Carried over. This bill modernizes Maine’s income tax code to ensure the wealthiest pay a higher rate of income tax, while easing the burden on families with moderate incomes. By expanding the number of tax brackets and raising thresholds for lower rates, LD 229 creates a more progressive tax structure and helps to fund essential services like education, healthcare, and infrastructure. The bill passed both chambers but was held over after Gov. Janet Mills expressed opposition.

LD 233 is part of a wave of discriminatory legislation in Maine and across the country targeting young transgender people under the guise of “fairness in sports.” It seeks to ban trans girls from participating in school athletic programs that align with their gender identity, in direct opposition to Maine’s long-standing protections under the Human Rights Act. It passed in the House but was defeated in the Senate.

LD 588 would have extended protection of basic labor rights to Maine’s agricultural workers, protections that most other workers already enjoy. It aimed to empower farmworkers to collectively discuss wages and working conditions without fear of retaliation, and to establish a fair process for resolving disputes. The bill passed in both chambers but Gov. Mills vetoed it, as she has vetoed similar bills in the past.

Signed. LD 589 corrects a long-standing injustice by finally including farmworkers in Maine’s minimum wage laws. Historically excluded due to racist labor policies, agricultural workers will now be guaranteed at least the state minimum wage starting in 2026, with annual cost-of-living increases each year. Maine’s minimum wage is currently $14.65. The bill passed in both chambers; Gov. Mills signed it, after insisting on a provision denying farmworkers the right to take employers to court.

Signed. LD 894 strengthens Maine’s groundbreaking Paid Family and Medical Leave program, which passed in the last legislative term, by ensuring workers can take leave in flexible increments, clarifying employers’ responsibilities, and empowering the Department of Labor to hold bad actors accountable. The bill passed in both chambers and Gov. Mills signed it into law.

Carried over. LD 1089 proposed a tax on annual income over $1 million to ensure Maine meets its commitment to fund 55% of public education costs. This bill would have asked the wealthiest Mainers to contribute fairly to the schools that serve every child, regardless of zip code. After some initial opposition in the Senate, the bill eventually passed in both chambers and was carried over to be considered next year.

Signed. LD 1145 empowers residents of mobile home parks (also called manufactured housing communities) to purchase their communities when they go up for sale, giving them a fighting chance against predatory out-of-state investors. It ensures residents have the right of first refusal, fair financing terms, and the ability to partner with nonprofits or municipalities. The bill passed by wide margins in both chambers and was signed by the governor.

LD 1712 attempted to weaken Maine’s new Paid Family and Medical Leave program by giving employers the power to deny leave and shifting more costs onto workers. It would have made benefits harder to access and reduced protections for employees, especially those in low-wage or seasonal jobs. The bill was voted down in both the House and Senate.

Signed. LD 1723 protects residents of mobile home parks, who are often older or have low incomes, from predatory rent hikes. It originally capped rent increases, allowing landlords to apply for exemptions; however, the Housing Committee ultimately amended the bill to require landlords to provide 90 days' notice of rent or fee hikes and the right to request mediation if increases exceed inflation-based limits. It passed on mostly party-line votes and Gov. Mills signed the bill.

Carried over. LD 1879 ensures that very profitable corporations pay an amount closer to what they truly owe, to support Maine’s farmers and food systems. By adding a 1.07% tax on corporate income over $3.5 million, the bill funds dairy stabilization, agricultural infrastructure, and rural economic resilience. Nine Republicans joined nearly all Democrats to pass the bill in the House. It passed by a mostly party-line vote in the Senate and has been carried over to be considered next year.

LD 1963 strengthens protections for whistleblowers at Maine utilities, ensuring workers are protected and compensated for exposing illegal or unethical practices that are costing Mainers through their utility bills. It allows anonymous reporting to the Public Utilities Commission and protects workers facing retaliation for exposing corruption. The bill passed in the Senate with bipartisan support but was defeated in the House due to the opposition of 12 Democrats who joined with Republicans.

Held. LD 1971 would allow Maine to push back against some of the most arbitrary and cruel excesses of federal ICE enforcement and ensure that Maine law enforcement focuses on community safety, not supporting federal immigration policy. It prohibits local agencies from detaining people solely for immigration reasons and protects the rights of immigrants in custody. It passed on mostly party lines in both chambers but Gov. Mills has opted to “hold” the bill, not allowing it to yet go into law.