Bill > LD1131

This bill reforms the process by which citizens can petition state agencies to adopt or modify administrative rules in Maine. Currently, 150 registered voters are required to trigger mandatory rule-making proceedings. The bill changes this threshold to 1% of the total votes cast for Governor in the most recent election, which would likely make it easier or harder to initiate rule changes depending on voter turnout. Additionally, the bill specifies that any rules adopted through this petition process will be classified as "major substantive rules," which means they require additional legislative review and oversight. Specifically, the bill amends Section 5 of the Maine Revised Statutes Annotated (MRSA), changing the language around voter signatures and rule-making procedures. The 1% threshold would be calculated based on the total gubernatorial votes from the most recent election, and the petition must still be verified and certified according to existing electoral process guidelines. The underlying goal appears to be providing a more dynamic and representative mechanism for citizens to influence administrative rule-making while ensuring appropriate legislative scrutiny of potential changes.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1131&snum=132