes on certain premiums, and tax exemptions on internal combustion engine fuels and special fuels.

FILED UNDER: Tax Related | Passed | 2010
An Act To Amend the Maine Workers' Compensation Act of 1992 Regarding Coordination of Benefits
Last Update: July 10, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 1529

Senator Jackson of Aroostook would bring the state into compliance with a court decision regarding coordination of benefits pertaining to life insurance and disability payments.

FILED UNDER: Wage and Labor Related | Passed | 2010
An Act To Protect Confidential Consumer Records in Self-service Storage Facilities
Last Update: July 10, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 1499

Senator Bowman of York is a repeat of a much-debated measure designed to determine who is responsible for confidential papers and records left in self-service storage sheds.

FILED UNDER: General Business | Passed | 2010
An Act To Amend the Law Pertaining to Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors (EMERGENCY)
Last Update: July 10, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 1497

This bill makes the following clarifications to the law governing smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.

FILED UNDER: General Business | Passed | 2010
An Act To Require Insurance Companies To Cover the Cost of Prosthetics
Last Update: July 10, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 20

Representative Bryant of Windham would require insurance policies to cover the cost of prosthetics.

FILED UNDER: Pharmaceutical | Passed | 2010
An Act To Facilitate Lactation at the Workplace by New Mothers
Last Update: April 02, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 373

Representative Walsh Innes of Yarmouth would require businesses to provide a break time and sanitary space for nursing mothers.

FILED UNDER: General Business | Passed | 2010
An Act To Bolster Maine's Social Safety Net through Voluntary Sales Tax Contributions (EMERGENCY)
Last Update: April 02, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 1785

This bill directs the State Tax Assessor to create a process for voluntary payments of a sales tax surcharge for persons who make purchases that are subject to the sales and use tax. A person choosing to make voluntary payments may do so through electronic payments from that person's financial institution to the Voluntary Sales Tax Safety Net Fund, which is established in this bill, or by other means that may be established by the State Tax Assessor, who administers payments to the fund. Payments to the fund are not subject to transfers to the Local Government Fund for state-municipal revenue sharing. Revenues in the fund are distributed proportionately to various safety net programs to alleviate the burden of future budget reductions required as a result of a decline in General Fund revenue.

FILED UNDER: Tax Related | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Clarify Maine's Phaseout of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers
Last Update: April 02, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 1568

House Speaker Hannah Pingree of North Haven would strengthen Maine’s phaseout of polybrominated diphenyl ethers by banning the manufacture and sale of shipping pallets and products made from the pallets that contain the so-called “deca” mixture of flame retardants.

FILED UNDER: Environmental | Passed | 2010
An Act To Amend the Unemployment Compensation Laws Regarding Vacation Pay (EMERGENCY)
Last Update: April 02, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 1626

House Speaker Pingree of North Haven would amend state law to allow an individual to receive unemployment compensation for a period in which they also receive vacation pay.

FILED UNDER: Wage and Labor Related | Passed | 2010
An Act To License Home Building and Improvement Contractors
Last Update: April 02, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 272

Representative MacDonald of Boothbay would license home building and improvement contractors. This measure has sparked considerable debate for several years in Maine.

FILED UNDER: Wage and Labor Related | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Protect Family Caregivers
Last Update: February 22, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 962

This bill would add Family Caregivers to the ranks of protected classes of people under the Maine Human Rights Act.

FILED UNDER: Wage and Labor Related | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Reimburse Pharmacies under the MaineCare Program Based on Wholesale Acquisition Costs (EM
Last Update: February 18, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 1615

Representative Lewin of Eliot would require the Department of Health and Human Services to reimburse pharmacies for dispensing covered drugs under the MaineCare program based on a formula that includes calculated wholesale acquisition cost plus 6.7 % and a dispensing fee of $3.35.

FILED UNDER: Pharmaceutical | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Expand Tax Incentives for Visual Media Productions
Last Update: February 18, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 1449

This bill makes changes to the State's incentives to provide more effective strategies for attracting visual media productions to the State. It changes the references to "media production" to "visual media production." The existing income tax credit and reimbursement for certain production wages are replaced with a refundable income tax credit that is a percentage of direct production expenditures in the State. Eligible productions must be certified by the Department of Economic and Community Development. Productions with expenditures of more than $50,000 but less than $750,000 are eligible for an income tax credit of 10% of expenditures or 15% if the production company has been incorporated in the State for at least 2 years. A production company with eligible expenses of $750,000 or more is eligible for a base credit of 20% of eligible expenditures with incremental increases if the company hires at least 15% of its cast and crew in the State, spends at least 25% of the project time in certain counties or participates in an internship program overseen by the Department of Economic and Community Development, Office of Tourism, Maine State Film Office. The Finance Authority of Maine is directed to establish a low-interest loan program for visual media production companies with visual media production expenses of $750,000 or greater that receive a visual media production certificate.

FILED UNDER: Miscellaneous | Passed | 2010
An Act To Improve Dental Insurance Coverage for Maine Children
Last Update: February 05, 2010
Status: In committee
LD 1773

Senator Alfond of Cumberland would require health insurance policies that provide dental plans to cover dependent children from birth if the policyholder elects to participate in the plan.

FILED UNDER: Health Care | In committee | 2010
An Act To Extend Access to Federal Health Insurance Premium Assistance (EMERGENCY)
Last Update: February 05, 2010
Status: In committee
LD 1769

Representative Treat of Hallowell is a gubernatorial proposal to extend COBRA coverage provision to be consistent with federal law and changes in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

FILED UNDER: Health Care | In committee | 2010
An Act To Provide Incentives for Energy Conservation through Voltage Regulation
Last Update: February 05, 2010
Status: In committee
LD 1762

Senator Simpson of Androscoggin would allow an electric utility to recover from ratepayers the costs of investments designed to reduce energy consumption.

FILED UNDER: Environmental | In committee | 2010
An Act To Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue To Create a New Electronic Medical Records Infrastruct
Last Update: February 05, 2010
Status: In committee
LD 1761

Senator Marrache of Kennebec would authorize a $10 million bond issue to help health care providers purchase necessary software needed to exchange patients’ records electronically. Last year, Maine Merchants Association successfully resisted a move to place a fee on prescription drugs to help fund the project.

FILED UNDER: Health Care | In committee | 2010
Resolve, To Review Sales of Dairy Products
Last Update: February 05, 2010
Status: In committee
LD 1755

Representative Pieh of Bremen would direct the Agriculture Department to examine the feasibility of increasing revenues for the dairy stabilization fund by applying the present milk handling fee to dairy products other than fluid milk.

FILED UNDER: Miscellaneous | In committee | 2010
An Act To Increase the Minimum Wage
Last Update: February 01, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 403

Representative Tuttle of Sanford would increase the Maine Minimum wage to $8.90 an hour in two steps by October 1, 2011. Presently, the wage is scheduled to increase from $7.25 to $7.50 an hour on October 1, 2009. Under the new proposal, it would increase to $8.20 an hour in 2010 and to $8.90 in 2011. At that point it would be placed on “automatic pilot” to be adjusted annually based on the Consumer Price Index.

FILED UNDER: Wage and Labor Related | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Encourage Alternative Energy and Promote Maine Businesses (EMERGENCY)
Last Update: February 01, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 471

Senator Sullivan of York would provide a sales tax exemption on wood pellet stoves purchased in Maine.

FILED UNDER: Tax Related | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Clarify the Term of a Retail Tobacco License
Last Update: February 01, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 408

Senator Plowman of Penobscot would clarify that a retail tobacco license is valid for one year after issuance rather than from a specific date.

FILED UNDER: Miscellaneous | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Amend the Laws Regarding Mandatory Electronic Filing of Certain Tax Returns (EMERGENCY)
Last Update: February 01, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 490

Senator Rosen of Hancock would suspend a recent Revenue Services’ rule that would require electronic tax filings.

FILED UNDER: Tax Related | Passed | 2010
An Act To Amend the Laws Governing Returnable Beverage Containers
Last Update: February 01, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 544

This bill requires that the refund value of all returnable beverage containers is 5¢.

FILED UNDER: Environmental | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Amend the Employment Practices Law Regarding Substance Abuse Testing
Last Update: February 01, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 549

Senator Weston of Waldo would permit employers to use tests approved by the Food and Drug Administration if tests are not available through the Department of Health and Human Services.

FILED UNDER: Wage and Labor Related | Passed | 2010
An Act To Amend Certain Laws Related to the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources, Div
Last Update: February 01, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 420

Representative Martin of Orono would amend laws related to quality assurance and regulations administered by the Department of Agriculture to phase in a requirement for automatic temperature compensating meters on vehicles making retail deliveries of petroleum products. It would also require adoption of national standards for engine fuels, petroleum products, and lubricants.

FILED UNDER: Environmental | Passed | 2010
An Act To Amend Certain Laws Administered by the Department of Environmental Protection
Last Update: February 01, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 476

Senator Goodall of Sagadahoc is a catch-all bill from Department of Environmental Protection with items dealing with oil spills, underground storage tanks and the sale of products that contain polybrominated diphenyl ether.

FILED UNDER: Uncategorized | Passed | 2010
An Act To Allow a Retailer To Offer To Pay Sales Tax on Items and Services Sold by That Retailer
Last Update: February 01, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 406

Senator Courtney of York would allow a retailer to offer to pay sales tax on items and services sold by that retailer.

FILED UNDER: Tax Related | Defeated | 2010
Resolve, To Further Regulate the Use of Tanning Booths by Minors
Last Update: February 01, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 395

Senator Marrache of Kennebec would establish some elaborate rules for use of tanning booths by minors.

FILED UNDER: Miscellaneous | Passed | 2010
Resolve, Regarding the Use of MaineCare for Catastrophic Illness
Last Update: February 01, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 320

Representative Tuttle of Sanford would have the state request a federal waiver to allow the use of Medicaid monies to cover catastrophic illnesses.

FILED UNDER: Health Care | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Strengthen Maine Small Business by Establishing a Preference Percentage for State Contract
Last Update: February 01, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 327

Representative Butterfield of Bangor would establish a Maine small business preference for bids on state contracts.

FILED UNDER: General Business | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Reduce Regulatory Costs for Maine Businesses
Last Update: February 01, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 347

Senator Smith of Piscataquis would create a council on private sector regulatory costs.

FILED UNDER: Tax Related | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Reduce Minimum Participation to 60% for Group Health Insurance
Last Update: February 01, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 392

Senator Plowman of Penobscot would reduce from 70 to 60% the minimum participation for group health insurance.

FILED UNDER: Health Care | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Protect Residential Consumers of Home Heating Fuel
Last Update: February 01, 2010
Status: Undetermined
LD 355

Senator Bliss of Cumberland would require that prepaid contracts clearly outline the cancellation clause.

FILED UNDER: General Business | Undetermined | 2010
An Act To Protect Nonprofit Organizations from Embezzlement
Last Update: February 01, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 394

Senator Hobbins of York would require two authorized signatures on checks.

FILED UNDER: General Business | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Increase Child Support Collection by Expanding the New Hire Reporting Requirements
Last Update: February 01, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 300

Senator Simpson of Androscoggin would require employers who report new hires to facilitate state child support efforts to also report the hiring of independent contractors if the compensation exceeds $600.

FILED UNDER: Wage and Labor Related | Passed | 2010
An Act To Exempt Annuities from Taxation
Last Update: February 01, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 342

Senator Nass of York would exempt annuity considerations from the tax imposed on insurance premiums.

FILED UNDER: Tax Related | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Clarify the Prohibition on Payment for Health Care Facility Mistakes or Preventable Advers
Last Update: February 01, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 322

Representative Crockett of Augusta would clarify a current law that prohibits payment for health care facility mistakes or preventable adverse events.

FILED UNDER: Health Care | Passed | 2010
An Act To Clarify the Amount of a Contract for Small Claim Purposes
Last Update: February 01, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 375

Representative Walsh Innes of Yarmouth would limit small claims recovery to the amount of the debt.

FILED UNDER: General Business | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Base the Motor Vehicle Excise Tax on the Documented Actual Sale Price Rather than on the M
Last Update: February 01, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 381

Representative MacDonald of Boothbay would base the motor vehicle excise tax on the actual sale price rather than the manufacturer’s list price.

FILED UNDER: Tax Related | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Authorize the Administration of Epinephrine Autoinjectors and Asthma Inhalers in Emergenci
Last Update: February 01, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 372

Representative Valentino of Saco would authorize the administration of Epinephrine Auto-injectors and asthma inhalers in emergency situations.

FILED UNDER: Health Care | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Amend the Laws Governing Bottle Redemption and To Establish the Department of Agriculture,
Last Update: February 01, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 397

Senator Sullivan of York would revamp the Maine returnable bottle law and increase the handling fee for beverage containers.

FILED UNDER: Environmental | Passed | 2010
An Act To Allow Maine Residents To Purchase Health Insurance from Out-of-state Insurers
Last Update: February 01, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 290

Representative McKane of Newcastle would allow Maine residents to purchase health insurance from out-of-state insurers.

FILED UNDER: General Business | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Require Businesses To Make Toilet Facilities Available to Individuals with Certain Medical
Last Update: February 01, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 232

Representative Richardson of Warren would require retail businesses to make a restroom available to persons with certain medical conditions such as Crohn’s disease.

FILED UNDER: General Business | Passed | 2010
An Act To Provide a Sales Tax Exemption to Certain Organizations That Provide Assistance to Members
Last Update: February 01, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 265

Senator Goodall of Sagadahoc would provide a sales tax exemption to nonprofit organizations that provide assistance to members of the military and their families.

FILED UNDER: Tax Related | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Protect the Safety of Maine Children by Requiring the Express Consent of a Legal Guardian
Last Update: February 01, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 251

Representative Cebra of Naples would require the express consent of a legal guardian to dispense prescription medications to a minor.

FILED UNDER: Pharmaceutical | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Impose an Excise Tax on the Extraction of Water for Bottling
Last Update: February 01, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 237

Representative Hinck of Portland would create an excise tax of one cent per gallon on the extraction of ground water or surface water from springs by a bottled water operator who extracts more than a million gallons in a previous calendar year.

FILED UNDER: Tax Related | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Extend the Exception to Axle Fines during the Midwinter Season (EMERGENCY)
Last Update: February 01, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 240

Senator Jackson of Aroostook would extend the exception to axle fines during the midwinter season.

FILED UNDER: Auto Service Related | Passed | 2010
An Act To Increase Consumer Choice Regarding Service Contracts
Last Update: January 29, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 1621

Representative Thibodeau of Winterport would allow consumers to purchase service contracts, warranties and maintenance agreements from parties other than the manufacturer.

FILED UNDER: General Business | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Adopt a Drug Benefit Equity Law
Last Update: January 29, 2010
Status: In committee
LD 1498

Senator Mills of Somerset would require health insurance carriers to treat all pharmacies the same in contracts for services, and would prohibit the carriers from favoring certain types of pharmacies, including mail order.

FILED UNDER: Pharmaceutical | In committee | 2010
An Act To Protect Maine Farms and Nurseries
Last Update: January 29, 2010
Status: In committee
LD 1585

Representative McCabe of Skowhegen would require the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources to adopt rules to regulate the sale of annual plants by large-scale retailers and the producers that supply those retailers with plants on consignment.

FILED UNDER: Environmental | In committee | 2010
An Act To Prevent Price Gouging in the Sale of Milk
Last Update: January 29, 2010
Status: In committee
LD 1182

Senator Mills of Somerset would prevent price gouging in the sale of milk.

FILED UNDER: General Business | In committee | 2010
An Act To Establish a Revenue Source for the Maine Pesticide Education Fund
Last Update: January 29, 2010
Status: In committee
LD 1239

Representative Blanchard of Old Town would place a 15-cent per container fee on the sale of pesticides, to be collected at the retail level.

FILED UNDER: Environmental | In committee | 2010
An Act To Amend the Surcharge for the E-9-1-1 System (EMERGENCY)
Last Update: January 27, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 264

Representative Cleary of Houlton would increase the statewide E-911 telephone surcharge from 30 to 50 cents.

FILED UNDER: Tax Related | Passed | 2010
An Act To Allow a Gasoline Retailer To Offer Discounts to Customers Who Pay by Cash or Similar Means
Last Update: January 27, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 270

Representative MacDonald of Boothbay would allow a retailer selling gasoline to offer discounts to customers who pay by cash, debit card, or check, rather than by credit card.

FILED UNDER: General Business | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Supervise and Regulate Escrow Agents in Order To Protect Consumers
Last Update: January 27, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 165

Representative Pilon of Saco would regulate entities that operate as escrow agencies and require them to be licensed by the department of Professional and Financial Regulation. The bill defines an escrow agent as a person engaged in the business of accepting or receiving escrows for deposit or delivery on behalf of an escrow agency.

FILED UNDER: General Business | Passed | 2010
An Act To Require the Secretary of State To Notify Vehicle Owners of Impending Registration Expirati
Last Update: January 27, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 145

Representative Richardson of Warren would require the secretary of state to notify motor vehicle owners that the registration is about to expire and increase the registration fee from $35 to $36.

FILED UNDER: Auto Service Related | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Require Telephone Directories To Include Cellular Telephone Numbers for Businesses
Last Update: January 27, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 146

Representative Richardson of Warren would require telephone directories to include cellular telephone numbers for businesses.

FILED UNDER: General Business | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Require Health Care Practitioners To Distribute Free Samples of Medications in Certain Cir
Last Update: January 27, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 163

Representative Beaudoin of Biddeford would require health care practitioners to distribute free samples – based on availability – in order to test the reaction of a patient to the medication and its effectiveness.

FILED UNDER: Pharmaceutical | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Recouple Maine Estate Tax with the Federal Estate Tax
Last Update: January 27, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 198

Representative Knight of Livermore Falls, would re-couple the Maine estate tax with its federal counterpart.

FILED UNDER: Tax Related | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Provide Tax Relief to Workers Who Lose Their Jobs Due to Business Closure
Last Update: January 27, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 197

Representative Knight of Livermore Falls would exempt from the Maine income tax the severance pay of employees laid-off from commercial or industrial establishments having 100 or more employees.

FILED UNDER: Tax Related | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Provide a Sales Tax Exemption for Used Goods Sold To Benefit Food Pantries
Last Update: January 27, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 167

Representative Schatz of Blue Hill would provide a sales tax exemption for sales of used goods by a nonprofit when the profits from those sales benefit a feed pantry.

FILED UNDER: Tax Related | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Protect Consumers from the Unlicensed Practice of a Trade or Profession
Last Update: January 27, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 156

Representative Connor of Kennnebunk increases the maximum fine for an unlicensed practice or trade from $2,000 to $5,000.

FILED UNDER: General Business | Passed | 2010
An Act To Prohibit the Use of Handheld Cellular Telephones while Driving
Last Update: January 27, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 112

Representative Crockett of Augusta is one of several proposed bills to limit or prohibit the use of cellular telephones by persons operating motor vehicles.

FILED UNDER: Miscellaneous | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Modify the Maine Seed Capital Tax Credit Program
Last Update: January 27, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 175

Senator Rector of Knox would modify the Maine Seed Capital Tax Credit Program administered by the Finance Authority of Maine by changing the requirements for increased credits from businesses located in high unemployment areas to those located in pine tree development zones.

FILED UNDER: Tax Related | Defeated | 2010
An Act To License Commercial Painters
Last Update: January 27, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 201

Representative Giles of Belfast would require the licensing of commercial painters.

FILED UNDER: General Business | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Exempt Residential Electricity from Sales Tax
Last Update: January 27, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 109

Representative Davis of Sangerville would exempt all residential electricity from the sales tax. Current law only exempts the first 750 kilowatt hours.

FILED UNDER: Tax Related | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Equitably Adjust the Workers\' Compensation Board\'s Assessment
Last Update: January 27, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 176

Senator Bartlett of Cumberland would require the Maine Workers’ Compensation Board to use collections that exceed the maximum assessment by more than 10% to reduce the assessment on insured employers.

FILED UNDER: Wage and Labor Related | Passed | 2010
Exemptions to the Ban on Flavored Cigarettes and Cigars, a Major Substantive Rule of the Office of t
Last Update: January 27, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 81

Representative Perry of Calais calls for legislative review of the tax status of flavored cigarettes and cigars.

FILED UNDER: Tax Related | Passed | 2010
An Act To Base the Excise Tax on Vehicles on a Percentage of the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Pri
Last Update: January 19, 2010
Status: In committee
LD 195

This bill would based the auto excise tax on 90% of retail price instead of 100%.

FILED UNDER: Tax Related | In committee | 2010
An Act To Ban Smoking on Public Beaches and in Public Parks
Last Update: January 19, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 155

Representative Knight of Livermore Falls would extend Maine’s public smoking ban to public beaches and parks.

FILED UNDER: Miscellaneous | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Amend the Laws Governing Construction Contracts
Last Update: January 19, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 93

Representative Crockett of Augusta would require that any action by a home contractor or subcontractor to recover payment must be brought in the county were the construction is located.

FILED UNDER: Wage and Labor Related | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Allow a Cosmetologist, Barber, Manicurist or Aesthetician Licensee To Perform Services out
Last Update: January 19, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 184

Representative Nutting of Oakland would permit cosmetologists, barbers, manicurists or aestheticians to perform their services anywhere outside their primary locations.

FILED UNDER: General Business | Passed | 2010
An Act Relating to Autocycles
Last Update: January 19, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 152

Representative Connor of Kennebunk would define the three-wheeled vehicle and establish registration and licensing rules.

FILED UNDER: Auto Service Related | Passed | 2010
Resolve, To Delay the Sustainability of the Highway Fund
Last Update: January 19, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 48

Representative Mazurek of Rockland would suspend for two years Maine’s annual indexing of the gasoline excise tax, a procedure that placed the levy on so-called “automatic pilot.”

FILED UNDER: Tax Related | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Require Unredeemed Beverage Container Deposits To Be Provided to the State
Last Update: January 19, 2010
Status: In committee
LD 52

Representative Martin of Eagle Lake would require initiators of deposits to transfer abandoned deposit amounts to the state, including depositions for the past 10 years.

FILED UNDER: Tax Related | In committee | 2010
An Act To Reduce Registration Fees for Certain Generators of Biomedical Waste
Last Update: January 19, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 63

Representative Pinkham of Lexington Township would direct the Department of Environmental Protection to adopt a one-time $50 registration fee for generators of less than 10 pounds of biomedical waste per month, in lieu of current rules that require an annual fee.

FILED UNDER: Environmental | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Protect Beaches in Maine's State Parks
Last Update: January 19, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 67

Senator Nutting of Androscoggin would strengthen Maine’s already tough anti-smoking laws by banning smoking on beaches in Maine State Parks.

FILED UNDER: Miscellaneous | Passed | 2010
An Act To Prohibit the Commercial Sale of Water by a Water District
Last Update: January 19, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 55

Representative Martin of Eagle Lake would prohibit a water district from selling water for profit outside its territory, or for commercial purposes.

FILED UNDER: Environmental | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Permit the Use of a Common Flue for Oil and Solid Fuel Burning Equipment
Last Update: January 19, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 53

Representative Martin of Eagle Lake would prohibit the Oil and Solid Fuel Board from adopting rules that would effectively repeal current law that permits the use of a common chimney flue for appliances using different fuels.

FILED UNDER: Environmental | Passed | 2010
An Act To Increase the Ability of the Maine Wage Assurance Fund To Pay Unpaid Workers
Last Update: January 19, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 65

Senator Jackson of Aroostook would increase the amount of money that may be held in the Maine Wage Assurance Fund from $100,000 to $200,000. The fund is utilized to pay unemployment benefits of employees whose firms go out of businesses; and is partially funded by fines.

FILED UNDER: Wage and Labor Related | Passed | 2010
An Act To Clarify the Definition of Hard Cider for the Purposes of the Returnable Container Law
Last Update: January 19, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 50

Representative Smith of Monmouth would clarify the definition of hard cider for the purpose of the state’s returnable bottle law.

FILED UNDER: General Business | Passed | 2010
An Act Regarding the Tax on Fuel Used for Commercial Agriculture, Fishing and Forestry
Last Update: January 19, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 72

Representative Edgecomb of Caribou would allow a person who purchases and uses internal combustion fuel for commercial fishing, forestry or agriculture to apply for a refund of the excise tax paid.

FILED UNDER: Tax Related | Defeated | 2010
An Act Regarding the Composition of the Board of Pesticides Control
Last Update: January 19, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 68

Senator Nutting of Androscoggin would add an organic farmer to the state’s Board of Pesticides Control.

FILED UNDER: Environmental | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Require Municipalities To Enforce the Collection of the State Excise Tax on Motor Vehicles
Last Update: January 19, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 35

Representative Wheeler of Kittery would require municipalities to enforce the excise tax laws against residents of municipalities who register their motor vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft outside of the state to avoid the Maine excise tax.

FILED UNDER: Tax Related | Passed | 2010
An Act To Promote the Integrity of Citizens\' Initiatives
Last Update: January 19, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 28

Representative Bryant of Windham would require that persons collecting citizen initiative signatures be a Maine registered voter. In 2008, sufficient signatures were gathered to place a tax repeal question on the November ballot. The tax package was repealed.

FILED UNDER: Miscellaneous | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Prohibit the Use of a Handheld Cellular Telephone While Operating a Motor Vehicle
Last Update: January 19, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 41

Representative Beaudoin of Biddeford would prohibit the use of handheld cellular phones and electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle.

FILED UNDER: General Business | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Prohibit the Force-feeding of Birds
Last Update: January 19, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 9

Representative Casavant of Biddeford would prohibit the force-feeding of birds in order to produce the food product known as foie gras.

FILED UNDER: Miscellaneous | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Prohibit Certain Uses of Cellular Telephones and Handheld Electronic Devices while Operati
Last Update: January 19, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 40

Representative Hogan of Old Orchard Beach would prohibit the use of hand-held cellular phones and electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle.

FILED UNDER: General Business | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Prohibit Air Bag Fraud
Last Update: January 19, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 14

Representative Hinck of Portland would create the crime of air bag fraud, i.e., knowingly making an air bag inoperable for fraudulent purposes.

FILED UNDER: Auto Service Related | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Increase the Time Period for Motor Vehicle Inspections to 2 Years
Last Update: January 19, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 42

Representative Wheeler of Kittery would change the annual inspection requirement for motor vehicles – except for commercial vehicles, trailers and semi-trailers – to a biennial rather than annual inspection requirement.

FILED UNDER: Auto Service Related | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Establish a Distracted Driver Law
Last Update: January 19, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 6

Senator Diamond of Cumberland would make driving while distracted a moving violation. Similar to LD 40 & LD 41 in this session.

FILED UNDER: General Business | Passed | 2010
An Act To Ensure Access to MaineCare Services
Last Update: January 19, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 18

Representative Beaudoin of Biddeford would require rulemaking to establish incentives for health care professionals to serve Medicaid members.

FILED UNDER: Pharmaceutical | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Encourage the Diagnosis and Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Last Update: January 19, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 21

Representative Bryant of Windham would require insurance policies to cover diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders.

FILED UNDER: Pharmaceutical | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Deter Road Rage
Last Update: January 19, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 8

Senator Rosen of Hancock would establish road rage as a Class E crime.

FILED UNDER: General Business | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Amend the Laws Governing Liquor Licenses
Last Update: January 19, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 5

Senator Diamond of Cumberland would delete from current law the provision that limits the number of liquor stores that may be licensed in a municipality.

FILED UNDER: General Business | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Amend the Definition of Employment for Purposes of Unemployment Compensation
Last Update: January 19, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 27

Representative Flood of Winthrop would require individuals to work at least 16 hours to meet the requirements of the “ABC Test” for collecting unemployment benefits.

FILED UNDER: Wage and Labor Related | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Allow the Use of Only 2 Studded Tires on Front-wheel-drive Vehicles
Last Update: January 19, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 38

Representative Pinkham of Lexington Township would allow a front-wheel-drive vehicle to have studded snow tires on its front wheels only.

FILED UNDER: Auto Service Related | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Allow a Weight Tolerance for Vehicle Auxiliary Power Units
Last Update: January 19, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 37

Representative Theriault of Madawaska would extend a weight tolerance for vehicle auxiliary power units.

FILED UNDER: Auto Service Related | Passed | 2010
An Act Making Supplemental Appropriations and Allocations for the Expenditures of State Government
Last Update: January 17, 2010
Status: In committee
LD 1671

Supplemental budget information

FILED UNDER: Miscellaneous | In committee | 2010
An Act To Improve Safety on Maine\'s Primary and Secondary Roads
Last Update: January 17, 2010
Status: In committee
LD 1736

Senator Damon would authorize six-axle combination vehicles consisting of three-axle truck tractors with tri-axle semi-trailers of up to 1000,000 pounds gross vehicle weight to operate on Maine interstate highways.

FILED UNDER: Miscellaneous | In committee | 2010
An Act To Encourage Tourism by Ensuring the Safety, Accessibility and Availability of Highway Rest S
Last Update: January 17, 2010
Status: In committee
LD 1719

The bill prohibits loitering at rest areas maintained by the Department of Transportation and the Maine Turnpike Authority. The bill requires that rest areas on Interstate 95 located in Pittsfield and Sidney be reopened. The bill directs the Department of Transportation to open and maintain the scenic overlook in the Town of Medway on Interstate 95 northbound, which overlooks Mount Katahdin.

FILED UNDER: Miscellaneous | In committee | 2010
An Act Allowing Workers' Compensation Benefits for Firefighters Who Contract Cancer
Last Update: January 14, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 621

Senator Bartlett of Cumberland would presume that a firefighter who contracts cancer contracted the disease in the course of employment if an earlier test did not detect the disease.

FILED UNDER: Wage and Labor Related | Passed | 2010
An Act To Reduce the Amount of Plastic Introduced into the Waste Stream
Last Update: January 14, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 367

Senator Nutting of Androscoggin would require retailers to charge ten-cents for each plastic bag used by customers. The money would go to a Waste Reduction and Recycling Loan Fund.

FILED UNDER: Environmental | Passed | 2010
An Act To Modify the Informed Growth Act
Last Update: January 14, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 448

Representative Beaudette of Biddeford outlines how a municipality could exempt itself from Maine’s Informed Growth Act that imposes separate standards on large retail projects.

FILED UNDER: General Business | Passed | 2010
An Act To Designate Sales Tax Holiday Weekends
Last Update: January 14, 2010
Status: Defeated
LD 1148

Rep. Strang Burgess of Falmouth would designate Columbus Day 2009 as a Sales Tax Holiday and ask the legislature to designate two additional dates in 2010.

FILED UNDER: Tax Related | Defeated | 2010
An Act To Simplify the Assessment of E-9-1-1 Surcharges on Prepaid Wireless Telecommunications Servi
Last Update: January 14, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 1056

Representative Fitts of Pittsfield would require Maine retailers to collect and transmit the surcharge placed on prepaid wireless phone cards. The surcharge is to help fund the state’s emergency E-911 system.

FILED UNDER: Tax Related | Passed | 2010
An Act To Modernize the Tax Laws and Provide over $75,000,000 to Residents of the State in Tax Relie
Last Update: January 14, 2010
Status: Passed
LD 1088

Representative Piotti of Unity proposes sweeping tax reform designed to decrease the income tax by broadening the sales tax base, and by increasing the meals & lodging tax.

FILED UNDER: Tax Related | Passed | 2010
An Act Concerning the Use of Long-term Antibiotics for the Treatment of Lyme Disease
Last Update: January 08, 2010
Status: In committee
LD 1709

Representative Legg of Kennebunk would require insurance policies to cover long-term antibiotics used to treat lyme disease.

FILED UNDER: Health Care | In committee | 2010
An Act To Facilitate an Increase in Sales of Motor Vehicles
Last Update: January 08, 2010
Status: In committee
LD 1701

Representative Pilon of Saco would allow the Sunday sale of motor vehicles in Maine.

FILED UNDER: Auto Service Related | In committee | 2010
An Act To Protect the Environment and Natural Resources of the State by Regulating the Discharge of
Last Update: January 08, 2010
Status: In committee
LD 1693

Representative Flaherty of Scarborough would prohibit cruise ships and other ocean-going vessels from discharging ballast water in Maine coastal waters after 2021.

FILED UNDER: Environmental | In committee | 2010
An Act To Update the Laws Affecting the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Licensi
Last Update: January 08, 2010
Status: In committee
LD 1688

Representative Miller or Somerville would authorize the Department of Health and Human Services to charge a fee for re-issuing certain licenses.

FILED UNDER: Health Care | In committee | 2010
An Act To Implement a Maine Unemployment Insurance Work-sharing Program
Last Update: January 08, 2010
Status: In committee
LD 1681

Senator Jackson of Aroostook would allow a business to voluntarily implement an unemployment insurance work-share program that would create an alternative to layoffs during a temporary slowdown in business. The bill is proposed by the Maine Department of Labor.

FILED UNDER: Wage and Labor Related | In committee | 2010
An Act To Protect Maine Citizens' Credit
Last Update: January 08, 2010
Status: In committee
LD 1676

Senator Bartlett of Cumberland would amend the Fair Credit Reporting Act to ensure that certain persons continue to receive necessary medical treatment and information in particular debt situations.

FILED UNDER: General Business | In committee | 2010
An Act To Require a Pharmacist To Provide Prior Notification to and Obtain Consent from the Prescrib
Last Update: January 08, 2010
Status: In committee
LD 1672

Senator Bowman of York would require pharmacists to obtain consent from a prescribing physician before changing one formulation or manufacturer of an antiepileptic drug to drug another.

FILED UNDER: Pharmaceutical | In committee | 2010
Resolve, To Repeal the Fee Increase for Copies of Vital Records (EMERGENCY)
Last Update: December 30, 2009
Status: In committee
LD 1648

Senator Raye of Washington would roll-back a fee increase for some vital records obtained from the Department of Health and Human Services.

FILED UNDER: Health Care | In committee | 2010
An Act To Establish a Broadband Policy for Maine (EMERGENCY)
Last Update: December 30, 2009
Status: In committee
LD 1646

Representative Flaherty of Scarborough would establish a broadband policy for Maine, using as a model the baseline used by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission.

FILED UNDER: General Business | In committee | 2010
An Act To Require That a Utility Company Notify the Owner of Property prior to Disconnecting Service
Last Update: December 30, 2009
Status: In committee
LD 1644

Representative Pilon of Saco would require a utility to notify a landlord when residential utility service of a tenant is to be terminated.

FILED UNDER: General Business | In committee | 2010
An Act To Encourage Extended Stays in Maine Waters
Last Update: December 30, 2009
Status: In committee
LD 1636

Representative Cushing of Hampden would expand from 75 to 90 the number of days a watercraft may remain in Maine without being subjected to the excise tax.

FILED UNDER: General Business | In committee | 2010
An Act To Establish Biofuel and Ultra-low Sulfur Requirements for Number 2 Home Heating Oil
Last Update: December 30, 2009
Status: In committee
LD 1632

by Representative Butterfield of Bangor would require that after July 1, 2011, home heating oil sold in Maine have a designated low-sulfur content.

FILED UNDER: Environmental | In committee | 2010
An Act To Streamline Wine Registration Requirements
Last Update: December 30, 2009
Status: In committee
LD 1629

Representative Berry of Bowdoinham would increase from $10 to $20 the fee for registering a wine.

FILED UNDER: General Business | In committee | 2010
An Act To Amend the Laws Governing the Taste Testing of Alcoholic Beverages (EMERGENCY)
Last Update: December 30, 2009
Status: In committee
LD 1628

Representative Fitts of Pittsfield will, no doubt, resume a favorite legislative debate over where and when taste-testing events may occur. This bill will address the presence of children at an event, i.e. a supermarket.

FILED UNDER: General Business | In committee | 2010
An Act To Protect Health Care Consumers from Catastrophic Debt
Last Update: December 30, 2009
Status: In committee
LD 1620

Representative Berry of Bowdoinham would prohibit health plans from refusing to process further claims if a certain maximum has been reached.

FILED UNDER: Health Care | In committee | 2010
An Act Enabling Expedited Partner Therapy
Last Update: December 30, 2009
Status: In committee
LD 1617

Representative Perry of Calais would allow a health care professional who diagnoses a patient with a sexually transmitted disease to provide prescription antibiotic drugs to that patient’s sexual partner.

FILED UNDER: Health Care | In committee | 2010
An Act To Establish an Office of Administrative Law Judges for Licensing Boards
Last Update: December 30, 2009
Status: In committee
LD 1608

Representative Smith of Monmouth would establish the office of administrative law judge for licensing boards.

FILED UNDER: General Business | In committee | 2010
Resolve, To Allow for the Proper Disposal of Medical Supplies
Last Update: December 30, 2009
Status: In committee
LD 1600

Senator Marrache of Kennebec would direct the Department of Health and Human Services to establish a program to allow consumers to safely dispose of medical supplies, including syringes and diabetic test supplies.

FILED UNDER: Pharmaceutical | In committee | 2010
An Act To Amend the Animal Welfare Laws
Last Update: December 30, 2009
Status: In committee
LD 1587

Representative Pieh of Bremen would allow the commissioner of the Department of Agriculture to market and sell general merchandise to generate funds for animal welfare programs. In the past, Maine Merchants Association has fought sales tax increases for the funding for that purpose.

FILED UNDER: General Business | In committee | 2010
Resolve, To Develop a Model Academic Year Calendar
Last Update: December 21, 2009
Status: In committee
LD 1563

Representative Sutherland of Chapman would establish a commission to develop a model academic year calendar. In the past, retailers and restaurant operators have pushed for conformity that would permit schools to open after Labor Day.

FILED UNDER: Wage and Labor Related | In committee | 2010
An Act To Amend the Motor Vehicle Laws
Last Update: December 21, 2009
Status: In committee
LD 1562

Senator Damon of Hancock would make several adjustments concerning the return of certificates of registration to the secretary of state, disabled veteran plates, motor carrier operating authority, unattended sales promotions, and motor carrier operating authority.

FILED UNDER: Auto Service Related | In committee | 2010
An Act To Regulate the Use of Traffic Surveillance Cameras
Last Update: December 21, 2009
Status: In committee
LD 1561

Senator Damon of Hancock will renew the annual debate over whether the cameras may be used to obtain auto information.

FILED UNDER: Auto Service Related | In committee | 2010
An Act Regarding Liquor Licenses for Qualified Catering Services (EMERGENCY)
Last Update: December 21, 2009
Status: In committee
LD 1559

Senator Bliss of Cumberland would stipulate that a qualified catering service could host up to 12 events a year at a facility owned by the catering service and serve alcoholic beverages to be consumed on the premises.

FILED UNDER: General Business | In committee | 2010
An Act Regarding Accidental Death Benefits for Beneficiaries of Deceased Firefighters
Last Update: December 21, 2009
Status: In committee
LD 1558

Senator Jackson of Aroostook would provide accidental death benefits to the beneficiary of a professional firefighter who dies of a disease relating to the occupation.

FILED UNDER: Wage and Labor Related | In committee | 2010
An Act To Revise Notification Requirements for Pesticides Applications Using Aircraft or Air-carrier
Last Update: December 21, 2009
Status: In committee
LD 1547

Representative O’Brien of Lincolnville would make a dozen changes in notification requirements for pesticides applications utilizing aircraft or air-carrier equipment.

FILED UNDER: Environmental | In committee | 2010
An Act To Protect Maine Workers
Last Update: December 21, 2009
Status: In committee
LD 1545

Senator Jackson of Aroostook would prohibit a Maine employer from hiring foreign workers for five years if the employer violates proof of equipment and foreign labor certification laws. Bill is designed to deal with a Maine/Canadian logging issue.

FILED UNDER: Wage and Labor Related | In committee | 2010
An Act To Amend the Laws Governing the Maine Health Data Processing Center and the Maine Health Data
Last Update: December 21, 2009
Status: In committee
LD 1544

Representative Perry of Calais would clarify what constitutes an undisputed health care claim submitted by a health care provider or facility to a carrier, and specifies fields in the claim that must be filled.

FILED UNDER: Health Care | In committee | 2010
An Act To Make Maine Laws Consistent with Recent Amendments to the United States Trade Act of 1974
Last Update: December 21, 2009
Status: In committee
LD 1543

Representative Tuttle of Sanford would bring Maine into compliance with the U.S. Trade Act relative to unemployment compensation qualification.

FILED UNDER: Wage and Labor Related | In committee | 2010
An Act To Make Maine's Laws Consistent with the Federal Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Contro
Last Update: December 21, 2009
Status: In committee
LD 1542

Representative Perry of Calais would revise existing state prohibitions regarding the sale of flavored tobacco products making Maine law consistent with the new federal Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.

FILED UNDER: Health Care | In committee | 2010
An Act Concerning Technical Changes to the Tax Laws
Last Update: December 21, 2009
Status: In committee
LD 1539

Representative Watson of Bath is an annual catch-all bill to make technical changes in tax law, but a measure that bears monitoring for more substantial amendments.

FILED UNDER: Tax Related | In committee | 2010
An Act To Close Loopholes in Environmental Laws
Last Update: December 21, 2009
Status: In committee
LD 1538

Representative Welsh of Rockport would facilitate reviews of environmental laws concerning waste discharge, forest management exemptions from stormwater control laws, shoreland zoning, and road construction used primarily for forest management.

FILED UNDER: Environmental | In committee | 2010
An Act To Amend the Statute of Limitations under the Maine Human Rights Act
Last Update: December 21, 2009
Status: In committee
LD 1537

Representative Blodgett of Augusta would shorten from two to one year the period within which the commission must conclude an investigation.

FILED UNDER: Wage and Labor Related | In committee | 2010
An Act To Ensure That Substantial State Contracts Receive Adequate Legal Review
Last Update: December 21, 2009
Status: In committee
LD 1534

Representative Beaudette of Biddeford would require state contracts that exceed $3 million or expose the state to substantial risk to be submitted to the attorney general for review.

FILED UNDER: Miscellaneous | In committee | 2010
An Act To Update Laws Regulating the Maine Emergency Management Agency
Last Update: December 21, 2009
Status: In committee
LD 1531

Senator Gerzofsky of Cumberland would clarify reporting requirements to the Maine Emergency Management Agency.

FILED UNDER: Environmental | In committee | 2010
Resolve, Regarding Legislative Review of Portions of Chapter 692: Siting of Oil Storage Facilities
Last Update: December 21, 2009
Status: In committee
LD 1527

Representative Duchesne of Hudson calls for legislative review of statutes regulating the development of oil storage facilities.

FILED UNDER: Environmental | In committee | 2010
An Act To Ensure Equity in Unemployment Compensation Claims
Last Update: December 21, 2009
Status: In committee
LD 1524

Representative Beaulieu of Auburn would address a situation where two employers lay-off the same employee within 30 days of each other, i.e. which employer should be considered the claimant’s last employer for purposes of unemployment compensation.

FILED UNDER: Wage and Labor Related | In committee | 2010
An Act To Ensure That Search and Rescue Dogs Are Afforded the Same Access to Public Accommodations a
Last Update: December 21, 2009
Status: In committee
LD 1519

Senator Gerzofsky of Cumberland would allow state fish and wildlife personnel to be accompanied in places of public accommodation by search and rescue animals.

FILED UNDER: General Business | In committee | 2010