Bill > LD1462

This bill establishes a new law protecting the rights of artisans and performers to sell or display expressive materials in municipal spaces by defining "expressive matter" and limiting how local governments can restrict such activities. The bill defines expressive matter broadly as materials or objects created by a vendor with expressive content, including written works, visual art, and performance art, while specifically excluding purely commercial materials. Municipalities are prohibited from completely banning the vending of expressive matter, but they may create reasonable restrictions related to health, safety, welfare, public resource enjoyment, preventing excessive commercial activity in parks, maintaining sanitary conditions, and ensuring disability access. Such restrictions must be directly related to these concerns and cannot be overly restrictive, such as implementing unreasonable operating hours limitations. The law also clarifies that municipalities with existing ordinances that substantially comply with these requirements are not required to adopt new regulations. This legislation aims to protect freedom of artistic expression and support local artisans by preventing overly broad municipal restrictions on selling or displaying creative works in public spaces.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1462&snum=132