New laws championed by Sen. Chenette take effect today

AUGUSTA — The campaign finance legislative package sponsored by Sen. Justin Chenette, D-Saco, takes effect today, June 16. 

The bills included this package are: LD 54, “An Act To Limit the Influence of Lobbyists by Expanding the Prohibition on Accepting Political Contributions,” which puts restrictions on lobbyists using their money to influence electoral and policy outcomes;and LD 1902, “An Act To Define the Term ‘Caucus Political Action Committee’,” which will increase accountability surrounding campaign financing in Maine by including caucus political action committees (PACs) in state laws that govern other PACs.

“I will never stop fighting for a more ethical State House. Mainers deserve a government that works for them, not for corporate interests and lobbyists,” said Sen. Chenette. “These new laws will move the needle, reducing lobbyist influence and money in politics.”

LD 54 will ban sitting lawmakers and legislative candidates from accepting political contributions from lobbyists. The new law also will ban out-of-state lobbyist contributions to the governor and gubernatorial candidates. Previously, the only ban in place was for sitting officials accepting contributions while the Legislature is in session. This law expands the ban to be year-round. 

Maine joins five other states — Alaska, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee and California — that already ban lobbyist contributions, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

LD 1902 expands the laws governing the financing of political action committees and will ensure the Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices will have the ability to enforce rules on these entities. It specifically defines “caucus political action committee” as a political action committee, or PAC, designated by a party leader in the Legislature to promote the election of the nominees of the party leader’s political party to the Senate or the House of Representatives. Without this new law, the Maine Ethics Commission was unable to fully enforce ethics rules around legislator-led caucus PACs.

All non-emergency laws take effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns sine die, unless otherwise specified.

Other laws championed by Sen. Chenette that took effect this year include measures to tackle abusive medical billing practices, improve access to health care, support Maine seniors and make long-term investments in high-speed reliable internet and career and technical education. 

Following Maine’s first reported case of COVID-19, Maine lawmakers passed a smart, responsible and targeted spending package and comprehensive COVID-19 response legislation, and expedited measures to support the health and well-being of Mainers during this public health crisis before adjourning early on March 17. All outstanding measures have been carried over for consideration during a possible special session later this year.