Governor signs Sen. Hickman bill to support the health of Gagetown veterans and reestablish the Gagetown Harmful Chemical Study Commission

AUGUSTA — On Wednesday, April 15, the Governor signed into law LD 1640, “An Act to Implement the Recommendations of the Gagetown Harmful Chemical Study Commission and to Reestablish the Gagetown Harmful Chemical Study Commission.” The bill, sponsored by Sen. Craig Hickman, D-Winthrop, supports Maine National Guard veterans affected by chemical exposure during training at the Canadian military support base in Gagetown, New Brunswick.

“I thank my colleagues and the Governor for supporting those who serve,” said Sen. Hickman. “Servicemen and women willingly put their lives at risk so we may live freely. We must ensure they are able to live the healthiest and fullest lives they can after their service — especially those who were exposed to harmful chemicals. As the son of a veteran, and having dealt with this issue for several years as the chair of the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee, I am grateful the Governor has signed this legislation into law so that our Maine veterans may know justice.”

LD 1640 implements the recommendations of the Gagetown Harmful Chemical Study Commission’s January 2024 report. It establishes the Base Gagetown Training Registry within the Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management’s Bureau of Veteran’s Services, which will collect and maintain data related to military services and health conditions of those who trained at the base at Gagetown. The data will be voluntarily collected, remain confidential and help policymakers understand the scope of potential health issues caused by training at Gagetown.

The bill also reestablishes the Gagetown Harmful Chemical Study Commission, which was initially created by the 131st Legislature in 2023 and was authorized to meet between the First Special and Second Regular sessions of the 131st Legislature. The bill also allows the Commission to request necessary information from the United States Department of Defense and other federal agencies.

Finally, LD 1640 requires the Commission to submit another report documenting its findings, recommendations and any suggested legislation to the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee no later than November 4, 2026.

In his testimony during the public hearing for the bill, former Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, said, “The evidence [the Commission] gathered and the testimony it received made it more than clear that Maine and Canadian servicemen stationed at the base were exposed to levels of carcinogenic chemicals that were not only harmful, but in too many cases ultimately deadly. We concluded that the federal government is failing to support members of the National Guard harmed by the exposure to these chemicals.”

Former Pres. Jackson continued, “The State of Maine has a responsibility to those who served in the Maine National Guard and were exposed to harmful chemicals while serving or training at Gagetown. Data collection of those who were stationed at the base and are suffering from the effects of Agent Orange is crucial to determining next steps, including whether those service members are eligible for State or Federal assistance. I and the other members of the commission believe the best way to accomplish this is to reestablish the commission [so it may] continue its work.”

In the 131st Legislature, a similar bill was unanimously passed by the Maine Legislature, but was pocket vetoed by Governor Janet Mills upon the conclusion of the 131st Legislature.

LD 1640 passed unanimously in both the Maine House and Senate. As non-emergency legislation, the law will go into effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns.

Sen. Hickman represents District 14, which includes Chelsea, Farmingdale, Gardiner, Hallowell, Manchester, Monmouth, Pittston, Randolph, Readfield, Wayne, West Gardiner and Winthrop in Kennebec County.

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