1 M.R.S. § 27 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 1 / Section 27
1 §27. Title to certain islands
Status: in_force

The title to all islands located in great ponds within the State and title to all islands located in the sea within the jurisdiction of the State, except such as have been previously granted away by the State or are now held in private ownership, shall remain in the State and not be sold. [PL 1965, c. 226, §1 (AMD).]
1 M.R.S. § 534 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 14 / Section 534
1 §534. InforME Board
Status: in_force

1. Membership. The InforME Board, as established in Title 5, section 12004‑G, subsection 30‑A , consists of 15 voting members and 2 nonvoting, advisory members as follows: A. The Secretary of State or the Secretary of State's designee; [PL 1997, c. 713, §1 (NEW).] B. Three members who are chief executive officers of agencies of the executive branch that are major data custodians, who are appointed by the Governor and who serve at the pleasure of the Governor, or their designees; [PL 1997, c. 713, §1 (NEW).] C. A representative of each of the following: (1) The University of Maine System, appointed by the chancellor; (2) A statewide association of municipalities, appointed by the Governor from nominations made by the association's governing body; (3) Nonprofit or user organizations advancing citizens' rights of access to information, appointed by the Governor; and (4) A statewide association of public librarians, appointed by the Governor from nominations made by the association's governing body. The term for members appointed pursuant to this paragraph is 3 years; [PL 1997, c. 713, §1 (NEW).] D. Two members from user associations of a statewide character appointed by the Governor. After the initial appointments, the Governor shall appoint user association members from a list of not less than 6 user association representatives compiled by the board. No 2 members appointed pursuant to this paragraph may represent the same user association. The terms for the members appointed pursuant to this paragraph are for a period of 3 years, except initially, when terms are for one, 2 and 3 years respectively; [PL 2005, c. 5, §1 (AMD).] E. The Commissioner of Administrative and Financial Services or the commissioner's designee; [PL 2001, c. 388, §1 (AMD).] F. The State Librarian or the State Librarian's designee; [PL 1997, c. 713, §1 (NEW).] G. Two public members, one appointed by the President of the Senate and one appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; [PL 1997, c. 713, §1 (NEW).] H. A representative of the membership or staff of the Judicial Department, appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, who serves as a nonvoting member; [PL 2005, c. 5, §2 (AMD).] I. The chief executive officer or designee of the private entity under contract as the network manager who serves as a nonvoting member; and [PL 2005, c. 5, §2 (AMD).] J. The Chief Information Officer of the Department of Administrative and Financial Services or the Chief Information Officer's designee. [PL 2005, c. 5, §3 (NEW).] A member who designates another person to serve on the board as that member's designee shall provide written notice to the board staff of the name and title of the designee. Appointing authorities shall make their appointments and provide written notice of the appointments to the board staff no later than September 1, 1998. [PL 2005, c. 5, §§1-3 (AMD).]

2. Board chair. The Governor shall appoint one member of the board as chair. [PL 2007, c. 37, §1 (AMD).]

3. Staff. The Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Office of Information Technology shall provide staff to the board. [PL 2007, c. 37, §2 (AMD).]

4. Quorum; action. Eight voting members of the board constitute a quorum. The affirmative vote of 8 members is necessary for any action taken by the board. A vacancy in the membership of the board does not impair the right of a quorum to exercise all the powers and perform the duties of the board. The board may use video conferencing and other technologies to conduct its business, but is not exempt from chapter 13, subchapter I . [PL 1997, c. 713, §1 (NEW).]

5. Duties. The board shall: A. Carry out the purposes of InforME as provided in section 533 ; [PL 1997, c. 713, §1 (NEW).] B. Approve the criteria and specifications for a network manager and its duties developed by the Chief Information Officer within the Department of Administrative and Financial Services; [PL 2007, c. 37, §3 (AMD).] C. Approve the contract with the network manager; [PL 1997, c. 713, §1 (NEW).] D. Establish InforME policies and performance criteria and review and approve strategic plans submitted by the network manager; [PL 1997, c. 713, §1 (NEW).] E. Assess the performance of the network manager; [PL 1997, c. 713, §1 (NEW).] F. Approve services offered. (1) The board may not approve a service that provides access to public records and data in the form they are maintained by the data custodian and available for public inspection under chapter 13, subchapter 1 as a premium service; [PL 2011, c. 321, §8 (AMD).] G. Review revenue and expenditures and approve fees and fee schedules to be levied by the network manager. (1) Fees must be sufficient to maintain, develop, operate and expand InforME on a continuing basis. (2) Fees for services must be reasonable but sufficient to support the maximum amount of information and services provided at no charge. (3) The board may establish fee schedules that include no charge for designated services for one or more specified classes of users. If services are to be provided at no charge to libraries, the services must be provided to libraries designated as depository libraries for government documents pursuant to 44 United States Code, Chapter 19 and to any other libraries the board designates. (4) Fees must be sufficient to ensure that, to the extent possible, data custodians do not suffer loss of revenues from sources that are approved or authorized by law due to the operations of InforME. (5) Fees must be sufficient to ensure that data custodians are reimbursed for the actual costs of providing data to InforME. (6) Fees must be sufficient to meet the expenses of the board. (7) The board may approve, when applicable, service level agreements entered into by InforME and data custodians for information, electronic services and transactions provided by InforME. (8) The board may establish a subscription fee for subscribers. (9) The board may establish portal fees to maintain, develop, operate and expand InforME on a continuing basis. A portal fee may not exceed $6 plus 3% of the total charges for each transaction, except that the board may establish a higher portal fee by major substantive rule as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A ; [PL 2011, c. 321, §9 (AMD).] H. Develop and implement a mechanism to resolve disputes involving the network manager and data custodians, users or subscribers; [PL 1997, c. 713, §1 (NEW).] I. Approve interagency agreements that affect electronic services; [PL 2011, c. 321, §10 (AMD).] J. Approve service level agreements between data custodians and the network manager, except that, agreements between the legislative or judicial branches and the network manager do not require approval; [PL 1997, c. 713, §1 (NEW).] K. Adopt rules pursuant to the Maine Administrative Procedure Act to carry out this chapter. Notwithstanding Title 5, section 8071, subsection 2 , rules adopted pursuant to this paragraph are routine technical rules; [PL 2003, c. 406, §7 (AMD).] L. Report annually beginning January 1, 1999 to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over state government matters. The report must include a complete list of services offered through the InforME system, the fees associated with services and the criteria used to determine which services are offered as premium services. In its January 1, 1999 report, the board must also include an analysis of the feasibility of offering premium services at no charge to depository libraries or other libraries in the State; and [PL 2003, c. 406, §7 (AMD).] M. Authorize the network manager to collect funds pursuant to section 533, subsection 10 for information and electronic services provided and transactions conducted electronically. [PL 2003, c. 406, §8 (NEW).] [PL 2011, c. 321, §§8-10 (AMD).]

6. Meetings. The board shall meet at the call of the chair but not less than quarterly. [PL 1997, c. 713, §1 (NEW).]

7. Compensation. Board members are entitled to compensation pursuant to Title 5, chapter 379 . [PL 1997, c. 713, §1 (NEW).]
1 M.R.S. § 150-W — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 5 / Section 150-W
1 §150-W. A Day to Remember
Status: in_force

January 6th of each year is designated as A Day to Remember, and the Governor shall annually issue a proclamation honoring the resilience of democracy during the events of January 6, 2021 in Washington, D.C., encouraging the people of the State to use the day as an opportunity for reflection on the values of democracy, civic responsibility and the importance of protecting constitutional governance and encouraging educational institutions, civic organizations and public libraries to observe the day with discussions, events and programming to educate citizens about the importance of civic engagement and the rule of law. [PL 2025, c. 144, §1 (NEW).]

Revisor's Note: §150-W. Dark Sky Week (As enacted by PL 2025, c. 179, §1 is REALLOCATED TO TITLE 1, SECTION 150-Y)
1 M.R.S. § 213 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 9 / Section 213
1 §213. Official mineral
Status: in_force

Tourmaline shall be designated as the official mineral for the State of Maine. [PL 1971, c. 50 (NEW).]
1 M.R.S. § 1024 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 25 / Section 1024
1 §1024. Waiting period before engaging in lobbying activities
Status: in_force

1. Actions precluded beginning with the 127th Legislature. [RR 2019, c. 1, Pt. A, §1 (COR); MRSA T. 1 §1024, sub-§1 (RP).]

1-A. Actions precluded beginning with the 130th Legislature. Beginning with the convening of the 130th Legislature, a person who has served as a Legislator may not engage in compensated lobbying until one year after that person's term as a Legislator ends. [PL 2019, c. 57, §2 (NEW).]

2. Complaints and investigations. A person may file a complaint with the commission specifying an alleged violation of this section. The commission staff shall notify the party against whom the complaint has been filed and may undertake the investigation of the alleged violation if directed by the commission. The commission may direct commission staff to undertake an investigation of an alleged violation of this section on its own motion. [PL 2013, c. 129, §2 (NEW).]

3. Penalty. A person who intentionally violates this section is subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000, payable to the State and recoverable in a civil action. [PL 2013, c. 129, §2 (NEW).]

4. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Compensated lobbying" means lobbying conducted by an individual who is specifically employed by another person other than the State or an agency of the State for that purpose or lobbying conducted by an individual as a regular employee of another person other than the State or an agency of the State. "Compensated lobbying" does not include activities for which the individual receives no compensation other than reimbursement for lobbying-related travel within the State and reimbursement for other out-of-pocket expenditures made by the individual for printing, postage and food and lodging connected with lobbying activities paid for by the individual. For the purposes of this paragraph, "reimbursement for other out-of-pocket expenditures" does not include reimbursement for the individual's time spent lobbying that would have been otherwise compensated by an employer or in the course of the individual's employment. [PL 2019, c. 57, §3 (NEW).] B. "Lobbying" has the same meaning as in Title 3, section 312‑A, subsection 9 . [PL 2019, c. 57, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 57, §3 (NEW).]
1 M.R.S. § 226 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 9 / Section 226
1 §226. State dessert
Status: in_force

Blueberry pie, made with wild Maine blueberries, is the official state dessert. [PL 2011, c. 29, §2 (NEW).]
1 M.R.S. § 411 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 13 / Section 411
1 §411. Right To Know Advisory Committee
Status: in_force

1. Advisory committee established. The Right To Know Advisory Committee, referred to in this chapter as "the advisory committee," is established to serve as a resource for ensuring compliance with this chapter and upholding the integrity of the purposes underlying this chapter as it applies to all public entities in the conduct of the public's business. [PL 2005, c. 631, §1 (NEW).]

2. Membership. The advisory committee consists of the following members: A. One Senator who is a member of the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over judiciary matters, appointed by the President of the Senate; [PL 2005, c. 631, §1 (NEW).] B. One member of the House of Representatives who is a member of the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over judiciary matters, appointed by the Speaker of the House; [PL 2005, c. 631, §1 (NEW).] C. One representative of municipal interests, appointed by the Governor; [PL 2005, c. 631, §1 (NEW).] D. One representative of county or regional interests, appointed by the President of the Senate; [PL 2005, c. 631, §1 (NEW).] E. One representative of school interests, appointed by the Governor; [PL 2005, c. 631, §1 (NEW).] F. One representative of law enforcement interests, appointed by the President of the Senate; [PL 2005, c. 631, §1 (NEW).] G. One representative of the interests of State Government, appointed by the Governor; [PL 2005, c. 631, §1 (NEW).] H. One representative of a statewide coalition of advocates of freedom of access, appointed by the Speaker of the House; [PL 2005, c. 631, §1 (NEW).] I. One representative of newspaper and other press interests, appointed by the President of the Senate; [PL 2005, c. 631, §1 (NEW).] J. One representative of newspaper publishers, appointed by the Speaker of the House; [PL 2005, c. 631, §1 (NEW).] K. Two representatives of broadcasting interests, one appointed by the President of the Senate and one appointed by the Speaker of the House; [PL 2005, c. 631, §1 (NEW).] L. Two representatives of the public, one appointed by the President of the Senate and one appointed by the Speaker of the House; [PL 2015, c. 250, Pt. A, §1 (AMD).] M. The Attorney General or the Attorney General's designee; [PL 2021, c. 313, §2 (AMD).] N. One member with broad experience in and understanding of issues and costs in multiple areas of information technology, including practical applications concerning creation, storage, retrieval and accessibility of electronic records; use of communication technologies to support meetings, including teleconferencing and Internet-based conferencing; databases for records management and reporting; and information technology system development and support, appointed by the Governor; and [PL 2021, c. 313, §3 (AMD).] O. One representative having legal or professional expertise in the field of data and personal privacy, appointed by the Governor. [PL 2021, c. 313, §4 (NEW).] The advisory committee shall invite the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court to designate a member of the judicial branch to serve as a member of the committee. [PL 2021, c. 313, §§2-4 (AMD).]

3. Terms of appointment. The terms of appointment are as follows. A. Except as provided in paragraph B , members are appointed for terms of 3 years. [PL 2005, c. 631, §1 (NEW).] B. Members who are Legislators are appointed for the duration of the legislative terms of office in which they were appointed. [PL 2005, c. 631, §1 (NEW).] C. Members may serve beyond their designated terms until their successors are appointed. [PL 2005, c. 631, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2005, c. 631, §1 (NEW).]

4. First meeting; chair. The Executive Director of the Legislative Council shall call the first meeting of the advisory committee as soon as funding permits. At the first meeting, the advisory committee shall select a chair from among its members and may select a new chair annually. [PL 2005, c. 631, §1 (NEW).]

5. Meetings. The advisory committee may meet as often as necessary but not fewer than 4 times a year. A meeting may be called by the chair or by any 4 members. [PL 2005, c. 631, §1 (NEW).]

6. Duties and powers. The advisory committee: A. Shall provide guidance in ensuring access to public records and proceedings and help to establish an effective process to address general compliance issues and respond to requests for interpretation and clarification of the laws; [PL 2005, c. 631, §1 (NEW).] B. Shall serve as the central source and coordinator of information about the freedom of access laws and the people's right to know. The advisory committee shall provide the basic information about the requirements of the law and the best practices for agencies and public officials. The advisory committee shall also provide general information about the freedom of access laws for a wider and deeper understanding of citizens' rights and their role in open government. The advisory committee shall coordinate the education efforts by providing information about the freedom of access laws and whom to contact for specific inquiries; [RR 2005, c. 2, §1 (COR).] C. Shall serve as a resource to support the establishment and maintenance of a central publicly accessible website that provides the text of the freedom of access laws and provides specific guidance on how a member of the public can use the law to be a better informed and active participant in open government. The website must include the contact information for agencies, as well as whom to contact with complaints and concerns. The website must also include, or contain a link to, a list of statutory exceptions to the public records laws; [RR 2005, c. 2, §1 (COR).] D. Shall serve as a resource to support training and education about the freedom of access laws. Although each agency is responsible for training for the specific records and meetings pertaining to that agency's mission, the advisory committee shall provide core resources for the training, share best practices experiences and support the establishment and maintenance of online training as well as written question-and-answer summaries about specific topics. The advisory committee shall recommend a process for collecting the training completion records required under section 412, subsection 3 and for making that information publicly available; [PL 2007, c. 576, §1 (AMD).] E. Shall serve as a resource for the review committee under subchapter 1‑A in examining public records exceptions in both existing laws and in proposed legislation; [PL 2005, c. 631, §1 (NEW).] F. Shall examine inconsistencies in statutory language and may recommend standardized language in the statutes to clearly delineate what information is not public and the circumstances under which that information may appropriately be released; [PL 2005, c. 631, §1 (NEW).] G. May make recommendations for changes in the statutes to improve the laws and may make recommendations to the Governor, the Legislature, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court and local and regional governmental entities with regard to best practices in providing the public access to records and proceedings and to maintain the integrity of the freedom of access laws and their underlying principles. The joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over judiciary matters may report out legislation based on the advisory committee's recommendations; [PL 2005, c. 631, §1 (NEW).] H. Shall serve as an adviser to the Legislature when legislation affecting public access is considered; [PL 2005, c. 631, §1 (NEW).] I. May conduct public hearings, conferences, workshops and other meetings to obtain information about, discuss, publicize the needs of and consider solutions to problems concerning access to public proceedings and records; [PL 2005, c. 631, §1 (NEW).] J. Shall review the collection, maintenance and use of records by agencies and officials to ensure that confidential records and information are protected and public records remain accessible to the public; and [PL 2005, c. 631, §1 (NEW).] K. May undertake other activities consistent with its listed responsibilities. [PL 2005, c. 631, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2007, c. 576, §1 (AMD).]

7. Outside funding for advisory committee activities. The advisory committee may seek outside funds to fund the cost of public hearings, conferences, workshops, other meetings, other activities of the advisory committee and educational and training materials. Contributions to support the work of the advisory committee may not be accepted from any party having a pecuniary or other vested interest in the outcome of the matters being studied. Any person, other than a state agency, desiring to make a financial or in-kind contribution shall certify to the Legislative Council that it has no pecuniary or other vested interest in the outcome of the advisory committee's activities. Such a certification must be made in the manner prescribed by the Legislative Council. All contributions are subject to approval by the Legislative Council. All funds accepted must be forwarded to the Executive Director of the Legislative Council along with an accounting record that includes the amount of funds, the date the funds were received, from whom the funds were received and the purpose of and any limitation on the use of those funds. The Executive Director of the Legislative Council shall administer any funds received by the advisory committee. [PL 2005, c. 631, §1 (NEW).]

8. Compensation. Legislative members of the advisory committee are entitled to receive the legislative per diem, as defined in Title 3, section 2 , and reimbursement for travel and other necessary expenses for their attendance at authorized meetings of the advisory committee. Public members not otherwise compensated by their employers or other entities that they represent are entitled to receive reimbursement of necessary expenses and, upon a demonstration of financial hardship, a per diem equal to the legislative per diem for their attendance at authorized meetings of the advisory committee. [PL 2005, c. 631, §1 (NEW).]

9. Staffing. The Legislative Council shall provide staff support for the operation of the advisory committee, except that the Legislative Council staff support is not authorized when the Legislature is in regular or special session. In addition, the advisory committee may contract for administrative, professional and clerical services if funding permits. [PL 2005, c. 631, §1 (NEW).]

10. Report. By January 15, 2007 and at least annually thereafter, the advisory committee shall report to the Governor, the Legislative Council, the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over judiciary matters and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court about the state of the freedom of access laws and the public's access to public proceedings and records. [PL 2005, c. 631, §1 (NEW).]
1 M.R.S. § 113 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 5 / Section 113
1 §113. American History Month
Status: in_force

The month of February of each year is designated as American History Month and the Governor of the State of Maine shall annually issue a proclamation inviting and urging the people of the State of Maine to observe the month of February as such in schools and other suitable places with appropriate ceremony and activity. [PL 1967, c. 53 (NEW).]
1 M.R.S. § 1051 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 25 / Section 1051
1 §1051. Gubernatorial inauguration and transition committees
Status: in_force

1. Definitions. As used in this subchapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Commission" means the Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices. [IB 2015, c. 1, §1 (NEW).] B. "Election cycle" means the period beginning on the day after the general election for any state, county or municipal office and ending on the day of the next general election for that office. [IB 2015, c. 1, §1 (NEW).] C. "Governor-elect" means the candidate for the office of Governor elected at the most recent general election. [PL 2019, c. 564, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 564, §1 (AMD).]

2. Inauguration committee; funding. A person may solicit and accept donations for the purpose of financing costs related to the inauguration of a Governor-elect. A person who accepts donations for this purpose shall establish a committee and appoint a treasurer who is responsible for keeping records of donations and for filing a financial disclosure statement required by this section. All donations received must be deposited in a separate and segregated account and may not be commingled with any contributions received by any candidate or political committee, any personal or business funds of any person or donations received by a committee established under subsection 2‑A . All donations received by the committee established under this subsection must be used for expenses related to the inauguration; any surplus funds must be disposed of pursuant to subsection 7 . A person may make donations to the committee established under this subsection aggregating no more than the amount that an individual may contribute to a gubernatorial candidate under Title 21‑A, section 1015, subsection 1 . [PL 2023, c. 573, §2 (AMD).]

2-A. Transition committee; funding. A person may solicit and accept donations for the purpose of financing costs related to the transition to office of a Governor-elect. A person who accepts donations for this purpose shall establish a committee and appoint a treasurer who is responsible for keeping records of donations and for filing a financial disclosure statement required by this section. All donations received must be deposited in a separate and segregated account and may not be commingled with any contributions received by any candidate or political committee, any personal or business funds of any person or donations received by a committee established under subsection 2 . All donations received by the committee established under this subsection must be used for expenses related to the transition to office; any surplus funds must be disposed of pursuant to subsection 7 . A person may make donations to the committee established under this subsection aggregating no more than the amount that an individual may contribute to a gubernatorial candidate under Title 21‑A, section 1015, subsection 1 , except that the appropriation from the Governor-elect's Expense Account under Title 2, section 3 may be transferred, in whole or in part, to the committee established under this subsection. [PL 2023, c. 573, §3 (NEW).]

3. Registration with the commission and financial disclosure statements. A committee established pursuant to this section shall register and file financial disclosure statements with the commission as required by this subsection. A. The committee shall register with the commission within 10 days after appointment of a treasurer. The registration must include the name and mailing addresses of the members of the committee, its treasurer and all individuals designated by the committee to raise funds for the committee. [PL 2019, c. 564, §1 (AMD).] B. Financial disclosure statements must contain the names, addresses, occupations and employers of all donors who have given money or anything of value in a total amount exceeding $50 to the committee, including in-kind donations of goods or services, along with the amounts and dates of the donations. Donations with a total value of $50 or less may be disclosed in the aggregate without itemization or other identification. [PL 2019, c. 564, §1 (AMD).] C. If the committee owes a debt or loan at the end of a time period for a financial disclosure statement, the committee shall report the debt or loan. If a creditor or lender forgives a debt or loan, the committee shall disclose the forgiven debt or loan as a donation. [PL 2019, c. 564, §1 (AMD).] D. Financial disclosure statements must include the amounts, dates, payees and purposes of all payments made by the committee during the statement period. [PL 2019, c. 564, §1 (AMD).] E. Financial disclosure statements must be filed by 5:00 p.m. on January 2nd and February 15th following the gubernatorial election and must be complete as of 10 days prior to those filing deadlines. If the committee has surplus funds or an unpaid debt or loan after the end of the statement period for the February 15th statement, the committee shall file bimonthly financial disclosure statements beginning on April 15th until it disposes of all surplus funds and satisfies all debts and loans. [PL 2019, c. 564, §1 (AMD).] F. The treasurer shall keep a detailed and exact account of all contributions made to the committee and all expenditures made by the committee for one year following the final financial disclosure statement filed by the committee. [PL 2019, c. 564, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 564, §1 (AMD).]

4. Limitation on fund-raising activity. A committee established pursuant to this section may accept donations until March 31st of the year following the gubernatorial election. The commission may authorize the acceptance of donations after March 31st of the year following the gubernatorial election if a committee requests such authorization in order to pay a debt or loan related to the transition to office for a committee established under subsection 2‑A or inauguration for a committee established under subsection 2 . [PL 2023, c. 573, §4 (AMD).]

5. Prohibited donations during a legislative session. A committee established pursuant to this section may not directly or indirectly solicit or accept a donation from a lobbyist, lobbyist associate or employer during any period of time in which the Legislature is convened before final adjournment. A lobbyist, lobbyist associate or employer may not directly or indirectly give, offer or promise a donation to a committee established pursuant to this section during any period of time in which the Legislature is convened before final adjournment. For purposes of this subsection, "lobbyist" has the same meaning as in Title 3, section 312‑A, subsection 10 ; "lobbyist associate" has the same meaning as in Title 3, section 312‑A, subsection 10‑A ; and "employer" has the same meaning as in Title 3, section 312‑A, subsection 5 . [PL 2019, c. 564, §1 (AMD).]

6. Anonymous donations. A committee established pursuant to this section may not accept an anonymous donation in excess of $50. [IB 2015, c. 1, §1 (NEW).]

7. Disposing of surplus funds. Any surplus funds remaining in the committee's account must be refunded to one or more donors, donated to a charitable organization that qualifies as a tax-exempt organization under 26 United States Code, Section 501(c)(3) or remitted to the State Treasurer. [PL 2019, c. 564, §1 (AMD).]

8. Rulemaking. The commission may establish by routine technical rule, adopted in accordance with Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A , forms and procedures for ensuring compliance with this section. [IB 2015, c. 1, §1 (NEW).]

9. Enforcement and penalty. The commission shall administer and enforce this subchapter. A person who violates this subchapter is subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000, payable to the State and recoverable in a civil action. In assessing a civil penalty under this subsection, the commission shall consider, among other things, whether the person made a bona fide effort to comply with the requirements of this section, whether the violation occurred as the result of an error by a vendor, consultant or other party outside the control of the person and whether evidence is present that the person intended to conceal or misrepresent its financial activities. [PL 2019, c. 564, §1 (AMD).]
1 M.R.S. § 210 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 9 / Section 210
1 §210. State song
Status: in_force

The official song of the State shall be the song entitled "State of Maine Song," words and music by Roger Vinton Snow.
1 M.R.S. § 408-A — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 13 / Section 408-A
1 §408-A. Public records available for inspection and copying
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise provided by statute, a person has the right to inspect and copy any public record in accordance with this section within a reasonable time of making the request to inspect or copy the public record. [PL 2011, c. 662, §5 (NEW).]

1. Inspect. A person may inspect any public record during reasonable office hours. An agency or official may not charge a fee for inspection unless the public record cannot be inspected without being converted or compiled, in which case the agency or official may charge a fee as provided in subsection 8 . [PL 2011, c. 662, §5 (NEW).]

2. Copy. A person may copy a public record in the office of the agency or official having custody of the public record during reasonable office hours or may request that the agency or official having custody of the record provide a copy. The agency or official may charge a fee for copies as provided in subsection 8 . A. A request need not be made in person or in writing. [PL 2011, c. 662, §5 (NEW).] B. The agency or official shall mail the copy upon request. [PL 2011, c. 662, §5 (NEW).] [PL 2011, c. 662, §5 (NEW).]

3. Acknowledgment; clarification; time estimate; cost estimate. The agency or official having custody or control of a public record shall acknowledge receipt of a request made according to this section within 5 working days of receiving the request and may request clarification concerning which public record or public records are being requested. Within a reasonable time of receiving the request, the agency or official shall provide a good faith, nonbinding estimate of the time frame within which the agency or official will comply with the request and a cost estimate as provided in subsection 9. The agency or official shall make a good faith effort to fully respond to the request within the estimated time frame. For purposes of this subsection, the date a request is received is the date a sufficient description of the public record is received by the agency or official at the office responsible for maintaining the public record. An agency or official that receives a request for a public record that is maintained by that agency but is not maintained by the office that received the request shall forward the request to the office of the agency or official that maintains the record, without willful delay, and shall notify the requester that the request has been forwarded and that the office to which the request has been forwarded will acknowledge receipt within 5 working days of receiving the request. [PL 2023, c. 155, §1 (AMD).]

4. Refusals; denials. If a body or an agency or official having custody or control of any public record refuses permission to inspect or copy or abstract a public record, the body or agency or official shall provide, within 5 working days of the receipt of the request for inspection or copying, written notice of the denial, stating the reason for the denial or the expectation that the request will be denied in full or in part following a review. A written notice of a denial must contain a citation to the statutory authority used as the basis for the denial. A request or series of requests for inspection or copying may be denied, in whole or in part, on the basis that the request or series of requests is unduly burdensome or oppressive if the procedures established in subsection 4‑A are followed. Failure to comply with this subsection is considered failure to allow inspection or copying and is subject to appeal as provided in section 409 . [PL 2025, c. 175, §1 (AMD); PL 2025, c. 186, §1 (AMD).]

4-A. Action for protection. A body, an agency or an official may seek protection from a request or series of requests for inspection or copying that is unduly burdensome or oppressive by filing an action for an order of protection in the Superior Court for the county where the request or series of requests for records was made within 60 days of receipt of the request or the date on which the body, agency or official notifies the requester that the series of requests is unduly burdensome or oppressive. A. The following information must be included in the complaint if available or provided to the parties and filed with the court no more than 14 days from the filing of the complaint or such other period as the court may order: (1) The terms of the request or series of requests and any modifications agreed to by the requesting party; (2) A statement of the facts that demonstrate the burdensome or oppressive nature of the request or series of requests, with a good faith estimate of the time required to search for, retrieve, redact if necessary and compile the records responsive to the request or series of requests and the resulting costs calculated in accordance with subsection 8 ; (3) A description of the efforts made by the body, agency or official to inform the requesting party of the good faith estimate of costs and to discuss possible modifications of the request or series of requests that would reduce the burden of production; and (4) Proof that the body, agency or official has submitted a notice of intent to file an action under this subsection to the party requesting the records, dated at least 10 days prior to filing the complaint for an order of protection under this subsection. [PL 2025, c. 175, §2 (AMD).] B. Any appeal that may be filed by the requesting party under section 409 may be consolidated with an action under this subsection. [PL 2015, c. 248, §2 (NEW).] C. An action for protection may be advanced on the docket and receive priority over other cases when the court determines that the interests of justice so require upon the request of any party. [PL 2015, c. 248, §2 (NEW).] D. If the court finds that the body, agency or official has demonstrated good cause to limit or deny the request or series of requests, the court shall enter an order making such findings and establishing the terms upon which production, if any, must be made. If the court finds that the body, agency or official has not demonstrated good cause to limit or deny the request or series of requests, the court shall establish a date by which the records must be provided to the requesting party. [PL 2025, c. 175, §2 (AMD).] [PL 2025, c. 175, §2 (AMD).]

5. Schedule. Inspection, conversion pursuant to subsection 7 and copying of a public record subject to a request under this section may be scheduled to occur at a time that will not delay or inconvenience the regular activities of the agency or official having custody or control of the public record requested. If the agency or official does not have regular office hours, the name and telephone number of a contact person authorized to provide access to the agency's or official's records must be posted in a conspicuous public place and at the office of the agency or official, if an office exists. [PL 2011, c. 662, §5 (NEW).]

6. No requirement to create new record. An agency or official is not required to create a record that does not exist. [PL 2011, c. 662, §5 (NEW).]

7. Electronically stored public records. An agency or official having custody or control of a public record subject to a request under this section shall provide access to an electronically stored public record either as a printed document of the public record or in the medium in which the record is stored, at the requester's option, except that the agency or official is not required to provide access to an electronically stored public record as a computer file if the agency or official does not have the ability to separate or prevent the disclosure of confidential information contained in or associated with that file. A. If in order to provide access to an electronically stored public record the agency or official converts the record into a form susceptible of visual or aural comprehension or into a usable format for inspection or copying, the agency or official may charge a fee to cover the cost of conversion as provided in subsection 8 . [PL 2011, c. 662, §5 (NEW).] B. This subsection does not require an agency or official to provide a requester with access to a computer terminal. [PL 2011, c. 662, §5 (NEW).] [PL 2011, c. 662, §5 (NEW).]

8. Payment of costs. Except as otherwise specifically provided by law or court order, an agency or official having custody of a public record may charge fees for public records as follows. A. The agency or official may charge a reasonable fee to cover the cost of copying. A reasonable fee to cover the cost of copying is no more than 10¢ per page for a standard 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches black and white copy of a record. A per-page copy fee may not be charged for records provided electronically. [PL 2021, c. 313, §1 (AMD).] B. The agency or official may charge a fee to cover the actual cost of searching for, retrieving and compiling the requested public record in accordance with this paragraph. Compiling the public record includes reviewing and redacting confidential information. (1) The agency or official may not charge a fee for the first 2 hours of staff time per request. (2) After the first 2 hours of staff time, the agency or official may charge a fee of not more than $25 per hour. [PL 2021, c. 375, §1 (AMD).] C. The agency or official may charge for the actual cost to convert a public record into a form susceptible of visual or aural comprehension or into a usable format and for the actual cost of a device used to store the public record if the storage device will be given to the requester by the agency or official. [PL 2023, c. 155, §2 (AMD).] D. An agency or official may not charge for inspection unless the public record cannot be inspected without being compiled or converted, in which case paragraph B or C applies. [PL 2011, c. 662, §5 (NEW).] E. The agency or official may charge for the actual mailing costs to mail a copy of a record. [PL 2011, c. 662, §5 (NEW).] F. An agency or official may require payment of all costs before the public record is provided to the requester. [PL 2017, c. 158, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 155, §2 (AMD).]

9. Estimate. The agency or official having custody or control of a public record subject to a request under this section shall provide to the requester an estimate of the time frame within which the agency or official will comply with the request and of the total cost as provided by subsection 8 . If the estimate of the total cost is greater than $50, the agency or official shall inform the requester before proceeding. If the estimate of the total cost is greater than $100, subsection 10 applies. [PL 2023, c. 155, §3 (AMD).]

10. Payment in advance. The agency or official having custody or control of a public record subject to a request under this section may require a requester to pay all or a portion of the estimated costs to complete the request prior to the search, retrieval, compiling, conversion and copying of the public record if: A. The estimated total cost exceeds $100; or [PL 2011, c. 662, §5 (NEW).] B. The requester has previously failed to pay a properly assessed fee under this chapter in a timely manner. [PL 2011, c. 662, §5 (NEW).] [PL 2011, c. 662, §5 (NEW).]

11. Waivers. The agency or official having custody or control of a public record subject to a request under this section may waive part or all of the total fee charged pursuant to subsection 8 if: A. The requester is indigent; or [PL 2011, c. 662, §5 (NEW).] B. The agency or official considers release of the public record requested to be in the public interest because doing so is likely to contribute significantly to public understanding of the operations or activities of government and is not primarily in the commercial interest of the requester. [PL 2011, c. 662, §5 (NEW).] [PL 2011, c. 662, §5 (NEW).]

12. Retention of fees or costs. An agency may retain any fees or costs charged under this section. [PL 2021, c. 375, §2 (NEW).]
1 M.R.S. § 112 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 5 / Section 112
1 §112. Poetry Day
Status: in_force

The State of Maine designates October 15th as Poetry Day, recommending that in the week following schools, churches, libraries, clubs and organizations, the newspapers, radio and television give recognition to the poets who have helped or are helping to make Maine famous in the field of poetry throughout the world.
1 M.R.S. § 72 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 3 / Section 72
1 §72. Words and phrases
Status: reserved

The following rules shall be observed in the construction of statutes relating to words and phrases, unless such construction is inconsistent with the plain meaning of the enactment, the context otherwise requires or definitions otherwise provide. [PL 1969, c. 433, §1 (RPR).]

1. Adult. "Adult" means a person who has attained the age of 18 years. [PL 1971, c. 598, §1 (AMD).]

1-A. Affirmations. When a person required to be sworn is conscientiously scrupulous of taking an oath, that person may affirm. [RR 2023, c. 1, Pt. C, §5 (COR).]

2. Annual meeting. "Annual meeting," applied to towns, means the annual meeting required by law for choice of town officers.

2-A. Child or children. "Child or children" means a person who has not attained the age of 18 years. [PL 1971, c. 598, §2 (AMD).]

2-B. Full age. "Full age" means the age of 18 and over. [PL 1971, c. 598, §2 (AMD).]

2-C. Domestic partner. "Domestic partner" means one of 2 unmarried adults who are domiciled together under long-term arrangements that evidence a commitment to remain responsible indefinitely for each other's welfare. [PL 2021, c. 567, §1 (NEW).]

3. General rule. Words and phrases shall be construed according to the common meaning of the language. Technical words and phrases and such as have a peculiar meaning convey such technical or peculiar meaning.

4. Grantee. "Grantee" means the person to whom a freehold estate or interest in land is conveyed.

5. Grantor. "Grantor" means the person who conveys a freehold estate or interest in land.

6. Highway. "Highway" may include a county bridge, county road or county way.

6-A. Infant. "Infant" means a person who has not attained the age of 18 years. [PL 1971, c. 598, §3 (AMD).]

7. Inhabitant. "Inhabitant" means a person having an established residence in a place.

8. Insane person. [PL 1977, c. 266 (RP).]

9. Issue. "Issue," applied to the descent of estates, includes all lawful lineal descendants of the ancestor.

10. Land or lands. "Land" or "lands" includes lands and all tenements and hereditaments connected therewith, and all rights thereto and interests therein. [RR 2013, c. 2, §1 (COR).]

10-A. Lawful age. "Lawful age" means the age of 18 and over. [PL 1971, c. 598, §4 (AMD).]

10-B. Legal age. "Legal age" means the age of 18 and over. [PL 1971, c. 598, §4 (AMD).]

11. Majority. "Majority" when used in reference to age shall mean the age of 18 and over. [PL 1971, c. 598, §5 (AMD).]

11-A. Minor or minors. "Minor or minors" means any person who has not attained the age of 18 years. [PL 1971, c. 598, §6 (AMD).]

11-B. Minority. "Minority" when used in reference to age shall mean under the age of 18. [PL 1971, c. 598, §6 (AMD).]

11-C. Month. "Month" means a calendar month. [PL 1969, c. 433, §6 (RPR).]

12. Municipal officers. "Municipal officers" means the mayor and municipal officers or councilors of a city, the members of the select board or councilors of a town and the assessors of a plantation. [RR 2023, c. 1, Pt. C, §6 (COR).]

13. Municipality. "Municipality" includes cities, towns and plantations, except that "municipality" does not include plantations in Title 10, chapter 110, subchapter IV ; or Title 30‑A, Part 2 . [PL 1987, c. 737, Pt. C, §§1, 106 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 6 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 9, §2 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 104, Pt. C, §§8, 10 (AMD).]

14. Oath. "Oath" includes an affirmation, when affirmation is allowed.

15. Person. "Person" may include a body corporate.

16. Pledge; mortgage, etc. The terms "pledge," "mortgage," "conditional sale," "lien," "assignment" and like terms, when used in referring to a security interest in personal property shall include a corresponding security interest under Title 11 , the Uniform Commercial Code.

17. Real estate. "Real estate" includes lands and all tenements and hereditaments connected therewith, and all rights thereto and interests therein.

17-A. Registered apprenticeship. "Registered apprenticeship" means an apprenticeship program registered with the Maine Apprenticeship Program in accordance with Title 26, chapter 37 . [PL 2011, c. 491, §1 (AMD).]

18. Registered mail. The words "registered mail" when used in connection with any requirement for notice by mail shall mean either registered mail or certified mail.

19. Seal, corporate. Whenever a corporate seal is used or required on any instrument, an impression made on the paper of such instrument by the seal of the corporation, without any adhesive substance, shall be deemed a valid seal. A seal of a corporation upon a certificate of stock, corporate bond or other corporate obligation for the payment of money may be facsimile, engraved or printed. [PL 1971, c. 439, §3 (AMD).]

20. Seal, court. When the seal of a court, magistrate or public officer is to be affixed to a paper, the word "seal" may mean an impression made on the paper for that purpose with or without wafer or wax.

21. State. "State," used with reference to any organized portion of the United States, may mean a territory or the District of Columbia. [PL 1965, c. 513, §1 (AMD).]

22. State paper. "State paper" means the newspaper designated by the Legislature, in which advertisements and notices are required to be published. [PL 1973, c. 625, §1 (AMD).]

23. Sworn. "Sworn," "duly sworn" or "sworn according to law," used in a statute, record or certificate of administration of an oath, refers to the oath required by the Constitution or laws in the case specified, and includes every necessary subscription to such oath. [RR 2013, c. 2, §2 (COR).]

24. Timber and grass. "Timber and grass," when used in reference to the public reserved lots, so called, in unorganized territory in the State, means all growth of every description on said lots. [RR 2013, c. 2, §2 (COR).]

25. Town. "Town" includes cities and plantations, unless otherwise expressed or implied.

26. Under age. "Under age" means under the age of 18. [PL 1971, c. 598, §7 (AMD).]

26-A. United States. "United States" includes territories and the District of Columbia. [PL 1969, c. 433, §7 (RPR).]

26-B. Unsealed instruments, when given effect of sealed instruments in any written instrument. A recital that such instrument is sealed by or bears the seal of the person signing the same or is given under the hand and seal of the person signing the same, or that such instrument is intended to take effect as a sealed instrument, shall be sufficient to give such instrument the legal effect of a sealed instrument without the addition of any seal of wax, paper or other substance or any semblance of a seal by scroll, impression or otherwise; but the foregoing shall not apply in any case where the seal of a court, public office or public officer is expressly required by the Constitution, by statute or by rule of the court to be affixed to a paper, nor shall it apply in the case of certificates of stock of corporations. The word "person" as used in this subsection shall include a corporation, association, trust or partnership. [PL 1969, c. 590, §2 (NEW).]

27. Vacant and vacancy. "Vacant" and "vacancy" as applied to public office shall comprise and include all cases where the person elected or appointed to such office resigns therefrom or dies while holding the same or, being elected or appointed, is ineligible, dies or becomes incapacitated before qualifying as required by law.

28. Written and in writing. "Written" and "in writing" include printing and other modes of making legible words. When the signature of a person is required, that person must write it or make that person's mark, but the signatures upon all commissions or the signatures on interest coupons annexed to a corporate bond or other corporate obligation may be facsimiles, engraved or printed. The signatures of any officer or officers of a corporation upon a corporate bond or other corporate obligation, other than interest coupons, may be facsimiles, engraved or printed, on condition that such bond or obligation is signed or certified by a trustee, registrar or transfer agent. In case any officer who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed upon such corporate bond, other corporate obligation or interest coupon has ceased to be an officer before such corporate bond or other corporate obligation is issued, it may be issued by the corporation with the same effect as if that person were an officer at the date of its issue. [RR 2023, c. 1, Pt. C, §7 (COR).]

29. Will. "Will" includes a codicil.

30. Year. "Year" means a calendar year, unless otherwise expressed. "Year," used for a date, means year of our Lord.
1 M.R.S. § 220 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 9 / Section 220
1 §220. Official state language of the deaf community
Status: in_force

American sign language is the official state language of the deaf community. [PL 1991, c. 279, §2 (NEW).]
1 M.R.S. § 74 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 3 / Section 74
1 §74. Revision authorized
Status: in_force

The following revisions to the laws of Maine are authorized: [PL 1977, c. 78, §1 (NEW).]

1. References to Executive Council in public laws. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, after January 4, 1977, wherever in any public law, whether allocated to the Maine Revised Statutes or not, the words "Executive Council" and "council" used as an abbreviation for Executive Council, or any other reference to the Executive Council appear, the public laws shall read as if those words were not contained in that public law. This section shall not affect any application of any public law prior to January 4, 1977. The Revisor of Statutes may assist any republication of any public law after January 4, 1977, to ensure deletion of any reference in that public law to the Executive Council. [PL 1985, c. 737, Pt. B, §1 (AMD).]

2. References to Executive Council in private and special laws. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, after January 4, 1977, wherever in any private and special law the words "Executive Council" and "council" used as an abbreviation for Executive Council, or any other reference to the Executive Council appear the private and special law shall read as if those words were not contained in that law. This section shall not affect any application of any private and special law prior to January 4, 1977. The Revisor of Statutes may assist any republication of any private and special law after January 4, 1977, to ensure deletion of any reference to the Executive Council. [PL 1985, c. 737, Pt. B, §1 (AMD).]
1 M.R.S. § 503 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 13 / Section 503
1 §503. Delivery to successor in office
Status: in_force

All revisions of and supplements to the statutes, the session laws and the Maine Reports sold or furnished to any state, county or municipal officer must be held in trust by that officer for the sole use of that officer's office; and at the expiration of that officer's term of office or on that officer's removal from office by death, resignation or other cause, that officer or, if that officer is dead, that officer's legal representatives shall turn those publications over to that officer's successor in office. If there is no successor to the office, that officer, or that officer's legal representatives, shall turn over all of those publications to the state, county or municipal unit that purchased the same. [RR 2023, c. 1, Pt. C, §14 (COR).]
1 M.R.S. § 536 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 14 / Section 536
1 §536. Network manager and data custodian responsibilities
Status: in_force

1. Voluntary cooperation. All data custodians may voluntarily cooperate with the network manager in providing public information, access to public information and assistance as may be requested for achieving InforME's purposes. [PL 1997, c. 713, §1 (NEW).]

2. Duplication of fee services. Executive branch and semiautonomous state agencies may not provide services that duplicate fee services offered by InforME except as authorized by the board. [PL 2011, c. 321, §12 (AMD).]

3. Service level agreements. Services provided by the network manager and information to be provided by a data custodian are governed by service level agreements between the network manager and the data custodian. A service level agreement may include a provision for the network manager to receive a portion of the agency fee for information or services in return for electronically providing that information or service. [PL 2011, c. 321, §13 (AMD).]

4. Data custodian responsibilities. Data custodians are responsible for: A. Ensuring that the public information is accurate, complete and current; [PL 1997, c. 713, §1 (NEW).] B. Updating the source data bases following verification of suggested corrections that users send to InforME; [PL 1997, c. 713, §1 (NEW).] C. Identifying how and from whom the information was acquired by the data custodian; and [PL 1997, c. 713, §1 (NEW).] D. Providing reasonable safeguards to protect confidentiality to the level required by law. [PL 1997, c. 713, §1 (NEW).] [PL 1997, c. 713, §1 (NEW).]

5. InforME network manager responsibilities. The network manager is responsible for: A. Transmitting or providing access to public information; [PL 1997, c. 713, §1 (NEW).] B. Providing reasonable safeguards to protect confidentiality to the level required by law; and [PL 1997, c. 713, §1 (NEW).] C. Providing notices and disclaimers that include at least the following: (1) How to address concerns if the public information appears to be inaccurate; and (2) That InforME assumes no role for monitoring the information content to determine if it is accurate, complete or current. [PL 1997, c. 713, §1 (NEW).] [PL 1997, c. 713, §1 (NEW).]

6. Redacting data. When developing new systems, a data custodian shall consult with the network manager regarding current practices for efficiently redacting data. [PL 1997, c. 713, §1 (NEW).]

7. Disclaimer. If the network manager provides public information that is stored, gathered or generated by the legislative branch, the network manager shall include the following disclaimer: "This data was compiled from information made public by the legislative branch." The disclaimer is not required if the information is prepared pursuant to a contract between the network manager and the Legislative Council. [PL 1997, c. 713, §1 (NEW).]
1 M.R.S. § 904 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 23 / Section 904
1 §904. Limitations
Status: in_force

Nothing in this chapter may be construed as creating in any condemnation proceeding brought under the power of eminent domain any element of value or of damage not in existence immediately prior to April 2, 1989. [PL 1989, c. 40, §§3, 5 (AMD).]

The requirement by the State to be guided, to the greatest extent practicable, by the policies set forth in the Federal Uniform Relocation Act shall create no rights or liabilities and shall not affect the validity of any property acquisitions by purchase or condemnation. [PL 1989, c. 40, §§3, 5 (AMD).]

Nothing in this chapter may be construed to require the State to provide services, payments or benefits which exceed in quantity or quality those which are necessary or proper for the State to provide in order for the State to receive federal financial assistance by complying with the obligations imposed or incumbent upon states under the Federal Uniform Relocation Act. [PL 1989, c. 40, §§3, 5 (AMD).]

Nothing in this chapter may be construed to limit the authority or eligibility of the State to receive federal financial assistance. [PL 1989, c. 40, §§3, 5 (AMD).]
1 M.R.S. § 24 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 1 / Section 24
1 §24. Right of entry on lands
Status: in_force

All persons employed in the work of topographic mapping under the law are authorized to enter and cross all lands within the State, provided that in so doing no damage shall be done to private property.
1 M.R.S. § 129 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 5 / Section 129
1 §129. Margaret Chase Smith Day
Status: in_force

December 14th of each year shall be designated as Margaret Chase Smith Day, and the Governor shall annually issue a proclamation inviting and urging the people of the State of Maine to observe this day in suitable places with appropriate ceremony and activity. Margaret Chase Smith Day shall commemorate and honor Margaret Chase Smith who distinguished herself as a political leader of this nation and as one of Maine's outstanding citizens. [PL 1987, c. 610 (NEW).]

The Department of Education shall make appropriate information available to the people and schools within the limits of its budget. [PL 1989, c. 700, Pt. A, §6 (AMD).]
1 M.R.S. § 1012 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 25 / Section 1012
1 §1012. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this subchapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 1989, c. 561, §4 (RPR).]

1. Close economic association. "Close economic association" means the employers, employees, partners or clients of the Legislator or a member of the Legislator's immediate family; corporations in which the Legislator or a member of the Legislator's immediate family is an officer, director or agent or owns 10% or more of the outstanding capital stock; a business which is a significant unsecured creditor of the Legislator or a member of the Legislator's immediate family; or a business of which the Legislator or a member of the Legislator's immediate family is a significant unsecured creditor. [PL 1989, c. 561, §4 (RPR).]

1-A. Associated organization. "Associated organization" means any organization in which a Legislator or a member of the Legislator's immediate family is a managerial employee, director, officer or trustee or owns or controls, directly or indirectly, and severally or in the aggregate, at least 10% of the outstanding equity. [PL 2011, c. 634, §1 (AMD).]

2. Commission. "Commission" means the Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices. [PL 1989, c. 561, §4 (RPR).]

2-A. Domestic partner. [PL 2021, c. 567, §2 (RP).]

3. Employee. "Employee" means a person in any employment position, including public or private employment, employment with a nonprofit, religious, charitable or educational organization, or any other compensated service under an expressed, implied, oral or written contract for hire, but does not include a self-employed person. [PL 1989, c. 561, §4 (RPR).]

4. Gift. "Gift" means anything of value, including forgiveness of an obligation or debt, given to a person without that person providing equal or greater consideration to the giver. "Gift" does not include: A. Gifts received from a single source during the reporting period with an aggregate value of $300 or less; [PL 1989, c. 561, §4 (NEW).] B. A bequest or other form of inheritance; [PL 1995, c. 33, §1 (AMD).] C. A gift received from a relative or from an individual on the basis of a personal friendship as long as that individual is not a registered lobbyist or lobbyist associate under Title 3, section 313 , unless the Legislator has reason to believe that the gift was provided because of the Legislator's official position and not because of a personal friendship; [PL 2009, c. 258, §1 (AMD).] D. A subscription to a newspaper, news magazine or other news publication; [PL 2009, c. 258, §1 (AMD).] E. Legal services provided in a matter of legislative ethics; [PL 2009, c. 258, §1 (AMD).] F. A meal, if the meal is a prayer breakfast or a meal served during a meeting to establish a prayer breakfast; or [PL 2009, c. 258, §1 (NEW).] G. A meal, if the meal is provided by industry or special interest organizations as part of the informational program presented to a group of public servants. [PL 2009, c. 258, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2009, c. 258, §1 (AMD).]

5. Honorarium. "Honorarium" means a payment of money or anything with a monetary resale value to a Legislator for an appearance or a speech by the Legislator. Honorarium does not include reimbursement for actual and necessary travel expenses for an appearance or speech. Honorarium does not include a payment for an appearance or a speech that is unrelated to the person's official capacity or duties as a member of the Legislature. [PL 1989, c. 561, §4 (NEW).]

6. Immediate family. "Immediate family" means a Legislator's spouse, domestic partner or dependent children. [PL 2009, c. 208, §3 (AMD).]

7. Income. "Income" means economic gain to a person from any source, including, but not limited to, compensation for services, including fees, commissions and payments in kind; gross income derived from business; gross income derived from dealings in property, rents and royalties; gross income from investments including interest, capital gains and dividends; annuities; income from life insurance and endowment contracts; pensions; income from discharge of indebtedness; distributions from a partnership or limited liability company; gross income from an interest in an estate or trust; prizes; and grants, but does not include gifts or honoraria. Income received in kind includes, but is not limited to, the transfer of property and options to buy or lease, and stock certificates. "Income" does not include alimony and separate maintenance payments, child support payments or campaign contributions accepted for state or federal office or funds or other property held in trust for another, including but not limited to money to be spent on behalf of a client for payment of a licensing or filing fee. A. [PL 2011, c. 634, §2 (RP).] B. [PL 2011, c. 634, §2 (RP).] [PL 2011, c. 634, §2 (AMD).]

7-A. Managerial employee. "Managerial employee" means an employee of an organization whose position requires substantial control over the organization's decision making, business operations, financial management or contracting and procurement activities. For the purposes of this subsection, financial management does not include tasks that are considered clerical in nature. [PL 2011, c. 634, §3 (NEW).]

8. Relative. "Relative" means an individual who is related to the Legislator or the Legislator's spouse or the Legislator's domestic partner as a parent; child; sibling; sibling of a parent; sibling of a parent once removed; first cousin; child of a sibling or of a spouse's or domestic partner's sibling; spouse; domestic partner; grandparent; grandchild; parent-in-law; spouse or domestic partner of a child; sibling of a spouse or domestic partner; stepparent; stepchild; stepsibling; and half-sibling and includes the betrothed of the Legislator. [RR 2023, c. 1, Pt. C, §21 (COR).]

8-A. Reportable liability. "Reportable liability" means any unsecured loan of $3,000 or more received from a person who is not a relative. "Reportable liability" does not include: A. A credit card liability; [PL 2011, c. 634, §5 (NEW).] B. An educational loan made or guaranteed by a governmental entity, educational institution or nonprofit organization; or [PL 2011, c. 634, §5 (NEW).] C. A loan made from a state or federally regulated financial institution for business purposes. [PL 2011, c. 634, §5 (NEW).] [PL 2011, c. 634, §5 (NEW).]

9. Self-employed. "Self-employed" means that the person qualifies as an independent contractor under Title 39‑A, section 102, subsection 13‑A . [PL 2011, c. 643, §1 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 643, §14 (AFF).]

10. Violation of legislative ethics. "Violation of legislative ethics" means a violation of the prohibitions in section 1014 or 1015‑A . [PL 2019, c. 534, §1 (AMD).]
1 M.R.S. § 6 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 1 / Section 6
1 §6. Sovereignty in space
Status: in_force

Sovereignty in the space above the lands and waters of the State is declared to rest in the State, except where granted to and assumed by the United States pursuant to a constitutional grant from the people of this State.
1 M.R.S. § 402 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 13 / Section 402
1 §402. Definitions
Status: in_force

1. Conditional approval. Approval of an application or granting of a license, certificate or any other type of permit upon conditions not otherwise specifically required by the statute, ordinance or regulation pursuant to which the approval or granting is issued. [PL 1975, c. 758 (NEW).]

1-A. Legislative subcommittee. "Legislative subcommittee" means 3 or more Legislators from a legislative committee appointed for the purpose of conducting legislative business on behalf of the committee. [PL 1991, c. 773, §1 (NEW).]

2. Public proceedings. The term "public proceedings" as used in this subchapter means the transactions of any functions affecting any or all citizens of the State by any of the following: A. The Legislature of Maine and its committees and subcommittees; [PL 1975, c. 758 (NEW).] B. Any board or commission of any state agency or authority, the Board of Trustees of the University of Maine System and any of its committees and subcommittees, the Board of Trustees of the Maine Maritime Academy and any of its committees and subcommittees, the Board of Trustees of the Maine Community College System and any of its committees and subcommittees; [PL 1989, c. 878, Pt. A, §1 (RPR); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §4 (AFF).] C. Any board, commission, agency or authority of any county, municipality, school district or any regional or other political or administrative subdivision; [PL 1991, c. 848, §1 (AMD).] D. The full membership meetings of any association, the membership of which is composed exclusively of counties, municipalities, school administrative units or other political or administrative subdivisions; of boards, commissions, agencies or authorities of any such subdivisions; or of any combination of any of these entities; [PL 1995, c. 608, §1 (AMD).] E. The board of directors of a nonprofit, nonstock private corporation that provides statewide noncommercial public broadcasting services and any of its committees and subcommittees; [PL 2009, c. 334, §1 (AMD).] F. Any advisory organization, including any authority, board, commission, committee, council, task force or similar organization of an advisory nature, established, authorized or organized by law or resolve or by Executive Order issued by the Governor and not otherwise covered by this subsection, unless the law, resolve or Executive Order establishing, authorizing or organizing the advisory organization specifically exempts the organization from the application of this subchapter; and [PL 2009, c. 334, §2 (AMD).] G. The committee meetings, subcommittee meetings and full membership meetings of any association that: (1) Promotes, organizes or regulates statewide interscholastic activities in public schools or in both public and private schools; and (2) Receives its funding from the public and private school members, either through membership dues or fees collected from those schools based on the number of participants of those schools in interscholastic activities. This paragraph applies to only those meetings pertaining to interscholastic sports and does not apply to any meeting or any portion of any meeting the subject of which is limited to personnel issues, allegations of interscholastic athletic rule violations by member schools, administrators, coaches or student athletes or the eligibility of an individual student athlete or coach. [PL 2009, c. 334, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2009, c. 334, §§1-3 (AMD).]

3. Public records. The term "public records" means any written, printed or graphic matter or any mechanical or electronic data compilation from which information can be obtained, directly or after translation into a form susceptible of visual or aural comprehension, that is in the possession or custody of an agency or public official of this State or any of its political subdivisions, or is in the possession or custody of an association, the membership of which is composed exclusively of one or more of any of these entities, and has been received or prepared for use in connection with the transaction of public or governmental business or contains information relating to the transaction of public or governmental business, except: A. Records that have been designated confidential by statute; [PL 1975, c. 758 (NEW).] B. Records that would be within the scope of a privilege against discovery or use as evidence recognized by the courts of this State in civil or criminal trials if the records or inspection thereof were sought in the course of a court proceeding; [PL 1975, c. 758 (NEW).] C. Legislative papers and reports until signed and publicly distributed in accordance with legislative rules, and records, working papers, drafts and interoffice and intraoffice memoranda used or maintained by any Legislator, legislative agency or legislative employee to prepare proposed Senate or House papers or reports for consideration by the Legislature or any of its committees during the legislative session or sessions in which the papers or reports are prepared or considered or to which the paper or report is carried over; [PL 1991, c. 773, §2 (AMD).] C-1. Information contained in a communication between a constituent and an elected official if the information: (1) Is of a personal nature, consisting of: (a) An individual's medical information of any kind, including information pertaining to diagnosis or treatment of mental or emotional disorders; (b) Credit or financial information; (c) Information pertaining to the personal history, general character or conduct of the constituent or any member of the constituent's immediate family; or (d) Complaints, charges of misconduct, replies to complaints or charges of misconduct or memoranda or other materials pertaining to disciplinary action; or (2) Would be confidential if it were in the possession of another public agency or official; [PL 2019, c. 667, Pt. A, §1 (AMD).] D. Material prepared for and used specifically and exclusively in preparation for negotiations, including the development of bargaining proposals to be made and the analysis of proposals received, by a public employer in collective bargaining with its employees and their designated representatives; [PL 1989, c. 358, §4 (AMD).] E. Records, working papers, interoffice and intraoffice memoranda used by or prepared for faculty and administrative committees of the Maine Maritime Academy, the Maine Community College System and the University of Maine System when the subject matter is confidential or otherwise protected from disclosure by statute, other law, legal precedent or privilege recognized by the courts of this State. The provisions of this paragraph do not apply to the boards of trustees and the committees and subcommittees of those boards, which are referred to in subsection 2, paragraph B ; [PL 2019, c. 667, Pt. B, §1 (AMD).] F. Records that would be confidential if they were in the possession or custody of an agency or public official of the State or any of its political or administrative subdivisions are confidential if those records are in the possession of an association, the membership of which is composed exclusively of one or more political or administrative subdivisions of the State; of boards, commissions, agencies or authorities of any such subdivisions; or of any combination of any of these entities; [PL 1991, c. 448, §1 (AMD).] G. Materials related to the development of positions on legislation or materials that are related to insurance or insurance-like protection or services which are in the possession of an association, the membership of which is composed exclusively of one or more political or administrative subdivisions of the State; of boards, commissions, agencies or authorities of any such subdivisions; or of any combination of any of these entities; [PL 1991, c. 448, §1 (AMD).] H. Medical records and reports of municipal ambulance and rescue units and other emergency medical service units, except that such records and reports must be available upon request to law enforcement officers investigating criminal conduct; [PL 1995, c. 608, §4 (AMD).] I. Juvenile records and reports of municipal fire departments regarding the investigation and family background of a juvenile fire setter; [PL 1999, c. 96, §1 (AMD).] J. Working papers, including records, drafts and interoffice and intraoffice memoranda, used or maintained by any advisory organization covered by subsection 2, paragraph F , or any member or staff of that organization during the existence of the advisory organization. Working papers are public records if distributed in a public meeting of the advisory organization; [PL 2019, c. 667, Pt. B, §2 (AMD).] K. Personally identifying information concerning minors that is obtained or maintained by a municipality in providing recreational or nonmandatory educational programs or services. This paragraph does not apply to records governed by Title 20‑A, section 6001 and does not supersede Title 20‑A, section 6001‑A ; [PL 2019, c. 667, Pt. A, §2 (AMD).] L. Records describing security plans, security procedures or risk assessments prepared specifically for the purpose of preventing or preparing for acts of terrorism, but only to the extent that release of information contained in the record could reasonably be expected to jeopardize the physical safety of government personnel or the public. Information contained in records covered by this paragraph may be disclosed to the Legislature or, in the case of a political or administrative subdivision, to municipal officials or board members under conditions that protect the information from further disclosure. For purposes of this paragraph, "terrorism" has the same meaning as in Title 37‑B, section 703, subsection 8 ; [PL 2025, c. 77, §1 (AMD).] M. Records or information describing the architecture, design, access authentication, encryption or security of information technology infrastructure, systems and software, including records or information maintained to ensure government operations and technology continuity and to facilitate disaster recovery. Records or information covered by this paragraph may be disclosed to the Legislature or, in the case of a political or administrative subdivision, to municipal officials or board members under conditions that protect the information from further disclosure; [PL 2019, c. 667, Pt. A, §3 (AMD).] N. Social security numbers; [PL 2011, c. 320, Pt. E, §1 (AMD).] O. Personal contact information concerning public employees, except when that information is public pursuant to other law. For the purposes of this paragraph: (1) "Personal contact information" means personal address, telephone number, facsimile number, e-mail address, cellular telephone number, pager number and username, password and uniform resource locator for a personal social media account as defined in Title 26, section 615, subsection 4 ; and (2) "Public employee" means an employee as defined in Title 14, section 8102, subsection 1 , except that "public employee" does not include elected officials; [PL 2019, c. 667, Pt. B, §3 (AMD).] P. Geographic information regarding recreational trails that are located on private land that are authorized voluntarily as such by the landowner with no public deed or guaranteed right of public access, unless the landowner authorizes the release of the information; [PL 2011, c. 149, §1 (AMD).] Revisor's Note: (Paragraph P as enacted by PL 2009, c. 339, §3 is REALLOCATED TO TITLE 1, SECTION 402, SUBSECTION 3, PARAGRAPH Q) Q. (REALLOCATED FROM T. 1, §402, sub-§3, ¶P) Security plans, staffing plans, security procedures, architectural drawings or risk assessments prepared for emergency events that are prepared for or by or kept in the custody of the Department of Corrections or a county jail if there is a reasonable possibility that public release or inspection of the records would endanger the life or physical safety of any individual or disclose security plans and procedures not generally known by the general public. Information contained in records covered by this paragraph may be disclosed to state and county officials if necessary to carry out the duties of the officials or the Department of Corrections under conditions that protect the information from further disclosure; [PL 2015, c. 335, §1 (AMD).] R. [PL 2017, c. 163, §1 (RP).] S. E-mail addresses obtained by a political subdivision of the State for the sole purpose of disseminating noninteractive notifications, updates and cancellations that are issued from the political subdivision or its elected officers to an individual or individuals that request or regularly accept these noninteractive communications; [PL 2015, c. 161, §1 (AMD).] T. Records describing research for the development of processing techniques for fisheries, aquaculture and seafood processing or the design and operation of a depuration plant in the possession of the Department of Marine Resources; [PL 2017, c. 118, §1 (AMD).] U. Records provided by a railroad company pursuant to Title 23, section 7311, subsection 5 and records describing hazardous materials transported by the railroad company in this State, the routes of hazardous materials shipments and the frequency of hazardous materials operations on those routes that are in the possession of a state or local emergency management entity or law enforcement agency, fire department or other first responder, except that records related to a train carrying hazardous materials that has derailed at any point from a main line train track or related to a discharge of hazardous materials transported by a railroad company that poses a threat to public health, safety and welfare are subject to public disclosure after that discharge. For the purposes of this paragraph, "hazardous material" has the same meaning as set forth in 49 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 105.5; [PL 2025, c. 99, §1 (AMD).] V. Participant application materials and other personal information obtained or maintained by a municipality or other public entity in administering a community well-being check program, except that a participant's personal information, including health information, may be made available to first responders only as necessary to implement the program. For the purposes of this paragraph, "community well-being check program" means a voluntary program that involves daily, or regular, contact with a participant and, when contact cannot be established, sends first responders to the participant's residence to check on the participant's well-being; [PL 2025, c. 99, §2 (AMD).] W. Information in the possession of a public utility, the Office of the Public Advocate or the Public Utilities Commission pertaining to an individual customer of a public utility as defined in Title 35‑A, section 102, subsection 13 that is designated by rule as confidential by the Public Utilities Commission pursuant to Title 35‑A, section 111 ; and [PL 2025, c. 99, §3 (NEW).] X. Information in the possession of a public sewer system pertaining to an individual customer of a public utility as described in this paragraph. For purposes of this paragraph, "public sewer system" means a municipality, division of a municipality or quasi-municipal entity that is a municipal sewer department, a sewer district as defined in Title 38, section 1032, subsection 3 or 4 , a system that collects stormwater or a sanitary district formed under Title 38, chapter 11 . (1) If the municipality, division of a municipality or quasi-municipal entity, referred to in this subparagraph as "the entity," is both a public sewer system and a water utility as defined in Title 35‑A, section 102, subsection 22 , information in the possession of the entity, the Office of the Public Advocate or the Public Utilities Commission pertaining to an individual customer of the public sewer system is confidential if that information would be confidential under paragraph W if the information pertained to an individual customer of a water utility. (2) For all public sewer systems not described in subparagraph (1), information in the possession of the public sewer system pertaining to an individual customer of the public sewer system, including the customer's name, physical or mailing address, e-mail address, telephone number, utility usage, payment and credit history, financial condition or medical condition, or financial or medical condition of a member of the customer's family, is confidential and may not be disclosed by the public sewer system unless: (a) The customer consents to the disclosure. For purposes of this division, the public sewer system may accept an oral certification from a social service agency that the customer has consented to the public sewer system's disclosure of the customer's information to the social service agency; (b) The disclosure is made for the purpose of debt collection, credit reporting or usage reporting pursuant to state or federal law, except that the information may not be disclosed for purposes of debt collection or credit reporting purposes if the customer is currently protected by a protection from abuse order and the customer has disclosed the protection from abuse order to the public sewer system; (c) The disclosure is made to a law enforcement officer or law enforcement agency pursuant to lawful process; (d) The disclosure is made to state, county, tribal or local emergency management agency personnel when the information about the individual customer is requested while the agency is responding to an emergency situation; (e) The disclosure is made to a public utility or public sewer system to the extent necessary to allow these entities to bill customers for services rendered; or (f) The disclosure is otherwise required by state or federal law. [PL 2025, c. 99, §4 (NEW).] [PL 2025, c. 77, §1 (AMD); PL 2025, c. 99, §§1-4 (AMD).]

3-A. Public records further defined. "Public records" also includes the following criminal justice agency records: A. Records relating to prisoner furloughs to the extent they pertain to a prisoner's identity, public criminal history record information, as defined in Title 16, section 703, subsection 8 , address of furlough and dates of furlough; [PL 2013, c. 267, Pt. B, §1 (AMD).] B. Records relating to out-of-state adult probationer or parolee supervision to the extent they pertain to a probationer's or parolee's identity, public criminal history record information, as defined in Title 16, section 703, subsection 8 , address of residence and dates of supervision; and [PL 2013, c. 267, Pt. B, §1 (AMD).] C. Records to the extent they pertain to a prisoner's, adult probationer's or parolee's identity, public criminal history record information, as defined in Title 16, section 703, subsection 8 , and current address or location, unless the Commissioner of Corrections determines that it would be detrimental to the welfare of a client to disclose the information. [PL 2013, c. 267, Pt. B, §1 (AMD).] [PL 2013, c. 267, Pt. B, §1 (AMD).]

4. Public records of interscholastic athletic organizations. Any records or minutes of meetings under subsection 2, paragraph G are public records. [PL 2009, c. 334, §4 (NEW).]

5. Public access officer. "Public access officer" means the person designated pursuant to section 413, subsection 1 . [PL 2011, c. 662, §3 (NEW).]

6. Reasonable office hours. "Reasonable office hours" includes all regular office hours of an agency or official. [PL 2011, c. 662, §3 (NEW).]
1 M.R.S. § 151 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 7 / Section 151
1 §151. Standard time
Status: in_force

1. Standard time. The standard time for the State is the time as determined by 15 United States Code, Sections 260 to 267 except that the standard time year-round for the State is the time commonly known as eastern daylight time or eastern daylight saving time, referred to in this section as "eastern daylight time," if federal law or regulation permits the year-round observation of daylight time. A. [PL 2025, c. 191, §1 (RP).] B. [PL 2025, c. 191, §1 (RP).] [PL 2025, c. 191, §1 (AMD).]

2. Secretary of State to monitor and provide public notice. The Secretary of State shall monitor whether the condition under subsection 1 has been met. When the condition under subsection 1 has been met, the Secretary of State shall issue a public notice announcing the effective date of year-round eastern daylight time as established in subsection 3. [PL 2025, c. 191, §1 (AMD).]

3. Effective date. Year-round eastern daylight time is effective immediately upon the fulfillment of the condition in subsection 1 if the State is observing eastern daylight time on the date the condition is met. Year-round eastern daylight time is effective on the next start date of eastern daylight time after the condition in subsection 1 has been met if the State is not observing eastern daylight time on the date the condition is met. [PL 2025, c. 191, §1 (AMD).]
1 M.R.S. § 212-A — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 9 / Section 212-A
1 §212-A. State heritage fish
Status: in_force

1. Eastern Brook Trout. The eastern brook trout, Salvelinus fontinalis, is a state heritage fish. [PL 2007, c. 21, §1 (NEW).]

2. Arctic Charr. The subspecies of the arctic charr, Salvelinus alpinus oquassa, also known as blueback charr, is a state heritage fish. [PL 2007, c. 21, §1 (NEW).]
1 M.R.S. § 127 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 5 / Section 127
1 §127. Maine Merchant Marine Day
Status: in_force

The Governor shall annually issue a proclamation setting aside May 22nd as Maine Merchant Marine Day. The proclamation shall invite and urge the people of the State to observe the day in schools and other suitable places with appropriate ceremony and study. The Maine Maritime Academy and the Department of Education may make appropriate information available to the people and the schools within the limits of their budgets. [PL 1989, c. 700, Pt. A, §5 (AMD).]

The purpose of commemorating the United States Merchant Marines is to recognize the courage and heroism of merchant mariners who have served the nation in times of national emergencies. Merchant mariners have valiantly served the nation during periods of international conflict by serving as combatant crews on Letters of Marque during the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 and on armed vessels during the Civil War. In World War I and World War II, they served on ships equipped with naval armament while transporting supplies and troops between the home front and war fronts. Thousands of merchant mariners have been killed, captured or injured in the defense of the nation. [PL 1987, c. 140, §1 (NEW).]
1 M.R.S. § 1008 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 25 / Section 1008
1 §1008. General duties
Status: in_force

The general duties of the commission shall be: [PL 1975, c. 621, §1 (NEW).]

1. Legislative ethics. To investigate and make advisory recommendations to the appropriate body of any apparent violations of legislative ethics; [PL 2007, c. 642, §3 (AMD).]

2. Election practices. To administer and investigate any violations of the requirements for campaign reports and campaign financing, including the provisions of the Maine Clean Election Act and the Maine Clean Election Fund; [PL 2001, c. 430, §4 (AMD).]

3. Ethics seminar. To conduct, in conjunction with the Attorney General and the Chair of the Legislative Council or their designees, an ethics seminar for Legislators after the general election and before the convening of the Legislature, in every even-numbered year. The Attorney General shall provide each Legislator with a bound compilation of the laws of this State pertaining to legislative ethics and conduct; [IB 1995, c. 1, §4 (AMD).]

4. Lobbyist activities. To administer the lobbyist disclosure laws, Title 3, chapter 15 , and enforce the waiting period required before former Legislators may engage in compensated lobbying as provided by section 1024 ; [PL 2013, c. 129, §1 (AMD).]

5. Maine Clean Election Act and Maine Clean Election Fund. To administer and ensure the effective implementation of the Maine Clean Election Act and the Maine Clean Election Fund according to Title 21‑A, chapter 14 ; and [IB 1995, c. 1, §6 (NEW).]

6. Enhanced monitoring. To provide for enhanced monitoring and enforcement of election practices and the electronic submission of reports and computerized tracking of campaign, election and lobbying information under the commission's jurisdiction. [PL 2005, c. 301, §1 (AMD).]
1 M.R.S. § 138 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 5 / Section 138
1 §138. Major-General Henry Knox Day
Status: in_force

July 25th of each year is designated as Major-General Henry Knox Day, and the Governor shall annually issue a proclamation inviting and urging the people of the State to observe this day in suitable places and with appropriate ceremony and activity. The Department of Education shall make appropriate information available to the people and the schools, within its budget, to honor Major-General Henry Knox, of Thomaston, Revolutionary War general and hero and Secretary of War under President George Washington. [PL 1999, c. 666, §1 (NEW).]
1 M.R.S. § 400 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 13 / Section 400
1 §400. Short title
Status: in_force

This subchapter may be known and cited as "the Freedom of Access Act." [PL 2011, c. 662, §1 (NEW).]
1 M.R.S. § 5 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 1 / Section 5
1 §5. Existing jurisdiction or ownership not waived
Status: in_force

Nothing in sections 2 to 5 shall alter the geographic area to which any statute of this State applies if such statute specifies such area precisely in miles or by some other numerical designation of distance or position. Nothing in any such statute or in sections 2 to 5 shall be construed as a waiver or relinquishment of jurisdiction or ownership by this State over or in any area to which such jurisdiction or ownership extends by virtue of sections 2 to 5 or any other provision or rule of law.
1 M.R.S. § 71 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 3 / Section 71
1 §71. Laws
Status: in_force

The following rules shall be observed in the construction of statutes, unless such construction is inconsistent with the plain meaning of the enactment.

1. Acts by agents. When an act that may be lawfully done by an agent is done by one authorized to do it, the agent's principal may be regarded as having done it. [RR 2023, c. 1, Pt. C, §4 (COR).]

2. And; or. The words "and" and "or" are convertible as the sense of a statute may require.

3. Authority to 3 or more. Words in any statute, charter or ordinance giving authority to 3 or more persons authorize a majority to act when the statute, charter or ordinance does not otherwise specify. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, a vacancy on an elected or appointed body does not in itself impair the authority of the remaining members to act unless a statute, charter or ordinance expressly prohibits the body from acting during the period of any vacancy and does not in itself affect the validity of any action no matter when taken. [PL 2007, c. 396, §1 (RPR); PL 2007, c. 396, §4 (AFF).]

4. Corporations. Acts of incorporation shall be regarded in legal proceedings as public Acts. All special Acts of incorporation become null and void in 2 years from the day when the same take effect, unless such corporations shall have organized and commenced actual business under their charters. [PL 1971, c. 439, §2 (RPR).]

5. Dates. Wherever in the Revised Statutes or any legislative Act a reference is made to several dates and the dates given in the reference are connected by the word "to", the reference includes both the dates which are given and all intervening dates.

6. Disqualification. When a person is required to be disinterested or indifferent in a matter in which others are interested, a relationship by consanguinity or affinity within the 6th degree according to the civil law, or within the degree of 2nd cousins inclusive, except by written consent of the parties, will disqualify.

7. Gender. [PL 1987, c. 705, §1 (RP).]

7-A. Gender. In the construction of statutes, gender-neutral construction shall be applied as provided in this subsection. A. Whenever reasonable, as determined by the Revisor of Statutes, nouns rather than pronouns shall be used to refer to persons in order to avoid gender identification. [PL 1987, c. 705, §2 (NEW).] B. In preparing any legislation which amends a section or larger division of statutes, the Revisor of Statutes shall be authorized to change any masculine or feminine gender word to a gender-neutral word when it is clear that the statute is not exclusively applicable to members of one sex. The Revisor of Statutes shall not otherwise alter the sense, meaning or effect of any statute. [PL 1987, c. 861, §§1, 3 (AMD).] C. The rule of construction concerning gender on the effective date of an Act or resolve shall apply to that Act or resolve. [PL 1987, c. 861, §§2, 3 (NEW).] [PL 1987, c. 861, §§1-3 (AMD).]

8. Severability. The provisions of the statutes are severable. The provisions of any session law are severable. If any provision of the statutes or of a session law is invalid, or if the application of either to any person or circumstance is invalid, such invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications which can be given effect without the invalid provision or application. The repeal of a severability clause located in and applicable to any title or a division of a title, chapter, section or Act, must be construed as the removal of surplus language unless the law indicates otherwise. [PL 1991, c. 332, §1 (AMD).]

9. Singular and plural. Words of the singular number may include the plural; and words of the plural number may include the singular.

9-A. Shall; must; may. "Shall" and "must" are terms of equal weight that indicate a mandatory duty, action or requirement. "May" indicates authorization or permission to act. This subsection applies to laws enacted or language changed by amendment after December 1, 1989. [PL 1991, c. 332, §2 (NEW).]

10. Statute Titles. Abstracts of Titles, chapters and sections, and notes are not legal provisions.

11. Statutory references. Wherever in the Revised Statutes the word "Title" or "chapter" or "subchapter" appears without definite reference, it refers to the Title or chapter or subchapter in which the word "Title" or "chapter" or "subchapter" appears; if the chapter or subchapter is given a number without reference to a numbered Title, it refers to the chapter or subchapter of the Title in which the numbered chapter or subchapter appears. Wherever in the Revised Statutes a numbered section appears without reference to a numbered Title, it refers to the section of the Title in which the numbered section appears. Wherever in the Revised Statutes or any legislative Act a reference is made to several sections, subsections, paragraphs, subparagraphs, divisions, subdivisions or sentences, the section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph, division, subdivision or sentence numbers given in the reference are connected by the word "to," the reference includes both the sections, subsections, paragraphs, subparagraphs, divisions, subdivisions or sentences whose numbers are given and all intervening sections, subsections, paragraphs, subparagraphs, divisions, subdivisions and sentences. Wherever in the Revised Statutes the designation of a division of the statutes larger than a section is numbered with the use of a Roman numeral, it may be known and cited by its Arabic equivalent. [PL 2001, c. 710, §1 (AMD).]

12. Statutory time periods. The statutory time period for the performance or occurrence of any act, event or default that is a prerequisite to or is otherwise involved in or related to the commencement, prosecution or defense of any civil or criminal action or other judicial proceeding or any action or proceeding of the Public Utilities Commission is governed by and computed under Rule 6(a) of the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure as amended from time to time, when the nature of such action or proceeding is civil, and under Rule 45(a) of the Maine Rules of Unified Criminal Procedure, as amended from time to time, when the nature of such action or proceeding is criminal. [PL 2015, c. 431, §1 (AMD).]

13. Reporting dates. If legislation or another legislative instrument requires a report to be filed by a date certain, and the date certain falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, the report is due by close of business on the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday. [PL 2001, c. 471, Pt. D, §1 (NEW).]
1 M.R.S. § 20 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 1 / Section 20
1 §20. Compensation to owners for use of land
Status: in_force

If satisfactory compensation is not made to the owner by the officers or agents of the United States under whose direction such lands are taken, the owner may make complaint to the county commissioners, who, after not less than 14 days' notice to the parties of the time and place of hearing, shall view the premises, hear the parties, assess the damages sustained by the taking of the land for those purposes, including the time during which it will be required for such use, as if the land were taken for highway purposes under Title 23, chapter 3 , order the damages to be paid at such time as the county commissioners direct and award costs to the prevailing party. [RR 2023, c. 1, Pt. C, §2 (COR).]
1 M.R.S. § 205 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 9 / Section 205
1 §205. State motto
Status: in_force

The state motto shall be "Dirigo" (I direct or I guide).
1 M.R.S. § 363 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 11 / Section 363
1 §363. Secretary of State
Status: in_force

To entitle any copy of a law published in the Revised Statutes of 1964 to be read in evidence, there must be contained in the same book a printed certificate of the Secretary of State that the copy is a correct transcript of the text of the original laws. A facsimile of the signature of the Secretary of State imprinted by or at the Secretary of State's direction upon the certificate has the same validity as the Secretary of State's written signature. [RR 2023, c. 1, Pt. C, §12 (COR).]
1 M.R.S. § 2701 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 33 / Section 2701
1 §2701. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 2013, c. 110, §1 (NEW).]

1. Agency. "Agency" has the same meaning as in Title 3, section 953, subsection 1 . [PL 2013, c. 110, §1 (NEW).]

2. Committee of jurisdiction. "Committee of jurisdiction" has the same meaning as in Title 3, section 953, subsection 2 . [PL 2013, c. 110, §1 (NEW).]

3. Independent agency. "Independent agency" has the same meaning as in Title 3, section 953, subsection 3 . [PL 2013, c. 110, §1 (NEW).]

4. Program evaluation report. "Program evaluation report" means the report submitted to the Legislature by an agency or an independent agency in accordance with Title 3, section 956 . [PL 2013, c. 110, §1 (NEW).]
1 M.R.S. § 1022 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 25 / Section 1022
1 §1022. Disciplinary guidelines
Status: in_force

The Legislature shall adopt, publish, maintain and implement, as authorized in the Constitution of Maine, Article IV, Part Third, Section 4, disciplinary guidelines and procedures for Legislators, including the violations of ethical standards, penalties of reprimand, censure or expulsion and the procedures under which these or other penalties may be imposed. [PL 1989, c. 561, §12 (NEW).]
1 M.R.S. § 150-A — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 5 / Section 150-A
1 §150-A. Cold War Victory Day
Status: in_force

In recognition of the long and costly struggle of the Cold War, from the end of World War II to the fall of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the State designates the first day of May as Cold War Victory Day. The Governor shall annually issue a proclamation urging citizens, businesses and organizations to observe the day with appropriate activity to celebrate democracy's victory. [PL 2007, c. 330, §1 (NEW).]
1 M.R.S. § 401 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 13 / Section 401
1 §401. Declaration of public policy; rules of construction
Status: in_force

The Legislature finds and declares that public proceedings exist to aid in the conduct of the people's business. It is the intent of the Legislature that their actions be taken openly and that the records of their actions be open to public inspection and their deliberations be conducted openly. It is further the intent of the Legislature that clandestine meetings, conferences or meetings held on private property without proper notice and ample opportunity for attendance by the public not be used to defeat the purposes of this subchapter. [PL 1975, c. 758 (RPR).]

This subchapter does not prohibit communications outside of public proceedings between members of a public body unless those communications are used to defeat the purposes of this subchapter. [PL 2011, c. 320, Pt. B, §1 (NEW).]

This subchapter shall be liberally construed and applied to promote its underlying purposes and policies as contained in the declaration of legislative intent. [PL 1975, c. 758 (RPR).]
1 M.R.S. § 409 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 13 / Section 409
1 §409. Appeals
Status: in_force

1. Records. Any person aggrieved by a refusal or denial to inspect or copy a record or the failure to allow the inspection or copying of a record under section 408‑A may appeal the refusal, denial or failure within 30 calendar days of the receipt of the written notice of refusal, denial or failure to the Superior Court within the State for the county where the person resides or the agency has its principal office. The agency or official shall file a statement of position explaining the basis for denial within 14 calendar days of service of the appeal. If a court, after a review, with taking of testimony and other evidence as determined necessary, determines such refusal, denial or failure was not for just and proper cause, the court shall enter an order for disclosure. Appeals may be advanced on the docket and receive priority over other cases when the court determines that the interests of justice so require. [PL 2015, c. 249, §2 (AMD).]

2. Actions. If any body or agency approves any ordinances, orders, rules, resolutions, regulations, contracts, appointments or other official action in an executive session, this action is illegal and the officials responsible are subject to the penalties hereinafter provided. Upon learning of any such action, any person may appeal to any Superior Court in the State. If a court, after a trial de novo, determines this action was taken illegally in an executive session, it shall enter an order providing for the action to be null and void. Appeals may be advanced on the docket and receive priority over other cases when the court determines that the interests of justice so require. [PL 2011, c. 559, Pt. A, §2 (AMD).]

3. Proceedings not exclusive. The proceedings authorized by this section are not exclusive of any other civil remedy provided by law. [PL 2009, c. 240, §6 (AMD).]

4. Attorney’s fees. In an appeal under subsection 1 or 2 , the court may award reasonable attorney’s fees and litigation expenses to the substantially prevailing plaintiff who appealed the refusal under subsection 1 or the illegal action under subsection 2 if the court determines that the refusal or illegal action was committed in bad faith. Attorney’s fees and litigation costs may not be awarded to or against a federally recognized Indian tribe. This subsection applies to appeals under subsection 1 or 2 filed on or after January 1, 2010. [PL 2009, c. 423, §1 (NEW).]
1 M.R.S. § 602 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 15 / Section 602
1 §602. Additional media for publication of notices
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding section 601 , all probate notices, notices of foreclosure, other legal notices, legal advertising and other matter required by law to be published in a newspaper that have been published in the Coastal Journal from the date of its first publication on November 3, 1966 and in the Somerset Gazette from the date of its first publication on April 16, 1990 to June 2, 1993, and that would have been valid but for the provision of section 601 that requires a newspaper carrying such notices to be entered as 2nd class postal matter, are declared to be valid. [RR 1997, c. 2, §2 (COR).]
1 M.R.S. § 256 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 9 / Section 256
1 §256. Interpretation
Status: in_force

This subchapter shall be so construed as to effectuate their general purpose and to make uniform the laws of the states which enact them.
1 M.R.S. § 10 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 1 / Section 10
1 §10. Legislative jurisdiction transferred by operation of law unimpaired
Status: in_force

Nothing in sections 8 to 10 shall be construed to prevent or impair any transfer of legislative jurisdiction to this State occurring by operation of law.
1 M.R.S. § 219 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 9 / Section 219
1 §219. State berry
Status: in_force

The wild blueberry (vaccinium angustifolium, aiton) is the official state berry. [PL 1991, c. 218 (NEW).]
1 M.R.S. § 21 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 1 / Section 21
1 §21. Report of county commissioners filed with Superior Court; motion for new trial
Status: in_force

The county commissioners shall file in the office of the clerk of the Superior Court a report of their doings, which is conclusive upon the parties unless one of them within 30 days files in court a motion for a new trial, which after due notice to the opposite party may for due cause be granted, to be had in that court. [RR 2023, c. 1, Pt. C, §3 (COR).]
1 M.R.S. § 1104 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 27 / Section 1104
1 §1104. Responsibility of municipal officers and county commissioners
Status: in_force

The municipal officers of the municipality or the county commissioners responsible for the unorganized territory, in which a place is found pursuant to Title 5, section 4632 , to have an offensive name, shall have the following responsibilities: [PL 1977, c. 259, §1 (NEW).]

1. Reasonable actions. They shall take whatever reasonable actions are required to complete a change in the offensive name. They may hold public hearings on selecting a new name; and [PL 1999, c. 613, §2 (AMD).]

2. Notification. Unless a court order is issued under Title 5, section 4632 specifying a different deadline, within 6 months of the determination that the place has an offensive name, they shall provide notice of the new name to the Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, the Secretary of the United States Department of the Interior and other public agencies, boards, committees or other groups responsible for changing names of places and for ensuring that such name changes appear on maps and other public documents. [PL 1999, c. 613, §2 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 657, Pt. W, §6 (REV).]
1 M.R.S. § 150-L — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 5 / Section 150-L
1 §150-L. Native American Heritage and Culture Day
Status: in_force

In recognition of the service and sacrifice of Maine Indian tribes since the beginning of our nation in support for its liberties, and to recognize the thousands of years of Native American heritage and the culture Maine Indian tribes have contributed to the State, the Governor annually shall issue a proclamation designating March 20th as Native American Heritage and Culture Day, and the Governor shall urge the people of the State to observe this day in suitable places and with appropriate ceremony and activity. [PL 2015, c. 19, §1 (NEW).]
1 M.R.S. § 16 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 1 / Section 16
1 §16. Property not to be taxed
Status: in_force

Lands with the tenements and appurtenances acquired for the purposes mentioned in section 15 shall be and continue exempt from all state, county and municipal taxation, assessment or other charges which may be levied or imposed under the authority of this State, so far as the taxation of such property is prohibited under the Constitution and laws of the United States, so long as the said lands shall remain the property of the United States, and no longer.
1 M.R.S. § 413 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 13 / Section 413
1 §413. Public access officer
Status: in_force

1. Designation; responsibility. Each agency, county, municipality, board or commission established under Title 5, chapter 379 , school administrative unit and regional or other political subdivision shall designate an existing employee as its public access officer to serve as the contact person for that agency, county, municipality, board or commission, school administrative unit or regional or other political subdivision with regard to requests for public records under this subchapter. The public access officer is responsible for ensuring that each public record request is acknowledged within 5 working days of the receipt of the request by the office responsible for maintaining the public record requested and that a good faith estimate of when the response to the request will be complete is provided according to section 408‑A . The public access officer shall serve as a resource within the agency, county, municipality, board or commission, school administrative unit and regional or other political subdivision concerning freedom of access questions and compliance. The public access officer may serve as the contact person for more than one board or commission if the boards or commissions are within the same office or agency. [PL 2025, c. 187, §2 (AMD).]

2. Acknowledgment and response required. An agency, county, municipality, board or commission established under Title 5, chapter 379 , school administrative unit and regional or other political subdivision that receives a request to inspect or copy a public record shall acknowledge and respond to the request regardless of whether the request was delivered to or directed to the public access officer. [PL 2025, c. 187, §3 (AMD).]

3. No delay based on unavailability. The unavailability of a public access officer may not delay a response to a request. [PL 2011, c. 662, §8 (NEW).]

4. Training. A public access officer shall complete a course of training on the requirements of this chapter relating to public records and proceedings as described in section 412 . [PL 2011, c. 662, §8 (NEW).]
1 M.R.S. § 432 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 13 / Section 432
1 §432. Exceptions to public records; review
Status: repealed

1. Recommendations. During the second regular session of each Legislature, the review committee may report out legislation containing its recommendations concerning the repeal, modification and continuation of public records exceptions and any recommendations concerning the exception review process and the accessibility of public records. Before reporting out legislation, the review committee shall notify the appropriate committees of jurisdiction concerning public hearings and work sessions and shall allow members of the appropriate committees of jurisdiction to participate in work sessions. [PL 2011, c. 320, Pt. D, §1 (AMD).]

2. Process of evaluation. According to the schedule in section 433 , the advisory committee shall evaluate each public records exception that is scheduled for review that biennium. This section does not prohibit the evaluation of a public record exception by either the advisory committee or the review committee at a time other than that listed in section 433 . The following criteria apply in determining whether each exception scheduled for review should be repealed, modified or remain unchanged: A. Whether a record protected by the exception still needs to be collected and maintained; [PL 2003, c. 709, §3 (NEW).] B. The value to the agency or official or to the public in maintaining a record protected by the exception; [PL 2003, c. 709, §3 (NEW).] C. Whether federal law requires a record to be confidential; [PL 2003, c. 709, §3 (NEW).] D. Whether the exception protects an individual's privacy interest and, if so, whether that interest substantially outweighs the public interest in the disclosure of records; [PL 2003, c. 709, §3 (NEW).] E. Whether public disclosure puts a business at a competitive disadvantage and, if so, whether that business's interest substantially outweighs the public interest in the disclosure of records; [PL 2003, c. 709, §3 (NEW).] F. Whether public disclosure compromises the position of a public body in negotiations and, if so, whether that public body's interest substantially outweighs the public interest in the disclosure of records; [PL 2003, c. 709, §3 (NEW).] G. Whether public disclosure jeopardizes the safety of a member of the public or the public in general and, if so, whether that safety interest substantially outweighs the public interest in the disclosure of records; [PL 2003, c. 709, §3 (NEW).] G-1. Whether public access to the record ensures or would ensure that members of the public are able to make informed health and safety decisions; [PL 2021, c. 313, §8 (NEW).] H. Whether the exception is as narrowly tailored as possible; and [PL 2003, c. 709, §3 (NEW).] I. Any other criteria that assist the review committee in determining the value of the exception as compared to the public's interest in the record protected by the exception. [PL 2003, c. 709, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 313, §8 (AMD).]

2-A. Accountability review of agency or official. In evaluating each public records exception, the advisory committee shall, in addition to applying the criteria of subsection 2 , determine whether there is a publicly accountable entity that has authority to review the agency or official that collects, maintains or uses the record subject to the exception in order to ensure that information collection, maintenance and use are consistent with the purpose of the exception and that public access to public records is not hindered. [PL 2005, c. 631, §3 (NEW).]

2-B. Recommendations to review committee. The advisory committee shall report its recommendations under this section to the review committee no later than the convening of the second regular session of each Legislature. [PL 2005, c. 631, §3 (NEW).]

2-C. Accessibility of public records. The advisory committee may include in its evaluation of public records statutes the consideration of any factors that affect the accessibility of public records, including but not limited to fees, request procedures and timeliness of responses. [PL 2011, c. 320, Pt. D, §2 (NEW).]

3. Assistance from committees of jurisdiction. The advisory committee may seek assistance in evaluating public records exceptions from the joint standing committees of the Legislature having jurisdiction over the subject matter related to the exceptions being reviewed. The advisory committee may hold public hearings after notice to the appropriate committees of jurisdiction. [PL 2005, c. 631, §3 (AMD).]
1 M.R.S. § 351 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 11 / Section 351
1 §351. Effective date
Status: in_force

Unless otherwise provided in the resolution submitting it, every constitutional amendment shall take effect and become part of the Constitution, on the first Wednesday of January following its adoption by the people. [PL 1973, c. 625, §2 (AMD).]
1 M.R.S. § 1011 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 25 / Section 1011
1 §1011. Statement of purpose
Status: in_force

The Maine Legislature enjoys a high reputation for progressive accomplishment. The vast majority of its members are public officers of integrity and dedication, seeking at all times to maintain high standards of ethical conduct. [PL 1975, c. 621, §1 (NEW).]

The public interest is best served by attracting and retaining in the Legislature individuals of high caliber and attainment. The public interest will suffer if unduly stringent requirements deprive government "of the services of all but princes and paupers." [RR 2023, c. 1, Pt. C, §19 (COR).]

Membership in the Legislature is not a full-time occupation and is not compensated on that basis; moreover, it is measured in 2-year terms, requiring each member to recognize and contemplate that the election of that member will not provide that member with any career tenure. [RR 2023, c. 1, Pt. C, §20 (COR).]

Most Legislators must look to income from private sources, not their public salaries, for their sustenance and support for their families; moreover, they must plan for the day when they must return to private employment, business or their professions. [PL 1975, c. 621, §1 (NEW).]

The increasing complexity of government at all levels, with broader intervention into private affairs, makes conflicts of interest almost inevitable for all part-time public officials, and particularly for Legislators who must cast their votes on measures affecting the lives of almost every citizen or resident of the State. The adoption of broader standards of ethics for Legislators does not impugn either their integrity or their dedication; rather it recognizes the increasing complexity of government and private life and will provide them with helpful advice and guidance when confronted with unprecedented or difficult problems in that gray area involving action which is neither clearly right nor clearly wrong. [PL 1975, c. 621, §1 (NEW).]

If public confidence in government is to be maintained and enhanced, it is not enough that public officers avoid acts of misconduct. They must also scrupulously avoid acts which may create an appearance of misconduct. [PL 1975, c. 621, §1 (NEW).]

The Legislature cannot legislate morals and the resolution of ethical problems must indeed rest largely in the individual conscience. The Legislature may and should, however, define ethical standards, as most professions have done, to chart the areas of real or apparent impropriety. [PL 1975, c. 621, §1 (NEW).]
1 M.R.S. § 815 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 21 / Section 815
1 §815. Abandonment of purpose; rights of condemnee
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if an entity that has taken property by eminent domain fails to use the property for the project or purpose for which that property was taken, the condemnee or the condemnee's heirs have a right of first refusal to purchase the property as provided in this section. The right may be exercised at a price equal to the total compensation paid to the condemnee for the taking plus an adjustment for any improvements made to the property and for changes in inflation based upon the Consumer Price Index. The right of first refusal automatically terminates once the property is used for the project or purpose for which that property was taken. The purpose of a taking may be passive in nature, including conservation or preservation. [PL 2013, c. 368, Pt. Q, §1 (AMD).]

1. Reaffirmation of public purpose. If a property has not been used for the purpose for which it was taken after 8 years from the date of condemnation, the entity must reaffirm the need to retain the property for that purpose by giving notice to the public of its continuing intent to use the property for that purpose. Notice to the public is by publication twice consecutively in a daily or weekly newspaper having general circulation in the municipality or political subdivision in which the property is located. If the purpose of the taking was to construct improvements, the property is deemed as being used for that purpose upon the commencement of substantial on-site construction activity. After the initial reaffirmation, for so long as the property has not been used for the purpose for which it was taken, the entity must reaffirm the need to retain the property every 3 years. Reaffirmation under this subsection does not constitute a retaking of the property, and this section does not require the entity to make additional payments to the condemnee or the condemnee's heirs. If the entity fails to reaffirm the need to retain the property, the entity must notify the condemnee or the condemnee's heirs as described in subsection 2 . [PL 2001, c. 328, §2 (NEW).]

2. Notification of right of first refusal. If the need to retain the property is not reaffirmed as required by subsection 1 , the entity using eminent domain must give written notice of the right of first refusal provided by this subsection to the condemnee or the condemnee's heirs by certified mail, return receipt requested, or by any other method that produces written evidence of receipt. Notice is sufficient under this subsection if the signed receipt is returned or the certified mail is returned as refused by the recipient. A. If after reasonable diligence the address of the condemnee or the condemnee's heirs can not be determined, the notice is sufficient if it is published twice consecutively in a daily or weekly newspaper having general circulation in the municipality or political subdivision in which the property obtained by eminent domain is located. [PL 2001, c. 328, §2 (NEW).] B. If, within 90 days of the issuance of the written notice or the second publishing date as required by this subsection, the condemnee or the condemnee's heirs have either refused the right of first refusal on the property or failed to respond to the notice, then the entity may dispose of the property in any manner allowed by law free and clear from any rights provided by this section. [PL 2001, c. 328, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2001, c. 328, §2 (NEW).]

3. Waiver of rights under this section. Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the condemnee or the condemnee's heirs may waive or release any rights provided under this section at any time. [PL 2001, c. 328, §2 (NEW).]

4. Exemptions. This section does not apply to property taken by eminent domain if that property: A. Was taken in whole or in part using federal funds or the eminent domain authority to take the property was derived from federal law; [PL 2001, c. 328, §2 (NEW).] B. Does not meet state or municipal lot size or frontage requirements; [PL 2001, c. 328, §2 (NEW).] C. Was taken to expand existing corridors used for transportation or utility purposes including highways, bridges, railroad lines or utility lines; or [PL 2001, c. 328, §2 (NEW).] D. Was taken before October 1, 2001. [PL 2001, c. 328, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2001, c. 328, §2 (NEW).]
1 M.R.S. § 229 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 9 / Section 229
1 §229. State crustacean
Status: in_force

The Maine lobster (Homarus americanus) is the official state crustacean. [PL 2015, c. 426, §1 (NEW).]
1 M.R.S. § 150-X — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 5 / Section 150-X
1 §150-X. Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Month (REALLOCATED FROM TITLE 1, SECTION 150-V)
Status: in_force

(REALLOCATED FROM TITLE 1, SECTION 150-V)

The month of May of each year is designated as Progressive Supranuclear Palsy Month, and the Governor shall issue annually a proclamation inviting and urging the people of the State to observe the month through appropriate activities. [PL 2025, c. 81, §1 (NEW); RR 2025, c. 1, Pt. A, §1 (RAL).]
1 M.R.S. § 505 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 13 / Section 505
1 §505. Mailing lists
Status: in_force

All addressees on mailing lists used for the distribution of all matters printed or distributed at state expense by dedicated or undedicated revenues shall at least once in every 12-month period be contacted in writing to inquire if continuance of delivery to said addressees is desired. Failure of the addressee to affirmatively reply within 30 days of the written inquiry shall cause such addressees to be removed from said mailing list. However, nothing in this section shall prevent any printed matter being distributed where otherwise required by law. [PL 1973, c. 331 (NEW).]
1 M.R.S. § 94 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 4 / Section 94
1 §94. Omnibus errors and inconsistencies bill
Status: in_force

The revisor shall prepare legislation containing proposed changes and consolidations identified but not made under section 93 . The legislation may also contain any other statutory errors or inconsistencies identified by the revisor. The legislation must be submitted to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over judiciary matters, with a copy to the executive director. [PL 1991, c. 336 (NEW).]
1 M.R.S. § 405 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 13 / Section 405
1 §405. Executive sessions
Status: in_force

Those bodies or agencies falling within this subchapter may hold executive sessions subject to the following conditions. [PL 1975, c. 758 (NEW).]

1. Not to defeat purposes of subchapter. An executive session may not be used to defeat the purposes of this subchapter as stated in section 401 . [PL 2009, c. 240, §2 (AMD).]

2. Final approval of certain items prohibited. An ordinance, order, rule, resolution, regulation, contract, appointment or other official action may not be finally approved at an executive session. [PL 2009, c. 240, §2 (AMD).]

3. Procedure for calling of executive session. An executive session may be called only by a public, recorded vote of 3/5 of the members, present and voting, of such bodies or agencies. [PL 2009, c. 240, §2 (AMD).]

4. Motion contents. A motion to go into executive session must indicate the precise nature of the business of the executive session and include a citation of one or more sources of statutory or other authority that permits an executive session for that business. Failure to state all authorities justifying the executive session does not constitute a violation of this subchapter if one or more of the authorities are accurately cited in the motion. An inaccurate citation of authority for an executive session does not violate this subchapter if valid authority that permits the executive session exists and the failure to cite the valid authority was inadvertent. [PL 2003, c. 709, §1 (AMD).]

5. Matters not contained in motion prohibited. Matters other than those identified in the motion to go into executive session may not be considered in that particular executive session. [PL 2009, c. 240, §2 (AMD).]

6. Permitted deliberation. Deliberations on only the following matters may be conducted during an executive session: A. Discussion or consideration of the employment, appointment, assignment, duties, promotion, demotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplining, resignation or dismissal of an individual or group of public officials, appointees or employees of the body or agency or the investigation or hearing of charges or complaints against a person or persons subject to the following conditions: (1) An executive session may be held only if public discussion could be reasonably expected to cause damage to the individual's reputation or the individual's right to privacy would be violated; (2) Any person charged or investigated must be permitted to be present at an executive session if that person so desires; (3) Any person charged or investigated may request in writing that the investigation or hearing of charges or complaints against that person be conducted in open session. A request, if made to the agency, must be honored; and (4) Any person bringing charges, complaints or allegations of misconduct against the individual under discussion must be permitted to be present. This paragraph does not apply to discussion of a budget or budget proposal; [PL 2009, c. 240, §2 (AMD).] B. Discussion or consideration by a school board of suspension or expulsion of a public school student or a student at a private school, the cost of whose education is paid from public funds, as long as: (1) The student and legal counsel and, if the student is a minor, the student's parents or legal guardians are permitted to be present at an executive session if the student, parents or guardians so desire; [PL 2009, c. 240, §2 (AMD).] C. Discussion or consideration of the condition, acquisition or the use of real or personal property permanently attached to real property or interests therein or disposition of publicly held property or economic development only if premature disclosures of the information would prejudice the competitive or bargaining position of the body or agency; [PL 1987, c. 477, §3 (AMD).] D. Discussion of labor contracts and proposals and meetings between a public agency and its negotiators. The parties must be named before the body or agency may go into executive session. Negotiations between the representatives of a public employer and public employees may be open to the public if both parties agree to conduct negotiations in open sessions; [PL 1999, c. 144, §1 (RPR).] E. Consultations between a body or agency and its attorney concerning the legal rights and duties of the body or agency, pending or contemplated litigation, settlement offers and matters where the duties of the public body's or agency's counsel to the attorney's client pursuant to the code of professional responsibility clearly conflict with this subchapter or where premature general public knowledge would clearly place the State, municipality or other public agency or person at a substantial disadvantage; [PL 2009, c. 240, §2 (AMD).] F. Discussions of information contained in records made, maintained or received by a body or agency when access by the general public to those records is prohibited by statute; [PL 1999, c. 180, §1 (AMD).] G. Discussion or approval of the content of examinations administered by a body or agency for licensing, permitting or employment purposes; consultation between a body or agency and any entity that provides examination services to that body or agency regarding the content of an examination; and review of examinations with the person examined; and [PL 1999, c. 180, §2 (AMD).] H. Consultations between municipal officers and a code enforcement officer representing the municipality pursuant to Title 30‑A, section 4452, subsection 1, paragraph C in the prosecution of an enforcement matter pending in District Court when the consultation relates to that pending enforcement matter. [PL 1999, c. 180, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2009, c. 240, §2 (AMD).]
1 M.R.S. § 537 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 14 / Section 537
1 §537. Financial requirements
Status: in_force

1. Funding. InforME is self-supporting and may not receive an appropriation or allocation from the General Fund or other state funds. Revenue is generated through fees on services paid by data custodians, subscribers or users, from contracts with other state departments and agencies and from money, goods or in-kind services donated or awarded to carry out the purposes of this Act. [PL 2011, c. 321, §14 (AMD).]

2. Fiscal year. InforME's fiscal year begins January 1st and ends on December 31st of each calendar year. [PL 2011, c. 321, §15 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 321, §17 (AFF).]

3. Annual audit. The network manager shall submit to the Commissioner of Administrative and Financial Services within 120 days after the close of InforME's fiscal year InforME's annual financial report and audit certified by an independent certified public accountant, who may be the accountant or a member of the firm of accountants who regularly audit the books and accounts of the network manager, selected by the network manager. The audit information forwarded by the network manager to the commissioner must include but is not limited to the audited financial statements, auditor opinions, reports on internal control, findings and recommendations and management letters. InforME is subject to any further audit and review determined necessary by the Governor or the Legislative Council after furnishing reasonable notice to the network manager. [PL 1997, c. 713, §1 (NEW).]
1 M.R.S. § 1006 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 25 / Section 1006
1 §1006. Assistance
Status: in_force

The commission may call for the aid or assistance in the performance of its duties on the Attorney General, Secretary of State, Office of the State Auditor or any law enforcement agency in this State. When called upon, these agencies shall comply to the utmost of their ability. [PL 1975, c. 621, §1 (NEW); PL 2013, c. 16, §10 (REV).]
1 M.R.S. § 903 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 23 / Section 903
1 §903. Definitions and exclusion
Status: in_force

Except where the context otherwise requires or as expressly set forth in this chapter, all terms used in this chapter shall have the same definitions as are set forth in the Federal Uniform Relocation Act. The term "State" shall include every agency, department and political subdivision of the State, but shall not include the Department of Transportation. Nothing in this chapter may be construed to alter or amend Title 23, chapter 3, subchapter VII , which does and shall continue to apply exclusively to state or state aid highway projects and other activities of and by the Department of Transportation. [PL 1989, c. 40, §§2, 5 (AMD).]
1 M.R.S. § 3 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 1 / Section 3
1 §3. Ownership of offshore waters and submerged land
Status: in_force

The ownership of the waters and submerged lands enumerated or described in section 2 shall be in this State unless it shall be, with respect to any given parcel or area, in any other person or entity by virtue of a valid and effective instrument of conveyance or by operation of law.
1 M.R.S. § 1016-G — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 25 / Section 1016-G
1 §1016-G. Disclosure of specific sources of income, interests and reportable liabilities
Status: in_force

Each Legislator shall annually file with the commission a statement identifying the sources of income received, positions held and reportable liabilities incurred during the preceding calendar year by the Legislator or members of the Legislator's immediate family. A Legislator who has completed service in the Legislature shall file the statement within 45 days of the Legislator's last day of service to disclose the sources of income in the Legislator's final calendar year of service. [PL 2011, c. 634, §11 (NEW).]

1. Content of statement. The name and, where applicable, the job title of the individual earning or receiving the income must be disclosed, unless otherwise noted. Each source of income must be identified by name, address and principal type of economic or business activity. If disclosure of this type is prohibited by statute, rule or an established code of professional ethics, it is sufficient for the Legislator to specify the principal type of economic or business activity from which the income is derived. The statement must identify: A. If the Legislator is an employee of another person, firm, corporation, association or organization that has provided the Legislator with compensation of $2,000 or more, the name and address of the employer. The Legislator shall identify the title and position held by the Legislator; [PL 2011, c. 634, §11 (NEW).] B. If the Legislator is self-employed, the name and address of the Legislator's business and each source of income derived from self-employment that represents more than 10% of the Legislator's gross income from self-employment or $2,000, whichever is greater; [PL 2011, c. 634, §11 (NEW).] C. The name, address and principal economic or business activity of any corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other business in which the Legislator or members of the Legislator's immediate family own or control, directly or indirectly, more than 5% of the outstanding equity, whether individually or in the aggregate, that has received revenue of $2,000 or more; [PL 2013, c. 401, §1 (AMD).] D. Each source of income of $2,000 or more the Legislator derived from providing services as an attorney, the major areas of law practiced by the Legislator and, if associated with a law firm, the major areas of practice of the firm; [PL 2011, c. 634, §11 (NEW).] E. Each source of income of $2,000 or more received by the Legislator and a description of the nature of the income, such as rental income, dividend income and capital gains; [PL 2013, c. 401, §1 (AMD).] F. The specific source of each gift received by the Legislator; [PL 2011, c. 634, §11 (NEW).] G. Each source of income of $2,000 or more received by any member of the immediate family of the Legislator, except that the Legislator is not required to identify the names of dependent children. If the member of the Legislator's immediate family received income of $2,000 or more in compensation, the Legislator shall identify the source of the compensation, the type of the economic activity and the title of the position held by the immediate family member; [PL 2011, c. 634, §11 (NEW).] H. Each source of honoraria of $2,000 or more that the Legislator accepted; [PL 2011, c. 634, §11 (NEW).] I. Each executive branch agency before which the Legislator or any immediate family member has represented or assisted others for compensation; [PL 2011, c. 634, §11 (NEW).] J. Each state governmental agency, board or commission to which the Legislator, a member of the Legislator's immediate family or an associated organization has sold, rented or leased goods or services with a value of $10,000 or more during the preceding calendar year and a description of the goods or services sold, rented or leased; [PL 2011, c. 634, §11 (NEW).] K. Each party as defined in Title 21‑A, section 1, subsection 28 , including a party committee, and each organization that is required under Title 21‑A, chapter 13 to register with the commission as a political action committee or ballot question committee for which the Legislator or a member of the Legislator's immediate family is a treasurer, principal officer or principal fund-raiser or decision maker; [PL 2013, c. 401, §1 (AMD).] L. Any offices, trusteeships, directorships or positions of any nature, whether compensated or uncompensated, held by the Legislator or a member of the Legislator's immediate family with any for-profit or nonprofit firm, corporation, association, limited liability company, partnership or business. For the purposes of this paragraph, service as a clerk of a corporation or as a registered agent authorized to receive service of any process, notice or other demand for a business entity is not considered a position with the corporation or business entity; and [PL 2011, c. 634, §11 (NEW).] M. All reportable liabilities incurred by the Legislator or a member of the Legislator's immediate family during the reporting period. [PL 2011, c. 634, §11 (NEW).] [PL 2013, c. 401, §1 (AMD).]

2. Time for filing. The following provisions govern the time for filing statements. A. Each Legislator shall file with the commission by 5:00 p.m. on February 15th of each year on the form provided by the commission a statement of the sources of income, interests and reportable liabilities for the preceding calendar year required by subsection 1 . Prior to the end of the first week in January of each year, the commission shall deliver a form to each Senator and member of the House of Representatives. [PL 2011, c. 634, §11 (NEW).] B. A Legislator shall file an updated statement concerning the current calendar year if the income, reportable liabilities or positions of the Legislator or an immediate family member, except for dependent children, substantially change from those disclosed in the Legislator's most recent statement. Substantial changes include, but are not limited to, a new employer that has paid the Legislator or a member of the Legislator's immediate family $2,000 or more during the current year, another source that has provided the Legislator or a member of the Legislator's immediate family, excluding dependent children, with income that totals $2,000 or more during the current year or the acceptance of a new position with a for-profit or nonprofit firm that is reportable under subsection 1, paragraph L . The Legislator shall file the updated statement within 30 days of the substantial change in income, reportable liabilities or positions. [PL 2011, c. 634, §11 (NEW).] [PL 2011, c. 634, §11 (NEW).]

3. Penalties. Penalties for violations of this section are as follows. A. Failing to file a statement within 15 days of having been notified by the commission is subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $250 for a Legislator or $100 for a candidate payable to the commission. A statement is not considered filed unless it substantially conforms to the requirements of this subchapter and is properly signed. The commission shall determine whether a statement substantially conforms to the requirements of this subchapter. [PL 2023, c. 324, §2 (AMD).] B. The intentional filing of a false statement is a Class E crime. If the commission concludes that it appears that a Legislator has willfully filed a false statement, it shall refer its findings of fact to the Attorney General. If the commission determines that a Legislator has willfully failed to file a statement required by this subchapter or has willfully filed a false statement, the Legislator is presumed to have a conflict of interest on every question. [PL 2019, c. 534, §5 (AMD).] Within 3 business days of a filing deadline, the commission shall mail a notice to a Legislator or candidate who has failed to file a statement required under this subchapter. If a Legislator or candidate does not file the statement within 15 days of the notice, the commission shall mail a notice of a preliminary penalty of $250 for a Legislator or $100 for a candidate pursuant to paragraph A . The Legislator or candidate may request a waiver of the penalty within 15 days of the penalty notice. If no request is made, the preliminary penalty of $250 for a Legislator or $100 for a candidate is final. If the Legislator or candidate requests a waiver, the commission shall consider the request at its next meeting for a determination of the final penalty, if any. The commission staff shall confirm a final penalty in a written determination to the Legislator or candidate who did not file the statement on time. The commission's determination may be appealed to the Superior Court in accordance with Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 7 and the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 80C. Penalties assessed pursuant to this subsection may be enforced in accordance with Title 21‑A, section 1004‑B .

4. Rules, procedures and forms. The commission may adopt or amend rules to specify the reportable categories or types and the procedures and forms for reporting and to administer this section. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2011, c. 634, §11 (NEW).]

5. Public record. Statements filed under this section are public records. The commission shall provide a means for Legislators to file statements in an electronic format that must immediately place the statements on a publicly accessible website. Legislators shall file statements required by this section using the electronic format prescribed by the commission. If a Legislator can attest to an inability to access or use the electronic filing format, the commission may provide assistance to the Legislator to ensure proper and timely placement of the required statements on the publicly accessible website. [PL 2013, c. 401, §2 (AMD).]
1 M.R.S. § 150-H — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 5 / Section 150-H
1 §150-H. Juneteenth Independence Day (REALLOCATED FROM TITLE 1, SECTION 150-F)
Status: in_force

(REALLOCATED FROM TITLE 1, SECTION 150-F)

The Governor shall annually issue a proclamation designating the 3rd Saturday in June as Juneteenth Independence Day to commemorate the day freedom was proclaimed to all slaves in the South by Union General Gordon Granger in 1865, 2 1/2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. [RR 2011, c. 1, §1 (RAL).]
1 M.R.S. § 1013 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 25 / Section 1013
1 §1013. Authority; procedures
Status: in_force

1. Authority. The commission has authority: A. To issue, on request of any Legislator on an issue involving that Legislator, or on its own motion, written advisory opinions and guidance on problems or questions involving possible violations of legislative ethics; [PL 2007, c. 642, §6 (AMD).] B. To investigate complaints alleging a violation of legislative ethics against any Legislator, to investigate a possible violation of legislative ethics upon the commission's own motion, to hold hearings on an alleged or possible violation if the commission determines it is appropriate and to issue findings of fact together with its opinion; and [PL 2011, c. 471, §1 (AMD).] C. To administer the disclosure of sources of income by Legislators as required by this subchapter. [PL 1975, c. 621, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2011, c. 471, §1 (AMD).]

2. Procedure. The following procedures apply. A. Requests for advisory opinions by members of the Legislature must be filed with the commission in writing and signed by the Legislator requesting the opinion and must contain such supporting data as the commission requires. Commission staff shall inform a Legislator upon that Legislator's request for an advisory opinion that written opinions issued by the commission are public and are submitted to the Clerk of the House and the Secretary of the Senate and entered into the legislative record. When preparing an advisory opinion on its own motion, the commission shall notify the Legislator concerned and allow the Legislator to provide additional information to the commission. In preparing an advisory opinion, either upon request or on its own motion, the commission may make such an investigation as it determines necessary. A copy of the commission's advisory opinion must be sent to the Legislator concerned and to the presiding officer of the legislative body of which the Legislator is a member. [PL 2007, c. 642, §6 (AMD).] B. [PL 2007, c. 642, §6 (RP).] B-1. Any person may file a complaint against a Legislator alleging a violation of legislative ethics only as described in sections 1014 and 1015‑A . The complaint must be filed in writing and signed under oath and must specify the facts of the alleged violation citing the specific provisions of sections 1014 and 1015‑A that are alleged to have been violated, the approximate date of the alleged violation and such other information as the commission requires. A complainant shall agree in writing not to disclose any information about the complaint during the time the commission is determining whether or not to pursue the complaint or during the investigation of a complaint. A complaint that does not meet the criteria of this paragraph is considered incomplete and will not be forwarded to the commission. (1) The Legislator against whom a complaint is filed must immediately be given a copy of the complaint and the name of the complainant. Before deciding whether to conduct an investigation or to hold any hearings, the commission shall afford the Legislator an opportunity to answer the complaint in writing and in person to the commission. The commission staff may gather preliminary factual information that will assist the commission in deciding whether to conduct a full investigation or to hold hearings. (2) The commission shall consider only complaints against Legislators in office at the time of the filing of the complaint and only complaints relating to activity that occurred or was ongoing within 2 years of the complaint. Upon a majority vote of the commission, the commission shall conduct an investigation and hold hearings as it determines necessary. (3) The commission shall issue its findings of fact together with its opinion regarding the alleged violation of legislative ethics to the legislative body of which the Legislator concerned is a member. That legislative body may take whatever action it determines appropriate, in accordance with the Constitution of Maine. (4) If the commission determines that a Legislator has potentially violated professional standards set by a licensing board, its opinion and such other information as may be appropriate must be referred to the licensing board that oversees the Legislator's professional conduct. [PL 2019, c. 534, §2 (AMD).] B-2. If the commission receives information other than through a complaint suggesting that a Legislator may have committed a violation of legislative ethics, the commission may commence an investigation or conduct hearings when there is probable cause to believe that a violation has occurred. The commission may consider only activities by a Legislator in office at the time of the investigation that occurred or were ongoing within 2 years of the investigation. The commission shall provide the Legislator with written notice of the possible violation and an opportunity to be heard in accordance with the requirements of paragraph B‑1 . The commission's consideration of the possible violation is subject to the confidentiality provisions of subsection 3‑A . [PL 2011, c. 471, §3 (NEW).] C. When the conduct of a particular Legislator is under inquiry and a hearing is to be held, the Legislator must be given written notification of the time and place at which the hearing is to be held. Such notification must be given not less than 10 days prior to the date set for the hearing. [PL 2007, c. 642, §6 (AMD).] D. The commission has authority, through its chair or any member designated by the chair, to administer oaths, subpoena witnesses and compel the production of books, records, papers, documents, correspondence and other material and records the commission determines relevant. The State, its agencies and instrumentalities shall furnish to the commission any information, records or documents the commission designates as being necessary for the exercise of its functions and duties. In the case of refusal of any person to obey an order or subpoena of the commission, the Superior Court, upon application of the commission, has jurisdiction and authority to require compliance with the order or subpoena. Any failure of any person to obey an order of the Superior Court may be punished by that court as contempt thereof. [PL 2007, c. 642, §6 (AMD).] E. The commission shall adopt rules consistent with due process for the conduct of investigations and hearings under this subchapter. Rules adopted pursuant to this paragraph are major substantive rules pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . The commission is not bound by the strict rules of evidence, but its findings and opinions must be based upon competent and substantial evidence. [PL 2007, c. 642, §6 (AMD).] E-1. The commission may permit the complainant to make a presentation to the commission as part of its consideration whether to conduct an investigation or public hearing. [PL 2007, c. 642, §6 (NEW).] F. If the commission concludes that it appears that a Legislator has violated a criminal law, a copy of its findings of fact, its opinion and such other information as may be appropriate must be referred to the Attorney General. Any determination by the commission or by a legislative body that a violation of legislative ethics has occurred does not preclude any criminal action relating to the violation that may be brought against the Legislator. [PL 2007, c. 642, §6 (AMD).] G. If the commission determines that a complaint filed under oath is frivolous or was filed in bad faith or if the complainant fails to appear at the hearing without being excused by the commission, the commission may order the complainant to pay to the Legislator against whom the complaint has been filed that Legislator's costs of investigation and defense, including any reasonable attorney's fees. This order is considered a final agency action, and the complainant may appeal the order pursuant to the Maine Administrative Procedure Act. If the commission determines that the complaint was filed in bad faith, the commission shall refer the case to the Attorney General for investigation. Such an order does not preclude any other remedy available to the Legislator against whom the complaint has been filed, including, but not limited to, an action brought in Superior Court against the complainant for damages to the Legislator's reputation. [PL 2007, c. 642, §6 (AMD).] H. The commission shall file with the Clerk of the House and the Secretary of the Senate a copy of written advisory opinions and guidance issued by the commission that were formally requested by a Legislator and that were considered by the commission at a public meeting, with such deletions and changes as the commission considers necessary to protect the identity of the person seeking the opinions or others. The Clerk of the House shall keep a copy of such opinions and guidance in a special binder and shall finally publish them in the Legislative Record. The commission may exempt an opinion or a part of an opinion from release, publication or inspection if it considers such action appropriate for the protection of 3rd parties and makes available to the public an explanatory statement to that effect. [PL 2007, c. 642, §6 (AMD).] I. A copy of the commission's findings of fact and opinions regarding complaints against Legislators must also be filed with the Clerk of the House and the Secretary of the Senate. The Clerk of the House shall keep them in a special binder and shall finally publish them in the Legislative Record. [PL 2007, c. 642, §6 (AMD).] J. [PL 2007, c. 642, §6 (RP).] K. When a Legislator has a question or problem of an emergency nature about a possible violation of legislative ethics or an issue involving that Legislator that arises during the course of legislative action, the Legislator may request an advisory opinion from the presiding officer of the legislative body of which the Legislator is a member. The presiding officer may issue an advisory opinion. An advisory opinion issued by the presiding officer must be in accordance with the principles of this subchapter, be in writing and be reported to the commission. The commission may then issue a further opinion on the matter. The presiding officer may refer such a question or problem directly to the commission, which shall meet as soon as possible to consider the question or problem. [PL 2007, c. 642, §6 (AMD).] L. The commission shall make reasonable efforts to resolve a complaint within 90 days of its filing. [PL 2007, c. 642, §6 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 534, §2 (AMD).]

3. Confidentiality. [PL 2007, c. 642, §6 (RP).]

3-A. Confidentiality of records and proceedings relating to screening complaints alleging a violation of legislative ethics. Notwithstanding chapter 13 , a complaint alleging a violation of legislative ethics is confidential and is not a public record until after the commission has voted pursuant to subsection 2, paragraph B‑1 to pursue the complaint, and a commission proceeding to determine whether to pursue a complaint must be conducted in executive session. If the commission does not vote to pursue the complaint, the complaint and records relating to the investigation of that complaint remain confidential and are not public records unless the Legislator against whom the complaint is made submits a written request that the complaint and all accompanying materials be made public. This subsection does not prohibit a complainant from disclosing information that the complainant provided to the commission as part of the complaint or investigation once the commission has determined not to pursue the complaint or the investigation of a complaint is complete. This subsection does not prevent the commission from including general information about complaints in any report to the Legislature. Any person who knowingly breaches the confidentiality of a complaint investigation commits a Class D crime. This subsection does not prevent commission staff from disclosing information to a person from whom the commission is seeking information or evidence relevant to the complaint that is necessary to investigate the complaint or prevent the complainant or the Legislator against whom the complaint is made from discussing the complaint with an attorney or other person assisting them with the complaint. The commission or commission staff shall inform any person with whom they communicate of the requirement to keep any information regarding the complaint investigation confidential. [PL 2007, c. 642, §6 (NEW).]

4. Confidentiality of records other than complaints. Commission records other than complaints are governed by this subsection. A. Investigative records relating to complaints that the commission has voted to pursue are confidential unless they are provided to commission members or otherwise distributed at a public hearing of the commission. [PL 2007, c. 642, §6 (NEW).] B. Legislators' statements of sources of income are public records. [PL 2007, c. 642, §6 (NEW).] C. Findings of fact and recommendations of the commission on complaints alleging violation of legislative ethics are public records. [PL 2007, c. 642, §6 (NEW).] D. Advisory opinions of the commission and requests for advisory opinions from the commission are public records, except as provided in subsection 2, paragraph H . [PL 2007, c. 642, §6 (NEW).] [PL 2007, c. 642, §6 (NEW).]

5. Prohibited communications. Communications concerning a complaint filed under this section between commission members and a complainant or between commission members and the subject of a complaint are prohibited until after the commission has voted not to pursue a complaint or the commission has taken final action on the complaint. [PL 2007, c. 642, §6 (NEW).]
1 M.R.S. § 521 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 13 / Section 521
1 §521. Executive orders
Status: in_force

1. Available to public. The Governor shall maintain in the Governor's office a file containing a copy of every executive order issued by that Governor or by previous governors that is currently in effect. This file must be open to public inspection at reasonable hours. [PL 2019, c. 475, §4 (AMD).]

2. Dissemination. A copy of every executive order must be filed with the Legislative Council and the Law and Legislative Reference Library, and the executive order must be posted in a conspicuous location on the State's publicly accessible website, within one week after the Governor has issued that order. [PL 2011, c. 380, Pt. III, §1 (AMD).]
1 M.R.S. § 433 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 13 / Section 433
1 §433. Schedule for review of exceptions to public records
Status: in_force

1. Scheduling guidelines. [PL 2005, c. 631, §4 (RP).]

2. Scheduling guidelines. [PL 2015, c. 250, Pt. D, §1 (RP).]

2-A. Scheduling guidelines. The advisory committee shall use the following list as a guideline for scheduling reviews of public records exceptions and reporting its recommendations to the review committee: A. Exceptions enacted after 2004 and before 2013 are scheduled to be reviewed by the review committee no later than 2017; [PL 2015, c. 250, Pt. D, §2 (NEW).] B. Exceptions codified in the following Titles are scheduled to be reviewed by the review committee no later than 2019: (1) Title 1 ; (2) Title 2 ; (3) Title 3 ; (4) Title 4 ; (5) Title 5 ; (6) Title 6 ; (7) Title 7 ; and (8) Title 7‑A ; [PL 2015, c. 250, Pt. D, §2 (NEW).] C. Exceptions codified in the following Titles are scheduled to be reviewed by the review committee no later than 2021: (1) Title 8 ; (2) Title 9‑A ; (3) Title 9‑B ; (4) Title 10 ; (5) Title 11 ; and (6) Title 12 ; [PL 2015, c. 250, Pt. D, §2 (NEW).] D. Exceptions codified in the following Titles are scheduled to be reviewed by the review committee no later than 2023: (1) Title 13 ; (2) Title 13‑B ; (3) Title 13‑C ; (4) Title 14 ; (5) Title 15 ; (6) Title 16 ; (7) Title 17 ; (8) Title 17‑A ; (9) Title 18‑C ; (10) Title 18‑B ; (11) Title 19‑A ; (12) Title 20‑A ; and (13) Title 21‑A ; [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. C, §1 (AMD); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).] E. Exceptions codified in the following Titles are scheduled to be reviewed by the review committee no later than 2025: (1) Title 22 ; (2) Title 22‑A ; (3) Title 23 ; (4) Title 24 ; and (5) Title 24‑A ; [PL 2015, c. 250, Pt. D, §2 (NEW).] F. Exceptions codified in the following Titles are scheduled to be reviewed by the review committee no later than 2027: (1) Title 25 ; (2) Title 26 ; (3) Title 27 ; (4) Title 28‑A ; (5) Title 29‑A ; (6) Title 30 ; (7) Title 30‑A ; (8) Title 31 ; and (9) Title 32 ; and [PL 2015, c. 250, Pt. D, §2 (NEW).] G. Exceptions codified in the following Titles are scheduled to be reviewed by the review committee no later than 2029: (1) Title 33 ; (2) Title 34‑A ; (3) Title 34‑B ; (4) Title 35‑A ; (5) Title 36 ; (6) Title 37‑B ; (7) Title 38 ; and (8) Title 39‑A . [PL 2015, c. 250, Pt. D, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. C, §1 (AMD); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]

3. Scheduling changes. The advisory committee may make adjustments to the scheduling guidelines provided in subsection 2‑A as it determines appropriate and shall notify the review committee of such adjustments. [PL 2015, c. 250, Pt. D, §3 (AMD).]
1 M.R.S. § 150-Q — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 5 / Section 150-Q
1 §150-Q. James Weldon Johnson Day
Status: in_force

The Governor shall annually issue a proclamation designating June 17th of each year as James Weldon Johnson Day in honor of writer and civil rights activist James Weldon Johnson. [PL 2021, c. 287, §1 (NEW).]
1 M.R.S. § 150-R — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 5 / Section 150-R
1 §150-R. Safe Homes Awareness Month
Status: in_force

The month of September of each year is designated as Safe Homes Awareness Month and the Governor shall annually issue a proclamation to raise awareness among the people of the State of the importance of safety in the home and of the existence of and assistance that is available from the Safe Homes Program established in Title 25, section 7001 . [PL 2021, c. 575, §1 (NEW).]
1 M.R.S. § 814 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 21 / Section 814
1 §814. Purchase of real estate
Status: in_force

1. Expansion in the Capitol Area. Whenever the Governor determines that public exigencies require the construction of additional buildings, structures, parking spaces or other facilities for the expansion of State Government in the Capitol Area, the Governor may purchase or take by eminent domain real estate in Augusta. [PL 1991, c. 824, Pt. A, §1 (NEW).]

2. Capitol Area defined. The Capitol Area is defined as the following described premises: A. The west side of the Kennebec River as follows: Beginning at the intersection of the westerly line of Sewall Street with the northerly line of Capitol Street; thence westerly along said northerly line of Capitol Street to a point opposite the intersection of the westerly line of Federal Street and the southerly line of Capitol Street; thence continuing westerly along the northerly line of said Capitol Street 150 feet to a point; thence southerly across Capitol Street and continuing southerly parallel to said westerly line of Federal Street about 800 feet to Kennedy Brook; thence following the thread of the stream generally easterly to its intersection with the northerly property line of the land of the State of Maine, being part of the Motor Vehicles premises; thence westerly about 60 feet along said property line; thence southerly along said property line about 155 feet; thence easterly along said property line about 140 feet; thence southerly along said property line about 120 feet to the northerly line of Manley Street; thence diagonally and southwesterly across Manley Street to its intersection with the northwesterly corner of other land of the State of Maine; thence southerly along said property line extended to the northerly line of Glenwood Street; thence along said Glenwood Street easterly to the westerly line of State Street; thence northerly along said State Street about 150 feet to a point opposite the northerly line of Britt Street; thence across State Street and along the northerly line of said Britt Street easterly to its intersection with property of Augusta Sanitary District; thence northerly and easterly as said property line may run to its intersection with the Kennebec River; thence along said river northerly as the same may run to its intersection with the southerly line of Highway Route 201; thence southwesterly along said highway line, as the same may run, to the easterly line of State Street at its intersection with Memorial Traffic Circle; thence across State Street in a northwesterly direction to the southeasterly line of Grove Street at its intersection with Memorial Traffic Circle; thence southwesterly along said Grove Street to the northerly line of Higgins Street; thence across Grove Street; thence southerly along Grove Street to its intersection with the northerly line of Wade Street; thence westerly about 400 feet in a straight line along Wade Street and its northerly line extended to the westerly line of Sewall Street; thence southerly along Sewall Street to the point of beginning; and [PL 2015, c. 168, §1 (AMD).] B. The east side of the Kennebec River as follows: Beginning at a point at the intersection of the northerly line of the Old Arsenal Grounds with the westerly line of Hospital Street; thence westerly along said northerly line of the Old Arsenal Grounds 1,680 feet to a point at the Kennebec River; thence following the river generally southwesterly to a point where a projected northeasterly line of Kelton Road would meet the river, being a point 2,185 feet, more or less, from the intersection of said road and the northwesterly line of Hospital Street; thence southeasterly to and along the projected northwesterly line of Kelton Road from the river to a point on the southwest corner of the lands of the Augusta Sanitary District 564.19 feet, more or less, from the intersection of Kelton Road and Hospital Street; thence northeasterly at an interior angle of 89` 20' a distance of 84.88 feet to a point; thence southeasterly at an interior angle of 90` a distance of 76.09 feet to a point; thence northeasterly at an interior angle of 270` a distance of 98.74 feet to a point; thence at an interior angle of 90` 20' a distance of 212.8 feet, more or less, on a line bearing S 61` 20' E to a point; thence southwesterly at an interior angle of 90` a distance of 36.06 feet, more or less, to a point on the northerly line of the Augusta Sanitary District property; thence in an easterly direction at an angle 90` and a distance of 128.42 feet, more or less, to a point; thence in a northerly direction at an angle of 90` a distance of 73 feet to a point; thence in an easterly direction at an angle of 90` and a distance of 143 feet, more or less, to a point on the westerly line of Hospital Street; thence northeasterly along the westerly line of Hospital Street 3,125 feet to a point on the southeast corner of the lands of the City of Augusta; thence westerly at right angle 185 feet to a point; thence southerly at right angle 25 feet to a point; thence westerly at right angle 115 feet to a point; thence northerly at right angle 140 feet to a point; thence easterly at right angle 115 feet to a point; thence northerly at right angle 20 feet to a stone bound; thence easterly at right angle 185 feet to the westerly line of Hospital Street; thence northerly along the westerly line of Hospital Street 380 feet, more or less, to the point of beginning. [PL 1991, c. 824, Pt. A, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2015, c. 168, §1 (AMD).]

3. Procedure. All proceedings under this section must be in accordance with Title 35‑A, chapter 65 . [PL 1991, c. 824, Pt. A, §1 (NEW).]
1 M.R.S. § 501 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 13 / Section 501
1 §501. State agency defined
Status: in_force

As used in this subchapter, the word "agency" shall mean a state department, agency, office, board, commission; or quasi-independent agency, board, commission, authority or institution. [PL 1975, c. 436, §1 (RPR).]
1 M.R.S. § 233 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 9 / Section 233
1 §233. State reptile (REALLOCATED FROM TITLE 1, SECTION 232)
Status: in_force

(REALLOCATED FROM TITLE 1, SECTION 232)

The wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) is the official state reptile. [PL 2025, c. 32, §1 (NEW); RR 2025, c. 1, Pt. A, §3 (RAL).]
1 M.R.S. § 414 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 13 / Section 414
1 §414. Public records; information technology
Status: in_force

An agency shall consider, in the purchase of and contracting for computer software and other information technology resources, the extent to which the software or technology will: [PL 2011, c. 662, §8 (NEW).]

1. Maximize public access. Maximize public access to public records; and [PL 2011, c. 662, §8 (NEW).]

2. Maximize exportability; protect confidential information. Maximize the exportability of public records while protecting confidential information that may be part of public records. [PL 2011, c. 662, §8 (NEW).]
1 M.R.S. § 11 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 1 / Section 11
1 §11. State processes executed in places ceded
Status: reserved

Civil, criminal, juvenile and military processes, lawfully issued by an officer of the State, may be executed in places ceded to the United States, over which a concurrent jurisdiction has been reserved for such purpose. [PL 2023, c. 605, §1 (AMD).]
1 M.R.S. § 218 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 9 / Section 218
1 §218. State vessel
Status: in_force

The schooner "Bowdoin" shall be the official state vessel. [PL 1987, c. 703, §1 (NEW).]
1 M.R.S. § 1021 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 25 / Section 1021
1 §1021. Membership on boards, authorities or commissions
Status: in_force

It is not a conflict of interest for a Legislator to serve on a public board, authority or commission created by the Legislature so long as a consideration is not paid to the Legislator other than the Legislator's actual expenses. [RR 2023, c. 1, Pt. C, §24 (COR).]
1 M.R.S. § 25 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 1 / Section 25
1 §25. Topographic mapping
Status: in_force

The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, Division of Geology, Natural Areas and Coastal Resources has charge of topographic mapping on behalf of the State. The Division of Geology, Natural Areas and Coastal Resources is authorized and directed to enter into such agreements with the Director of the United States Geological Survey as will ensure the progress of the work in an efficient and economical manner. [PL 2013, c. 405, Pt. C, §1 (AMD).]
1 M.R.S. § 136 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 5 / Section 136
1 §136. Prisoner of War - Missing in Action Recognition Day
Status: in_force

The Governor annually shall issue a proclamation designating the 3rd Friday in September as Prisoner of War - Missing in Action Recognition Day in remembrance of the courage and plight of American prisoners of war and those missing in action. The proclamation must recommend that the day be observed in an appropriate manner. The State of Maine flag must be flown at half staff when the Governor considers it appropriate. The Governor may issue the proclamation through a media outlet as defined in Title 3, section 312‑A, subsection 10‑B . The Department of Education and the Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management, Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services shall make appropriate information available to citizens, schools, organizations and groups within the limits of their budgets. [PL 2011, c. 490, §1 (AMD); PL 2019, c. 377, §6 (REV).]
1 M.R.S. § 410 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 13 / Section 410
1 §410. Violations
Status: in_force

1. Civil violation. An officer or employee of a state government agency or local government entity who willfully violates this subchapter commits a civil violation. [PL 2019, c. 247, §1 (NEW).]

2. Penalties. A state government agency or local government entity whose officer or employee commits a civil violation described in subsection 1 is subject to: A. A fine of not more than $500 for a civil violation described in subsection 1 ; [PL 2019, c. 247, §1 (NEW).] B. A fine of not more than $1,000 for a civil violation described in subsection 1 that was committed not more than 4 years after a previous adjudication of a civil violation described in subsection 1 by an officer or employee of the same state government agency or local government entity; or [PL 2019, c. 247, §1 (NEW).] C. A fine of not more than $2,000 for a civil violation described in subsection 1 that was committed not more than 4 years after 2 or more previous adjudications of a civil violation described in subsection 1 by an officer or employee of the same state government agency or local government entity. [PL 2019, c. 247, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2019, c. 247, §1 (NEW).]
1 M.R.S. § 901 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 23 / Section 901
1 §901. Purpose
Status: in_force

The purpose of this chapter is to establish a uniform policy for the treatment of persons displaced as a result of federally assisted state programs in order that such persons shall not suffer as a result of programs designed for the benefit of the public as a whole, and to enable the State to comply with certain laws enacted by the Congress of the United States. [PL 1971, c. 597 (NEW).]
1 M.R.S. § 1005 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 25 / Section 1005
1 §1005. Open meetings
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding chapter 13 and except as provided in section 1013, subsection 3‑A , all meetings, hearings or sessions of the commission are open to the general public unless, by an affirmative vote of at least 3 members, the commission requires the exclusion of the public. [PL 2007, c. 642, §2 (AMD).]
1 M.R.S. § 761 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 19 / Section 761
1 §761. Action by governing body
Status: in_force

Whenever, due to an emergency resulting from the effects of enemy attack, or the anticipated effects of a threatened enemy attack, it becomes imprudent, inexpedient or impossible to conduct the affairs of local government at the regular or usual place or places thereof, the governing body of each political subdivision of this State may meet at any place within or without the territorial limits of such political subdivision on the call of the presiding officer or any 2 members of such governing body, and shall proceed to establish and designate by ordinance, resolution or other manner, alternate or substitute sites or places as the emergency temporary location, or locations, of government where all, or any part, of the public business may be transacted and conducted during the emergency situation. Such sites or places may be within or without the territorial limits of such political subdivision and may be within or without this State.
1 M.R.S. § 4 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 1 / Section 4
1 §4. Certain jurisdiction and ownership unimpaired
Status: in_force

Nothing contained in sections 2 to 5 shall be construed to limit or restrict in any way:

1. Jurisdiction because of citizenship; residence. The jurisdiction of this State over any person or with respect to any subject within or without the State which jurisdiction is exercisable by reason of citizenship, residence or for any other reason recognized by law;

2. Jurisdiction over certain waters and land; ceded to and owned by United States. Jurisdiction or ownership of or over any other waters or lands thereunder, within or forming part of the boundaries of this State. Nor shall anything in sections 2 to 5 be construed to impair the exercise of legislative jurisdiction by the United States of America over any area to which such jurisdiction has been validly ceded by this State and which remains in the ownership of the United States of America.
1 M.R.S. § 73 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 3 / Section 73
1 §73. Majority
Status: in_force

The common law rule that a person is a minor to the age of 20 is abrogated and persons 18 years of age or over are declared to be of majority for all purposes. [PL 1971, c. 598, §8 (AMD).]
1 M.R.S. § 9 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 1 / Section 9
1 §9. Compliance with certain conditions necessary for valid transfer
Status: in_force

In no event shall any transfer of legislative jurisdiction between the United States and this State take effect nor shall the Governor transmit any notice proposing such a transfer pursuant to section 8, subsection 2 , unless in addition to the other requirements of law: [PL 1985, c. 802, §2 (AMD).]

1. Title acquired by United States. The United States of America has acquired title to such land. [PL 1985, c. 802, §3 (AMD).]

2. Jurisdiction of State to tax. This State shall have jurisdiction to tax private persons, private transactions and private property, real and personal, resident, occurring or situated within such land or other area to the same extent that this State has jurisdiction to tax such persons, transactions and property resident, occurring or situated generally within this State.

3. Service and execution of process. Any civil or criminal process, lawfully issued by competent authority of this State or any of its subdivisions, may be served and executed within such land or other area to the same extent and with the same effect as such process may be served and executed generally within this State; provided only that the service and execution of such process within land or other areas over which the Federal Government exercises jurisdiction shall be subject to such rules and regulations issued by authorized officers of the Federal Government, or of any department, independent establishment or agency thereof, as may be reasonably necessary to prevent interference with the carrying out of federal functions.

4. Jurisdiction of State and United States. This State shall exercise over such land or other area the same legislative jurisdiction which it exercises over land or other areas generally within this State, except that the United States shall not be required to forego such measure of exclusive legislative jurisdiction as may be vested in or retained by it over such land or other area pursuant to sections 8 to 10 , and without prejudice to the right of the United States to assert and exercise such concurrent legislative jurisdiction as may be vested in or retained by it over such land or other area.In no event shall any transfer of legislative jurisdiction between the United States and this State take effect nor shall the Governor transmit any notice proposing such a transfer pursuant to section 8, subsection 2 , unless in addition to the other requirements of law: [PL 1985, c. 802, §2 (AMD).]

1. Title acquired by United States. The United States of America has acquired title to such land. [PL 1985, c. 802, §3 (AMD).]

2. Jurisdiction of State to tax. This State shall have jurisdiction to tax private persons, private transactions and private property, real and personal, resident, occurring or situated within such land or other area to the same extent that this State has jurisdiction to tax such persons, transactions and property resident, occurring or situated generally within this State.

3. Service and execution of process. Any civil or criminal process, lawfully issued by competent authority of this State or any of its subdivisions, may be served and executed within such land or other area to the same extent and with the same effect as such process may be served and executed generally within this State; provided only that the service and execution of such process within land or other areas over which the Federal Government exercises jurisdiction shall be subject to such rules and regulations issued by authorized officers of the Federal Government, or of any department, independent establishment or agency thereof, as may be reasonably necessary to prevent interference with the carrying out of federal functions.

4. Jurisdiction of State and United States. This State shall exercise over such land or other area the same legislative jurisdiction which it exercises over land or other areas generally within this State, except that the United States shall not be required to forego such measure of exclusive legislative jurisdiction as may be vested in or retained by it over such land or other area pursuant to sections 8 to 10 , and without prejudice to the right of the United States to assert and exercise such concurrent legislative jurisdiction as may be vested in or retained by it over such land or other area.
1 M.R.S. § 203 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 9 / Section 203
1 §203. Use of state seal in any place but office of Secretary of State
Status: in_force

Whoever intentionally uses the seal of the State of Maine, or takes any impression therefrom, for any purpose, in any other place than the office of the Secretary of State at Augusta, or intentionally issues, or receives and acts under any commission, record, document, parchment, instrument or paper bearing the impression of the seal, knowing the same has not been sealed in the office of the Secretary of State at Augusta, shall be guilty of a Class D crime. [PL 1977, c. 696, §4 (RPR).]
1 M.R.S. § 150-J — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 5 / Section 150-J
1 §150-J. Invite Your Maine Legislator to School Month
Status: in_force

January is designated Invite Your Maine Legislator to School Month, and the Governor shall annually issue a proclamation inviting and urging teachers, school administrators and Legislators to observe this month through appropriate activities, including inviting Legislators to visit school classrooms to meet with teachers, school administrators and students in order to promote increased knowledge among Legislators of the prekindergarten to grade 12 public education programs provided to students in their legislative districts. [PL 2013, c. 103, §1 (NEW).]

Within available resources, the Department of Education shall make appropriate information available to teachers, school administrators and students through the department's publicly accessible website. [PL 2013, c. 103, §1 (NEW).]

Revisor's Note: §150-J. Maine Seniors Day (As enacted by PL 2013, c. 143, §1 is REALLOCATED TO TITLE 1, SECTION 150-K)
1 M.R.S. § 135 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 5 / Section 135
1 §135. Firefighter's Recognition Day
Status: in_force

In recognition of the value and importance of firefighters, the State designates the first Saturday in October as Firefighter's Recognition Day. The Governor shall annually issue a proclamation urging the people of the State to observe the day with appropriate celebration and activity. [PL 1999, c. 19, §1 (NEW).]
1 M.R.S. § 504 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 13 / Section 504
1 §504. Source of authority to be shown
Status: in_force

All publications printed or published by the State as a requirement of law shall set forth the authority for the same at an appropriate place on each copy printed or published. Publications printed or published by the State which are not required by law shall set forth the source of funds by which the publication is printed or published at an appropriate place on each copy. This section shall not apply to publications paid for out of the legislative appropriation.
1 M.R.S. § 711 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 19 / Section 711
1 §711. Proclamation of Governor
Status: in_force

Whenever, due to an emergency resulting from the effects of enemy attack, or the anticipated effects of a threatened enemy attack, it becomes imprudent, inexpedient or impossible to conduct the affairs of State Government at the normal location of the seat thereof in Augusta, the Governor shall, as often as the exigencies of the situation require, by proclamation, declare an emergency temporary location, or locations, for the seat of government at such place, or places, within or without this State as the Governor considers advisable under the circumstances, and shall take such action and issue such orders as may be necessary for an orderly transition of the affairs of State Government to that emergency temporary location, or locations. The emergency temporary location, or locations, remains as the seat of government until the Legislature by law establishes a new location, or locations, or until the emergency is declared to be ended by the Governor and the seat of government is returned to its normal location. [PL 2019, c. 475, §5 (AMD).]
1 M.R.S. § 210-B — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 9 / Section 210-B
1 §210-B. State ballad
Status: in_force

The official ballad of the State is the ballad entitled "Ballad of the 20th Maine," as recorded and performed by the band The Ghost of Paul Revere and written by Griffin Sherry. [PL 2019, c. 250, §1 (NEW).]
1 M.R.S. § 431 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 13 / Section 431
1 §431. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this subchapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 2003, c. 709, §3 (NEW).]

1. Public records exception. "Public records exception" or "exception" means a provision in a statute or a proposed statute that declares a record or a category of records to be confidential or otherwise not a public record for purposes of subchapter 1 . [PL 2003, c. 709, §3 (NEW).]

2. Review committee. "Review committee" means the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over judiciary matters. [PL 2003, c. 709, §3 (NEW).]

3. Advisory committee. "Advisory committee" means the Right To Know Advisory Committee established in Title 5, section 12004‑J, subsection 14 and described in section 411 . [PL 2005, c. 631, §2 (NEW).]
1 M.R.S. § 225 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 9 / Section 225
1 §225. State treat
Status: in_force

The whoopie pie, a baked good made of 2 cakes with a creamy frosting between them, is the official state treat. [PL 2011, c. 29, §1 (NEW).]
1 M.R.S. § 18 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 1 / Section 18
1 §18. Treasurer receiving money to give bond
Status: in_force

The court directing the money to be paid to a county treasurer, in accordance with sections 15 to 17, shall require of that treasurer a bond in double the amount ordered to be paid to that treasurer, with 2 or more sufficient sureties, or with a surety company, as surety, to be approved by that court. Such bonds must be payable to the people of the State, for the use of those persons, severally, as are entitled to that money, and must be approved and filed with the clerk of that court before payment of the money to that treasurer. [RR 2023, c. 1, Pt. C, §1 (COR).]
1 M.R.S. § 7 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 1 / Section 7
1 §7. Division of State
Status: in_force

The State is divided into counties, districts, towns, plantations and unorganized territory.
1 M.R.S. § 434 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 13 / Section 434
1 §434. Review of proposed exceptions to public records; accessibility of public records
Status: in_force

1. Procedures before legislative committees. Whenever a legislative measure containing a new public records exception is proposed or a change that affects the accessibility of a public record is proposed, the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over the proposal shall hold a public hearing and determine the level of support for the proposal among the members of the committee. If there is support for the proposal among a majority of the members of the committee, the committee shall request the review committee to review and evaluate the proposal pursuant to subsection 2 and to report back to the committee of jurisdiction. A proposed exception or proposed change that affects the accessibility of a public record may not be enacted into law unless review and evaluation pursuant to subsections 2 and 2‑B have been completed. [PL 2011, c. 320, Pt. D, §3 (AMD).]

2. Review and evaluation. Upon referral of a proposed public records exception from the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over the proposal, the review committee shall conduct a review and evaluation of the proposal and shall report in a timely manner to the committee to which the proposal was referred. The review committee shall use the following criteria to determine whether the proposed exception should be enacted: A. Whether a record protected by the proposed exception needs to be collected and maintained; [PL 2003, c. 709, §3 (NEW).] B. The value to the agency or official or to the public in maintaining a record protected by the proposed exception; [PL 2003, c. 709, §3 (NEW).] C. Whether federal law requires a record covered by the proposed exception to be confidential; [PL 2003, c. 709, §3 (NEW).] D. Whether the proposed exception protects an individual's privacy interest and, if so, whether that interest substantially outweighs the public interest in the disclosure of records; [PL 2003, c. 709, §3 (NEW).] E. Whether public disclosure puts a business at a competitive disadvantage and, if so, whether that business's interest substantially outweighs the public interest in the disclosure of records; [PL 2003, c. 709, §3 (NEW).] F. Whether public disclosure compromises the position of a public body in negotiations and, if so, whether that public body's interest substantially outweighs the public interest in the disclosure of records; [PL 2003, c. 709, §3 (NEW).] G. Whether public disclosure jeopardizes the safety of a member of the public or the public in general and, if so, whether that safety interest substantially outweighs the public interest in the disclosure of records; [PL 2003, c. 709, §3 (NEW).] G-1. Whether public access to the record ensures or would ensure that members of the public are able to make informed health and safety decisions; [PL 2021, c. 313, §9 (NEW).] H. Whether the proposed exception is as narrowly tailored as possible; and [PL 2003, c. 709, §3 (NEW).] I. Any other criteria that assist the review committee in determining the value of the proposed exception as compared to the public's interest in the record protected by the proposed exception. [PL 2003, c. 709, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 313, §9 (AMD).]

2-A. Accountability review of agency or official. In evaluating each proposed public records exception, the review committee shall, in addition to applying the criteria of subsection 2 , determine whether there is a publicly accountable entity that has authority to review the agency or official that collects, maintains or uses the record subject to the exception in order to ensure that information collection, maintenance and use are consistent with the purpose of the exception and that public access to public records is not hindered. [PL 2005, c. 631, §6 (NEW).]

2-B. Accessibility of public records. In reviewing and evaluating whether a proposal may affect the accessibility of a public record, the review committee may consider any factors that affect the accessibility of public records, including but not limited to fees, request procedures and timeliness of responses. [PL 2011, c. 320, Pt. D, §3 (NEW).]

3. Report. The review committee shall report its findings and recommendations on whether the proposed exception or proposed limitation on accessibility should be enacted to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over the proposal. [PL 2011, c. 320, Pt. D, §3 (AMD).]
1 M.R.S. § 541 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 14-A / Section 541
1 §541. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 2001, c. 321, Pt. B, §1 (NEW).]

1. Personal information. "Personal information" means information about a natural person that readily identifies that specific person. [PL 2001, c. 321, Pt. B, §1 (NEW).]

2. Public entity. "Public entity" means: A. The Legislature; [PL 2001, c. 321, Pt. B, §1 (NEW).] B. The Judicial Department; [PL 2001, c. 321, Pt. B, §1 (NEW).] C. A state agency or authority; [PL 2001, c. 321, Pt. B, §1 (NEW).] D. The University of Maine System, the Maine Maritime Academy and the Maine Community College System; [PL 2001, c. 321, Pt. B, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §4 (AFF).] E. A county, municipality, school district or any regional or other political or administrative subdivision; and [PL 2001, c. 321, Pt. B, §1 (NEW).] F. An advisory organization established, authorized or organized by law or resolve or by executive order issued by the Governor. [PL 2001, c. 321, Pt. B, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2001, c. 321, Pt. B, §1 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §2 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 20, Pt. OO, §4 (AFF).]
1 M.R.S. § 150-F — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 5 / Section 150-F
1 §150-F. Governor William King Day
Status: in_force

The Governor shall annually issue a proclamation indicating March 16th of each year as Governor William King Day in honor of the first Governor of Maine, a proponent of statehood for Maine. [PL 2011, c. 17, §1 (NEW).] Revisor's Note: §150-F. Juneteenth Independence Day (As enacted by PL 2011, c. 53, §1 is REALLOCATED TO TITLE 1, SECTION 150-H)
1 M.R.S. § 902 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 23 / Section 902
1 §902. State acceptance of federal funds; compliance with federal laws
Status: in_force

Whenever the acquisition of real property for a program undertaken by the State or any other public or private entity subject to the Federal Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970, PL 91-646 and 100-17, Title IV, as amended, referred to in this chapter as the "Federal Uniform Relocation Act," will result in the displacement of any person on or after April 2, 1989, and the program is eligible for federal financial assistance, the State and any other public or private entity subject to the Federal Uniform Relocation Act may receive the federal financial assistance and upon or in anticipation of receipt thereof, may comply with all of the provisions of, be guided to the greatest extent practicable by the land acquisition policies set forth in and do all things necessary or proper to provide the services, payments and benefits provided in the Federal Uniform Relocation Act. [PL 1989, c. 40, §§1, 5 (AMD).]
1 M.R.S. § 361 — ME Code / Title 1 / Chapter 11 / Section 361
1 §361. Positive law
Status: in_force

The Legislature declares that the Maine Revised Statutes and the Maine Revised Statutes Annotated are identical as to the text of the law. Since the text of the revision has been enacted by the Legislature, it is positive law. [PL 1965, c. 425, §1 (NEW).]