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ME LD2141
ME LD2141An Act to Direct a Portion of Unclaimed Beverage Container Deposits to the Lake Water Quality Restoration and Protection Fund, the Maine Working Farmland Access and Protection Program and Public Defender Office Staffing
summary
Introduced
01/07/2026
01/07/2026
In Committee
01/07/2026
01/07/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
132nd Legislature
Bill Summary
This bill directs a portion of unclaimed beverage container deposits toward investment in the Lake Water Quality Restoration and Protection Fund and the Maine Working Farmland Access and Protection Program beginning October 1, 2026 and toward the Maine Commission on Public Defense Services to support regional public defender office staffing beginning August 1, 2026.
AI Summary
This bill directs a portion of unclaimed beverage container deposits, which are funds collected from beverage sales that are not returned to consumers, to specific state programs. Starting October 1, 2026, $2 million annually will be allocated to the Lake Water Quality Restoration and Protection Fund, which aims to improve the health of Maine's lakes, and another $2 million annually will go to the Maine Working Farmland Access and Protection Program, designed to help farmers access and preserve farmland. Additionally, beginning August 1, 2026, $2 million annually will be provided to the Maine Commission on Public Defense Services to bolster staffing in regional public defender offices, which provide legal representation to those who cannot afford it.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (5)
Last Action
Voted: Divided Report (on 03/04/2026)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=2141&snum=132 |
| BillText | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=SP0859&item=1&snum=132 |
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