Non-emergency laws championed by Sen. Craig Hickman take effect

Posted: October 26, 2023 | Senator Hickman

New laws improve access to lifesaving medication, create good-paying jobs, support working families and invest in Maine’s future

AUGUSTA — On Wednesday, Oct. 25, a series of non-emergency laws that were introduced and championed by Sen. Craig Hickman go into effect. These laws include expanding health insurance coverage to certain state employees, protecting retirement benefits for game wardens, expanding protections of the Maine Civil Rights Act and many more bills spanning taxation, lobbying and voting issues.

Many proposals were inspired by constituents who reached out to Senator Hickman to share their concerns and ideas.

“Today marks a momentous day for many Mainers. I am proud to have sponsored, co-sponsored and shared testimony in support of many laws taking effect today. I am proud that Gov. Mills signed 10 pieces of my legislation that will help increase the quality of life for Mainers not just in my district but across the state. I am ready to be back in session working hard for the people and doing my best to keep moving Maine forward,” said Sen. Craig Hickman

All non-emergency laws take effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns sine die, unless otherwise specified. An overview of non-emergency laws sponsored and supported by Senator Hickman:

  • Supported the creation of a Paid Family and Medical Leave Program. Lawmakers provided one-time startup funding to establish the state’s first paid family and medical leave program which will provide paid maternity and paternity leave for up to 12 weeks for all Maine workers. Maine will be the 13th state to establish a program and benefits will be available as of May 1, 2026. (LD 1964 + LD 258)
  • Doubled salary stipends for child care workers. Lawmakers increased the salary stipends for all child care workers from $200 to $400. This will help qualified professionals afford to remain in the industry and help providers retain staff. (LD 1726 + LD 258)
  • Invested in $31 million Emergency Medical Services. Lawmakers established a grant program to increase the sustainability and resiliency of Maine-based emergency medical service entities. The program will shore up the most precarious areas at immediate risk of failing and leaving their communities without access to adequate emergency medical services. (LD 526 + LD 258)
  • Creating positive change for retirement regulations. Allowing Game Wardens to transfer retirement services & allow certain employees of participating local districts to purchase service credit & allow transfer of membership from a State Employee Retirement Plan to another plan. (LD 313)
  • Saving unused energy for Mainers. Prohibits the expiration of unused kilowatt-hour credits accumulated by a residential customer participating in a net energy billing arrangement and strikes the provision that requires the Public Utilities Commission to adopt rules providing that unused kw/h credits must be applied for the benefit of participants. (LD 509)
  • Aiding municipalities to hire associate health officers. (LD 510)
  • Protecting & expanding civil rights. This act extends civil rights protections to aid individuals from experiencing fear or emotional distress while exercising their rights. (LD 868)
  • Protecting the sanctity of elections and notarial acts. These bills enforces income reporting requirements while simultaneously amending campaign finance and lobbying disclosure laws. (LD 1630) (1980)