An Act to Provide Funding to Rebuild Infrastructure Affected by Extreme Inland and Coastal Weather Events
Maine Legislature, Session 131, LD 2225
Committee Amendment CA_A_SA_A_S701 (Senate)
Amends: 22 MRSA §3174, 34-B MRSA §1228, 22 MRSA §3174-L, 22 MRSA §1708-A, 34-B MRSA §3613, 25 MRSA §2015, 22 MRSA §1714-F, 20-A MRSA §4016, 20-A MRSA §15677, 20-A MRSA §6672, 5 MRSA §7065

SENATE AMENDMENT " -4 " to COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" to H.P. 1426,
L.D. 2225, "An Act to Provide Funding to Rebuild Infrastructure Affected by Extreme
Inland and Coastal Weather Events"
Amend the amendment by inserting after the title the following:
'Amend the bill by striking out the title and substiftrting the following:
'An Act to Support the People of Maine Through Improvements to JVIentaI and
Behavioral Health and Social Safety Net Programs and by Rebuilding Infrastructure
Affected by Extreme Weather Events' '
Amend the amendment by inserting after the title the following:
'Amend the bill by striking out the emergency preamble and substituting the following:
'Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not
become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas, the safety, health and mental well-being of the residents of this State are of
paramount importance; and
Whereas, the purpose of this legislation is to improve the physical and mental health
of the State's residents by providing much-needed support for children and adults in the
welfare system, adults with substance use disorder and children and adults with severe
behavioral health diagnosis; and
Whereas, this legislation provides support to the State's oldest and most vulnerable
adults by preventing closures of nursing facilities and preserving access to long-term care;
and
Whereas, this legislation strengthens public safety, health and well-being by
expanding services and coordinating violence prevention resources; and
Whereas, this legislation provides funding for infrastructure adaptation, repair and
improvements that support public safety, protection of essential community assets, regional
economic needs and long-term infrastructure resiliency to ameliorate some of the damage
caused by recent storms; and
SENATE AMENDMENT
SENATE AMENDMENT "/\ " to COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" to H.P. 1426, L.D. 2225 (Sr 70 I
Whereas, this legislation addresses educational needs for students by providing
much-needed financial support for educational technicians and other school support staff;
and
Whereas, the funding provided and the programs established in this legislation are
needed as soon as possible; and
Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within
the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as
immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now,
therefore;'
Amend the amendment in Part A by striking out all of section 2 and inserting the
following:
'See. A-2. Administration of Infrastructure Adaptation Fund program.
Funds appropriated under section 4 must be administered by the Department of
Transportation and must be awarded by interagency boards using competitive processes.
The interagency boards shall allocate up to $30,000,000 of the funds provided to
infrastructure projects related to wharves and piers that support commercial fisheries and
aquacultire businesses in this State and the remainder to projects related to noncoastal
municipal, state or regionally significant infrastructure adaptation, repair and improvement
projects that support public safety, protection of essential community assets, regional
economic needs and long-term infrastructure resiliency. Project rating criteria may include
the potential extent of public safety; emergency management and infrastructure resiliency
benefits; future climate conditions; ability to leverage federal and other funding; and
community, economic and environmental benefits. All projects must demonstrate increased
resilience to future storm and flooding impacts. The award criteria must prioritize proposals
that demonstrate a significant and compelling community benefit; recipients that are not
covered by Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster funds; and recipients that
demonstrate that the damage is not covered by insurance and that all emergency relief
currently available has been exhausted. The administration of the funds must include
sufficient documentation and record-keeping requirements to provide assurance that funds
have been awarded consistent with the program guidelines and used for the intended
purpose.'
Amend the amendment by inserting after Part B the following:
'PART C
Sec. C-l. Department of Health and Human Services to amend rules for
targeted case management services. The Department of Health and Human Services
shall amend its rule Chapter 101: MaineCare Benefits Manual, Chapter II, Section 13.03-4
to remove from the eligibility requirements for targeted case management services for
adults with substance use disorder the provision regarding pregnancy, living with minor
children and intravenous drug use. Rules adopted pursuant to this section are routine
technical rules pursuant to the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter
2-A.
Sec. C-2. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and
allocations are made.
SENATE AMENDMENT
SENATE AMENDMENT " f\" to COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" to H.P. 1426, L.D. 2225 (^y~{^\
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF
IVIedical Care - Payments to Providers 0147
Initiative: Provides funding for an increase in case management services due to eligibility
requirement changes.
GENERAL FUND 2023-24 2024-25
AllOther $0 $909,940
GENERAL FUND TOTAL $0 $909,940
FEDERAL EXPENDITURES FUND 2023-24 2024-25
AllOther $0 $5,869,233
FEDERAL EXPENDITURES FUND TOTAL $0 $5,869,233
Office of Substance Abuse & Mental Health Srv-Medicaid Seed Z202
Initiative: Provides funding for an increase in case management services due to eligibility
requirement changes.
GENERAL FUND 2023-24 2024-25
AllOther $0 $920,925
GENERAL FUND TOTAL $0 $920,925
HEALTH AND BPUMAN SERVICES,
DEPARTMENT OF
DEPARTMENT TOTALS 2023-24 2024-25
2526 GENERAL FUND $0 $1,830,865
FEDERAL EXPENDITURES FUND $0 $5,869,233
DEPARTMENT TOTAL - ALL FUNDS $0 $7,700,098
See. C-3. Effective date. This Part takes effect July 1,2024.
PART D
Sec. D-l. Department of Health and Human Services to increase
availability of behavioral health services in rural areas. The Department of Health
and Human Services, referred to in this section as "the department," shall increase the
availability of behavioral health services to children and adults for families involved in the
child welfare system. The department shall:
1. Offer grants or other incentives to behavioral health providers to expand programs
into rural areas and serve children and adults in families involved in the child welfare
system; and
2. Establish a method of reimbursing providers of services to families involved in the
child welfare system to meet together and coordinate services for each family.
SENATE AMENDMENT
SENATE AMENDMENT " f\" to COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" to H.P. 1426, L.D. 2225 fc,^
Sec. D-2. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and
allocations are made.
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF
Office of Child and Family Services - District 0452
Initiative: To provide one-time funding for grants and incentives to behavioral health
providers to increase availability of services in rural areas to children and adults for families
involved in the child welfare system.
GENERAL FUND 2023-24 2024-25
AllOther $0 $500,000
GENERAL FUND TOTAL $0 $500,000
See. D-3. Effective date. This Part takes effect July 1,2024.
PARTE
Sec. E-l. 22 MRSA §3174-000 is enacted to read:
§3174-000. Reimbursement fortreatment of personality disorder and emotional
dysresulation
Beginning January 1, 2025, the department shall reimburse under the MaineCare
program for the treatment of personality disorder and other disorders associated with
Di-imarv emotional dvsreeulation. In accordance with principles and processes articulated
in section 3173-J, subsection 2. the department shall establish a bundled reimbursement
rate for the evidence-based treatment ofMaineCare members diagnosed with personality
disorder or other disorders associated with primary emotional dysregulation,_In
establishing the bundled reimbursement rate, the department shall consider various bundled
reimbursement rate structures, including a daily rate and a monthly rate. The bundled
reimbursement rate must include participation in a dialectical behavior therapy intensive
outpatient program, psychiatry services, nursing services, case manaeement, residential
services, after-hours skills coaching and supported employment services.
Sec. E-2. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and
allocations are made.
0 HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF
Mfedical Care - Payments to Providers 0147
Initiative: Provides funding for reimbursement for treatment of personality disorder and
emotional dysregulation in MaineCare.
FEDERAL EXPENDITURES FUND 2023-24 2024-25
AllOther $0 $4,030,689
7 FEDERAL EXPENDITURES FUND TOTAL
9 OTHER SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS
All Other
$0
2023-24
$0
$4,030,689
2024-25
$376,647
Page4-131LR3090(08)
SENATE AMENDMENT
SENATE AMENDMENT " /\ "to COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" to H.P. 1426, L.D. 2225 ( S"7°l
OTHER SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS TOTAL $0 $376,647
Mental Health Services - Community Medicaid Z201
Initiative: Provides funding for reimbursement for treatment of personality disorder and
emotional dysregulation in MaineCare.
GENERAL FUND 2023-24 2024-25
AllOther $0 $1,870,120
GENERAL FUND TOTAL $0 $1,870,120
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES,
DEPARTMENT OF
DEPARTMENT TOTALS 2023-24 2024-25
1314 GENERAL FUND $0 $1,870,120
FEDERAL EXPENDITURES FUND $0 $4,030,689
OTHER SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS $0 $376,647
DEPARTMENT TOTAL - ALL FUNDS $0 $6,277,456
Sec. E-3. Effective date. This Part takes effect January 1,2025.
PART F
Sec.F-1. 34-B MRSA §1228 is enacted to read:
§1228. Contineency fund
The department shall establish and maintain a contingency fund, referred to in this
section as "the fund," to provide suDplenientaLassist^^
behavioral health diagnoses when those needs are not met by other state or federal
programs. The fund is nonlapsing and must be used to supplement, not supplant, other
expenditures by the department to assist children and adults with sey^^^^^^
diagnoses.
1. Funds. Money in the fund may be used by tlw departnientjoa^^
0 with a severe behavioral health diagnosis in the followine ways:
A. To support enhanced reimbursement rates or additional staffing needs in the child's
or adult's home or community;
B. To fund physical accommodations that ensure the child's or adult's home is safe; or
C. To address other needs identified by the child's or adult's family or providers of
services that are necessary to support the child's or adults need,
2. Sources of fund; maximum expenditures. All money appropriated by the State
for the purposes of the fund must be denosjted mto_the fund. Expenditures from the fund
may not exceed $100,000 in any fiscal year.
3. Rulemakine. The department may adopt rules to implement this section. Rules
adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter
375, subchapter 2-A,
Page5-131LR3090(08)
SENATE AMENDMENT
SENATE AMENDMENT " j\ " to COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" to H.P.1426, L.D.2225 ( C--7 01
Sec. F-2. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and
allocations are made.
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF
Office of Substance Abuse and MEental Health Services Z199
Initiative: Provides ongoing appropriations for a contingency fund to provide supplemental
assistance for children and adults with severe behavioral health diagnoses when those needs
are not met by other state or federal programs.
GENERAL FUND 2023-24 2024-25
AllOther $0 $100,000
GENERAL FUND TOTAL $0 $100,000
Sec. F-3. Effective date. This Part takes effect July 1,2024.
PART G
Sec. G-l. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and
allocations are made.
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF
Mental Health Services - Community Z198
Initiative: Provides funding to bridge the gap for mental health organizations participating
in certified community behavioral health clinic projects that have been funded by federal
grants from the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse
and Mental Health Services Administration for the past 2 years.
GENERAL FUND 2023-24 2024-25
AllOther $0 $2,000,000
GENERAL FUND TOTAL $0 $2,000,000
Sec. G-2. Effective date. This Part takes effect July 1,2024.
PART H
Sec. H-l. Department of Health and Human Services to design and
implement a community-based model of care for adolescent mental health. The
0 Department of Health and Human Services shall design and implement a community-based
model of care that addresses the acute mental health needs of adolescents with co-occurring
disorders. The model of care must support adolescents following discharge from
residential care for substance use disorder treatment or address urgent treatment needs
during times when residential care for substance use disorder treatment is not available or
desired by the adolescents, the adolescent's family or the adolescent's treatment team. The
model of care must include the use of the so-called assertive continuing care protocol. No
later than December 3, 2026, the Department of Health and Human Services shall submit
to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over health and
human services matters a report demonstrating the efficacy of the model of care and
sufficient data to aid in the development of a future MaineCare reimbursement rate.
Page6-131LR3090(08)
SENATE AMENDMENT
SENATE AMENDMENT "^ " to COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" to H,P. 1426, L.D. 2225 ( S" 701
Sec. H-2. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and
allocations are made,
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF
Office of Child and Family Services - District 0452
Initiative: Provides a one-time appropriation for the Department of Health and Human
Services to design and implement a community-based model of care that addresses the
needs of adolescents with co-occurring disorders.
GENERAL FUND 2023-24 2024-25
AllOther $0 $1,000,000
GENERAL FUND TOTAL $0 $1,000,000
Sec. H-3. Effective date. This Part takes effect July 1,2024.
PART I
Sec. 1-1. Rate reform for nursing facilities. The Department of Health and
Human Services, when conducting its review of reimbursement rates paid to nursing
facilities pursuant to the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 22, section 3173-J, shall consider
the following for inclusion in any new rates paid to nursing facilities under rule Chapter
101: MaineCare Benefits Manual, Chapter HI, Section 67, Principles of Reimbursement
for Nursing Facilities:
1, Increase the reimbursement rates to nursing facilities, other than rural nursing
facilities, to provide for a supplemental allowance per patient per day that is the difference
between the amount reimbursed by the MaineCare program and the MaineCare allowable
costs as reported in the as-filed MaineCare 2022 cost report, as long as the supplemental
allowance is no more than $90 per patient per day. Annual inflation adjustments provided
pursuant to the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 22, section 1708, subsection 3, paragraph E
and any one-time funding provided to nursing facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic
for additional costs may not be included in the supplemental allowance. The supplemental
allowance rate is cost settled against both routine and direct care components costs, For
the purposes of this Part, "rural nursing facility" means a nursing facility that is not located
in a Core Based Statistical Area as defined by the United States Census Bureau or that is
not located within 15 miles of a critical access hospital as designated by the United States
Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare and M;edicaid Services;
2. Increase the reimbursement rates to rural nursing facilities to provide for a
supplemental allowance per patient per day that is the difference between the amount
reimbursed by the M^aineCare program and the IVlaineCare allowable costs as reported in
the as-filed MaineCare 2022 cost report. The supplemental allowance rate is cost settled
against both routine and direct care components costs; and
3. Allow for education and training costs for direct care staff to be included as a cost
component under the MaineCare program for:
A. Education and training for direct care staff for certification or recertification and
for any continuing education that is considered necessary for carrying out duties by
direct care staff in nursing facilities;
Page7-131LR3090(08)
SENATE AMENDMENT
SENATE AMENDMENT " f\ " to COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" to H.P. 1426, L.D. 2225 (S'~7C> I
B. Reimbursement at the applicable rate pursuant to the Maine Revised Statutes, Title
22, section 7402 to direct care staff receiving the education and training under
paragraph A for the hours spent receiving the education and training; and
C. Reasonable costs for educators providing education and training to direct care staff
under paragraph A.
Sec. 1-2. Private nonmedical institutions; medical and remedial service
facilities; assistance from unspent funds. The Department of Health and Human
Services shall direct any funds appropriated for one-time supplements or extraordinary
circumstance allowances for nursing facilities within the scope of rule Chapter 101:
MaineCare Benefits Manual, Chapter III, Section 67, Principles of Reimbursement for
Nursing Facilities or for private nonmedical institutions within the scope of rule Chapter
101: MaineCare Benefits Manual, Chapter III, Section 97, Appendix C, Medical and
Remedial Service Facilities for increased costs and lost revenue due to the CO VID-19
pandemic that have remained unspent to be used to create additional financial assistance
opportunities for private nonmedical institutions within the scope of rule Chapter 101:
MaineCare Benefits Manual, Chapter III, Section 97, Appendix C, Medical and Remedial
Service Facilities.
Sec. 1-3. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and
allocations are made.
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF
Nursing Facilities 0148
Initiative: Provides one-time funding for nursing facilities to receive a supplemental
allowance per patient per day, as long as the supplemental allowance is no more than $90
per patient per day.
GENERAL FUND 2023-24 2024-25
AllOther $0 $31,000,000
GENERAL FUND TOTAL $0 $31,000,000
FEDERAL EXPENDITURES FUND 2023-24 2024-25
AllOther $0 $60,233,563
FEDERAL EXPENDITURES FUND TOTAL $0 $60,233,563
OTHER SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS 2023-24 2024-25
AllOther $0 $5,823,419
OTHER SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS TOTAL $0 $5,823,419
3940 PART J
Sec. J-l. 22 MRSA §3174-LLL, sub-§2, as enacted by PL 2023, c. 412, Pt.
EEEEE, §4, is amended to read:
SENATE AMENDMENT
SENATE AMENDMENT " ^" to COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" to H.P. 1426, L.D. 2225 [.S r]^
2. Income eligibility. No later than March July 1,2024, the department shall establish
income disregards to determine eligibility so that a person with income that is no more than
185% of the federal poverty level is qualified as a qualified Medicare beneficiaiy and a
person with income that is more than 185% and no more than 250% of the federal poverty
level is qualified as a qualified individual.
PART K
Sec. K-l. Department of Health and Human Services to amend rules
governing education requirements for behavioral health professionals
providing services for children. No later than January 1, 2025, the Department of
Health and Human Services shall amend its rule Chapter 101: MaineCare Benefits Manual,
Chapter II, Section 28 and Section 65 to change the educational requirements for all
behavioral health professionals providing services for children, regardless of the setting in
which the service is provided, and for such behavioral health professionals to receive
training to provide specialized services to allow the following educational requirements:
1. A minimum of 60 higher education credit hours in a related field of social services,
human services, health or education;
2. A minimum of 90 higher education credit hours in an unrelated field; or
3. A high school diploma or equivalent with training and oversight as determined by
the department in addition to the training provided for certification as a behavioral health
professional,
In adopting rules under this section, the Department of Health and Human Services
shall ensure that the training and oversight requirements for persons with a high school
diploma or equivalent are consistent in both Section 28 and Section 65 of the department's
rule Chapter 101: MaineCare Benefits Manual, Chapter II.
The changes to educational requirements required by this Part do not affect the
requirements for behavioral health professional training and the prescribed time frames.
Sec. K-2. Training within existing resources. The Department of Health and
Human Services shall amend or establish contracts to train any number of additional
individuals to become behavioral health professionals providing services for children
pursuant to section 1, regardless of the setting in which the service is provided, within
existing resources. The department may make any changes necessary, including choosing
to charge individuals or their employers fees for training, in order to offer training within
existing resources.
Sec. K-3. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and
allocations are made.
6 HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF
Medical Care - Payments to Providers 0147
Initiative: Provides funding for the department to amend its rule Chapter 101: MaineCare
Benefits Manual, Chapter II, Section 28 and Section 65 to change the educational
requirements for all behavioral health professionals providing services for children,
GENERAL FUND 2023-24 2024-25
All Other $0 $552,301
SENATE AMENDMENT
^S-7^")
SENATE AMENDMENT " 1\ " to COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" to H.P. 1426, L.D.2225
GENERAL FUND TOTAL
$0
2023-24
$0
$0
2023-24
$0
$552,301
2024-25
$1,505,443
$1,505,443
2024-25
$82,577
FEDERAL EXPENDITURES FUND
All Other
FEDERAL EXPENDITURES FUND TOTAL
FEDERAL BLOCK GRANT FUND
AllOther
FEDERAL BLOCK GRANT FUND TOTAL $0 $82,577
Mental Health Services - Child Medicaid Z207
Initiative: Provides allocations for the department to amend its rule Chapter 101:
MaineCare Benefits Manual, Chapter II, Section 28 and Section 65 to change the
educational requirements for all behavioral health professionals providing services for
children.
GENERAL FUND 2023-24 2024-25
AHOther $0 $368,201
GENERAL FUND TOTAL $0 $368,201
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES,
DEPARTMENT OF
DEPARTMENT TOTALS 2023-24 2024-25
2627 GENERAL FUND $0 $920,502
FEDERAL EXPENDITURES FUND $0 $1,505,443
FEDERAL BLOCK GRANT FUND $0 $82,577
DEPARTMENT TOTAL - ALL FUNDS $0 $2,508,522
See. K-4. Effective date. This Part takes effect July 1,2024.
PART L
Sec.L-1. 22 MRSA §1708-A is enacted to read:
81708-A. Compensation to Maine Veterans' Homes
Services provided by a veterans' facility must be reimbursed by the MaineCare program
at rates established by the department pursuant to this section. This section appliesjo_all
funds, including federal funds, paid by an agency of the State to a veterans' facility for
resident care. For the purposes of this section, "veterans' facility" means a nursing facility.
a residential care facility or a multilevel health care facility that is operated by the Maine
Veterans' Homes at any location required under Title 37-B, section 601. subsection 2.
PagelO-131LR3090(08)
SENATE AMENDMENT
SENATE AMENDMENT " 1\ " to COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" to H.P. 1426, L.D. 2225 ( S>"'7°1
1. Per resident basis. Veterans'.facilities must be reimbursed on a per resident daily
rate basis for services to residents covered under the MaineCare program. Differentjates
may be established for services eauivalent.to.those provided by nursing homes as defined
in section 1812-A, residential care facilities as defined in section 7852. subsection 14 and
multilevel health care facilities as defined in section 7852. subsection 10-A.
2. Rate calculations. Rate calculations under this section must result in
reimbursement of the portion of the_total MameCare allowable cost of operating each
yeterans'_facili^^^ the provision of services to residents who receive
MaineCare benefits. Different rates may be established for services eQuiYalent_to_tliose
provided by nursing homes as defined in section 1812-A. residential care facilities as
defined in section 7852, subsection Handniu^ as defined in
section 7852, subsection 10-A.
3. Annual adjustments for inflation. Rates established pursuant to this section must
be adjusted annually to reflect projected inflation for the year to which the rates will aooly,
4. Calculation of per resident daily rate; limitation. The department may use data
from other states' veterans' home programs and appropriate price indices to establish the
rates required in this section, as long as the application of data from other states' veterans'
home orograms and price indices does not reduce reimbursement below the portion of the
total MaineCare allowable cost as described in subsection 2.
0 5. Use of 3rd party. The department may contract with a 3rd party to derive or review
the rates established under this section.
Sec. L-2. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and
allocations are made,
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF
JVIedicaI Care - Payments to Providers 0147
Initiative; Provides funding to ensure that Maine Veterans' Homes nursing facilities are
reimbursed a per resident daily rate for services that include the total allowable cost of
operating a veterans' home,
GENERAL FUND 2023-24 2024-25
AllOther $0 $922,940
GENERAL FUND TOTAL $0 $922,940
FEDERAL EXPENDITURES FUND 2023-24 2024-25
AllOther $0 $1,840,881
FEDERAL EXPENDITURES FUND TOTAL $0 $1,840,881
OTHER SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS 2023-24 2024-25
All Other $0 $264,886
OTHER SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS TOTAL $0 $264,886
SENATE AMENDMENT
2023-24
$0
$0
2023-24
$0
$0
2023-24
$0
2024-25
$2,792,478
$2,792,478
2024-25
$5,569,834
$5,569,834
2024-25
$533,765
SENATE AMENDMENT " f\ " to COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" to H.P. 1426, L.D. 2225 ^-7&J
Nursing Facilities 0148
Initiative: Provides funding to ensure that Maine Veterans' Homes nursing facilities are
reimbursed a per resident daily rate for services that include the total allowable cost of
operating a veterans' home,
GENERAL FUND
All Other
GENERAL FUND TOTAL
FEDERAL EXPENDITURES FUND
All Other
FEDERAL EXPENDITURES FUND TOTAL
OTHER SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS
AllOther
OTHER SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS TOTAL $0 $533,765
PNMI Room and Board Z009
Initiative: Provides funding to ensure that Maine Veterans' Homes nursing facilities are
reimbursed a per resident daily rate for services that include the total allowable cost of
operating a veterans' home.
GENERAL FUND 2023-24 2024-25
AHOther $0 $1,386,060
GENERAL FUND TOTAL $0 $1,386,060
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES,
DEPARTMENT OF
DEPARTMENT TOTALS 2023-24 2024-25
3132 GENERAL FUND $0 $5,101,478
FEDERAL EXPENDITURES FUND $0 $7,410,715
OTHER SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS $0 $798,651
DEPARTMENT TOTAL - ALL FUNDS $0 $13,310,844
3738 PARTM
Sec. M-l. Strengthen and expand mental health crisis intervention mobile
response services. The Department of Health and Human Services shall sh-engthen and
expand mental health crisis intervention mobile response services in order to provide
services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The department shall provide for the incorporation
SENATE AMENDMENT
SENATE AMENDMENT " ^ " to COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" to H.P.1426,L.D.2225 ( ^-^Ol
of mobile outreach peer support specialists, certified intentional peer support specialists
and recovery coaches, mental health law enforcement liaisons through behavioral health
agencies and community debriefing and critical incident response services into the existing
crisis services response system. The department shall also provide for ancillary services
that are required components of mental health crisis intervention mobile response services.
The funding for these ancillary services must include travel costs to and from mobile face-
to-face assessments not to exceed the federal per mile rate, travel time to and from mobile
face-to-face assessments and reimbursement for time spent on telephone conferences with
clients. The department shall provide reimbursement for peer support services provided as
mental health crisis intervention mobile response services under the MaineCare program,
Sec. M-2. E-9-1-1 and 9-8-8 coordination. By January 30,2025, the Department of
Health and Human Services, in coordination with the Public Utilities Commission,
Emergency Services Communication Bureau and the Department of Public Safety, shall
ensure the coordination of services under the State's E-9-1-1 system and the State's 9-8-8
mobile crisis services system. By January 30,2026, the Department of Health and Human
Services shall submit a status report related to the coordination of services, including
suggested legislation, to the joint standing committee of the Legislature havingjurisdiction
over health and human services matters and to the joint standing committee of the
Legislature having jurisdiction over utilities matters. The joint standing committees may
each submit a bill relating to the report to the Second Regular Session of the 132nd
Legislature.
Sec. M-3. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and
allocations are made.
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF
Mental Health Sendces - Community Z198
Initiative: Provides funding to strengthen mental health crisis intervention mobile response
services in order to provide services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, beginning January 1,
2025. This funding must provide funding for mobile outreach peer support specialists.
GENERAL FUND 2023-24 2024-25
AllOther $0 $1,168,299
GENERAL FUND TOTAL $0 $1,168,299
Mental Health Semces - Community Z198
Initiative: Provides funding to strengthen mental health crisis intervention mobile response
services in order to provide services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, beginning January 1,
2025, This funding must provide funding for certified intentional peer support specialists
and recovery coaches,
GENERAL FUND 2023-24 2024-25
AllOther $0 $1,588,834
GENERAL FUND TOTAL $0 $1,588,834
Mental Health Services - Community Z198
SENATE AMENDMENT
ROS SENATE AMENDMENT " ^ " to COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" to H.P. 1426, L.D. 2225 (.S^701
Initiative: Provides funding to strengthen mental health crisis intervention mobile response
services in order to provide services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, beginning January 1,
2025. This funding must provide funding for 24 mental health law enforcement liaisons, 3
in each public health district, provided by the local behavioral health agencies.
GENERAL FUND 2023-24 2024-25
All Other $0 $953,300
GENERAL FUND TOTAL $0 $953,300
Mental Health Services - Community Z198
Initiative: Provides funding to strengthen mental health crisis intervention mobile response
services in order to provide services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, beginning January 1,
2025. This funding must provide funding for community debriefing and critical incident
response services.
GENERAL FUND 2023-24 2024-25
All Other $0 $69,450
GENERAL FUND TOTAL $0 $69,450
Mental Health Services - Community Z198
Initiative: Provides funding to strengthen mental health crisis intervention mobile response
services in order to provide services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, beginning January 1,
2025. This funding must provide funding for ancillary services that are required
components of mental health crisis intervention mobile response services. These ancillary
services include travel costs to and from mobile face-to-face assessments, not to exceed the
federal per mile rate, and reimbursement for time spent on telephone conferences with the
client.
GENERAL FUND 2023-24 2024-25
AllOther $0 $159,144
GENERAL FUND TOTAL $0 $159,144
Mental Health Services - Community Z198
Initiative: Provides a one-time appropriation for contracted consulting services.
GENERAL FUND 2023-24 2024-25
AllOther $0 $100,000
GENERAL FUND TOTAL $0 $100,000
Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Z199
Initiative: Provides funding to strengthen mental health crisis intervention mobile response
services in order to provide services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, beginning January 1,
2025. This funding must provide funding for ancillaiy services that are required
components of mental health crisis intervention mobile response services. These ancillary
services include travel costs to and from mobile face-to-face assessments, not to exceed the
federal per mile rate, and reimbursement for time spent on telephone conferences with the
client.
SENATE AMENDMENT
SENATE AMENDMENT " ^" to COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" to H.P. 1426, L.D. 2225 t^-~~f^
GENERAL FUND 2023-24 2024-25
AllOther $0 $159,144
GENERAL FUND TOTAL $0 $159,144
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES,
DEPARTMENT OF
DEPARTMENT TOTALS 2023-24 2024-25
GENERAL FUND $0 $4,198,171
DEPARTMENT TOTAL - ALL FUNDS $0 $4,198,171
Sec. M-4. Effective date. This Part takes effect January 1,2025.
PART N
Sec.N-1. 34-B MRSA §3613 is enacted to read:
§3613. Crisis receiving centers
1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the
followine terms have the following meanings.
A. "Crisis receiving center" means a center providing walk-in access to crisis services
0 to individuals experiencing behavioral health, mental health and substance use
challenges.
B. "Culturally sensitive trauma-informed care" means care that acknowledges.
respects and integrates the cultural values, beliefs and practices of individuals and
faniUies.
2. Crisis receiving centers. The department shall establish 2 crisis receiving centers
to supDort individuals dealing with behavioral health, mental health or substance use issues.
The receivine centers must be established in Aroostook County and Penobscot County.
The deoartment shall ensure that the crisis receiving centers provide culturally sensitive
trauma-informed care. The department shall develop a plan to expand crisis receiving
centers statewide, with at least one crisis receiving center located in each county of the
State.
3. Rules. The departmentmay adoBt rules to implement this section. Rules adopted
pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5. chapter 375.
subchapter 2-A.
See. N-2. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and
allocations are made.
7 HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF
8 Mental Health Services - Community Z198
Initiative: Provides ongoing funding to establish 2 crisis receiving centers, one each in
Aroostook and Penobscot counties, beginning April 1, 2025.
GENERAL FUND 2023-24 2024-25
SENATE AMENDMENT
ROS SENATE AMENDMENT " A " to COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" to H.P. 1426, L.D. 2225 f 5 -~7<> f-
All Other
GENERAL FUND TOTAL
Mental Health Services - Community Z198
$0
$0
$900,000
$900,000
Initiative: Provides one-time funding for additional start-up costs to establish 2 crisis
receiving centers, one each in Aroostook and Penobscot counties.
GENERAL FUND
All Other
GENERAL FUND TOTAL
Mental Health Services - Community Z198
Initiative: Establishes one Social Services Program Manager
Services Manager I position to handle the new crisis receiving centers.
GENERAL FUND
POSITIONS - LEGISLATIVE COUNT
Personal Services
All Other
GENERAL FUND TOTAL
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES,
DEPARTMENT OF
DEPARTMENT TOTALS
GENERAL FUND
DEPARTMENT TOTAL - ALL FUNDS
2023-24
$0
$0
2024-25
$1,900,000
$1,900,000
I position and one Social
senters.
2023-24
0.000
$0
$0
$0
2023-24
$0
$0
2024-25
2.000
$234,914
$13,576
$248,490
2024-25
$3,048,490
$3,048,490
Sec. N-3. Effective date. This Part takes effect July 1 , 2024, except that that section
that enacts the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 34-B, section 3613 takes effect April 1, 2025.
PART 0
Sec. 0-1. 22 MRSA c. 256-B is enacted to read:
CHAPTER 256-B
OFFICE OF VIOLENCE PREVENTION
§1427. Office of Violence Prevention
1. Office established. The Office of Violence Prevention, referred to in this section
as "the office," is established within the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention
to coordinate and promote effective efforts to reduce violence in the State, including, but
not limited to, gun violence, ancLrelated trauma and promote research regardine causes of
and evidence-based responses to violence, includine eun violence.
SENATE AMENDMENT
SENATE AMENDMENT " ^ " to COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" to H.P. 1426, L.D. 2225 fc^^Of
2. Director. The commissioner shall appoint the director of the office.
3. Collaboration. To carry out its duties, the office may collaborate with other state
agencies and programs, including, but not limited to, the Address Confidentiality Proeram
established under Title 5. section 90-B; the Victims' Compensation Board established under
Title 5. section 3360-A; the Department of Education; the Office of Behavioral Health
established under Title 5. section 20011; the Office of the Attorney General; the
Department of Public Safety; the Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services established under
Title 37-B, section 501; and_the_yiolence prevention proeram within the department.
4. Awareness and education^^ shall increase the awareness of and educate
the general_j2yblic_abQut laws and resources relating to violence prevention and conduct
awareness and education campaigns in accordance with this subsection.
A. The office shall increase the awareness of and educate the general public about state
and federal laws and existing resources relating to violence prevention, including:
fl) The availability of and the process for requesting protection orders, including,
but not limited to. protection from abuse orders under Title 19-A, chapter 103 and
protection from harassment orders under Title 5, chapter 337-A;
f2) The process for accessing available mental health and substance use disorder
resources and how to refer individuals to needed mental health and substance use
disorder treatment services, includiiig sujcid^^^^^^^
d) The process for accessing available resources and services for domestic
violence prevention;
(4) The process for reporting a lost or stolen firearm, including rej30rtm_g
requirements in state law;
f5) The best practices for safe storage of firearms; and
(6) Safe and responsible gun ownership, including increased awareness of the law
and methods of compliance with state and federal law.
B. The office shall conduct awareness and education campaigns and develop and
orovide educational materials and training resources, including:
d) Developing and providing educational materials and training resources to local
0 law enforcement agencies, health care providers and educators to assist those
agencies, providers and educators with educating the public about the laws,
available resources and effective violence prevention strategies;
(2) Conducting awareness and education campaigns in a culturally competent way,
including by providine materials and resources in multiple languages;
(3) Conducting awareness and education campaigns directed toward gun owners,
parents and legal guardians of children and organizations that Droyjde seryices_tQ
individuals and comniynities disproDOrtionately affected by gun violence; and
C4) At the requesLpf the Director of the Maine Center for Disease Control and
Prevention, supportmgL and providine assistance for education campaiens and
oroerams conducted by the department that are related to gun violence, including
education campaiens and programs relating to the safe storaee of firearms and
suicide prevention.
Pagel7-131LR3090(08)
SENATE AMENDMENT
SENATE AMENDMENT " A " to COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" to H.P. 1426. L.D. 2225 f<^'"
The office may focus the awareness and education campaigns required under this
paragraph in communities identified by the office as disproportionately affected by gun
violence and use television messaging, radio broadcasts, print media, digital strategies
or any other form of messaging considered effective and appropriate by th^^ffice^^^^^^t^^^
achieve the goals of this section,
5. Grant proeram. _Subiect_to_availab^^ may establish and
administer a grant program to award grants to organizations to conduct communitv-based
Yiolenceinteiven^ initiatives that are primarily focused _QninterruBting cycles of
violence, including gun violence, trauma and retaliation by providing culturally competent
intervention services.
A. To be eligible for a grant award, an organization must demonstrate the ability to
conduct effective community-based violence intervention initiatives that meet the
criteria described in this subsection and in rules adopted by the Maine Center for
Disease Control an^P^ The office shall prioritize awarding grants to
organizations that conduct violence intervention initiatives with individuals and in
communities identified as having the highest imminent risk of perpetrating or being
victimized by violence.
B. An initiative conducted with a grant award must use strategies that are evidence-
informed and have demonstrated potential for reducins violence without contributine
to mass incarceration, such as group violence interventions, evidence-based street and
community outreach programs, violence iiTterruRtion and crisis management programs
and individualized wraparound services. To improve the effectiveness of a violence
intervention initiative, a grant recipient shall conduct regular eyaly^
initiative, including community input and engagement.
C. The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention shall adopt rules necessary
for the administration of the grant program, mcluding grant application procedures.
criteria for determining the amount and duration of the grants and reporting
8 regu irementsj'Qr oreanizations that receive grants.
D. In administering the grant program, the.office shall collaborate with stakeholders
as needed to ensure equity in the distribution of grants. The office shall consult with
stakeholders to develop grant priorities. Stakeholders must include individuals and
families affected by violence, _organizations with expertise in violence prevention and
3 gun safety and representatives of communities of color.
E. Bv February 1. 2027, the department shall submit to the joint standing committee
of the Legislature having jurisdiction over health and human services matters a report
that includes the following:
fl) Information regarding the number of grants awarded and the amount of funding
8 provided to each grant recipienfc
(2) A description of violence intervention initiatives funded, including the number
of individuals served and the communities served by each funded initiative; and
f3) Recommendations regarding the continuation of the grant program and
recommendations for any changes to the program.
F. This subsection is repealed June 30, 2027.
Pagel8-131LR3090(08)
SENATE AMENDMENT
SENATE AMENDMENT " ^ " to COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" to H.P,1426, L,D.2225 f^ ~]0j
6. Data hub. The office shall create and maintain a data hub of regularly updated and
accurate materials and resources as a repository for data, research and statistical
information regarding violence in the State, including gun violence. As part of maintaining
the data hub, the office shall:
A. Assist researchers who are seeking information regarding violence in the State;
B. Collaborate with researchers, including organizations that conduct gun violence
research.to:
(1) Identify gaps in available data needed to conduct violence prevention research
and develop strategies to improve relevant data collection in the State;
(2) Use existing available research to enhance evidence-based violence prevention
tools and resources available to communities in the State; and
(3} Improve the understandine of the disDroportionate barriers to safety from
violence by encouraging disaggregation of data by_i;ace and ethnicity when
research is conducted; and
C. Promote new and relevant research regarding violence m'evention and, if possible,
make the research accessible to researchers and the public.
7. Reporting requirements. The office and the department shall provide the
following reports relating to the office s work.
A, Annually, by November 30th, the office shall report to the department on the
activities it has conducted in the preceding 12 months. The report must include;
d) Information regarding awareness and education campaigns conducted by the
office:
f2) Effective violence intervention programs identified by the office;
(3) Any federal grants or other funding the office applied for and whether the
office received those grants or other funds;
f4) A general summary of new and relevant research included in the office j[_data
hub under subsection 6 and the nature of research assistance provided by the office;
and
(5) Recommendations to enhance the administration and operation of the office
and improve the availability of services to reduce violence in the State.
The office shall make the report available on its publicly accessible website or on the
Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention's publicly accessible website.
B. In its annual report to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having
jurisdiction over health and human services matters pursuant to section 1425, the
Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention shall include a summary of the
office's annual report submitted under paragraph A. including recommendations under
paragraph A, subparagraph C5) and instructions for accessing any new and relevant
violence prevention research identified by the office in paragraph A. subparagraph f4).
The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention shall make the summary
available on its publicly accessible website.
SENATE AMENDMENT
SENATE AMENDMENT " 1\ " to COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" to H.P. 1426, L.D.2225 ( c>^"7())
8. Rules. The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention shall adopt rules to
implement this chapter. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are major substantive
rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, sybchaBter 2-A.
Sec. 0-2. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and
allocations are made.
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF
Office of Violence Prevention N490
Initiative: Establishes one Director position, one Comprehensive Health Planner II position
and one Planning and Research Associate I position in the Office of Violence Prevention,
General Fund and provides funding for related All Other costs.
GENERAL FUND 2023-24 2024-25
POSITIONS - LEGISLATIVE COUNT 0.000 3.000
Personal Services $0 $356,931
All Other $0 $20,364
GENERAL FUND TOTAL $0 $377,295
Office of Violence Prevention N490
Initiative; Establishes one limited-period Health Program Manager position and one
limited-period Public Health Educator III position in the Office of Violence Prevention
program. Federal Expenditures Fund and one limited-period Epidemiologist position in the
Office of Violence Prevention program, Federal Block Grant Fund through June 12, 2027
and provides funding for related All Other costs.
FEDERAL EXPENDITURES FUND 2023-24 2024-25
Personal Services $0 $210,390
AllOther $0 $13,461
FEDERAL EXPENDITURES FUND TOTAL $0 $223,851
FEDERAL BLOCK GRANT FUND 2023-24 2024-25
Personal Services $0 $107,404
All Other $0 $6,903
FEDERAL BLOCK GRANT FUND TOTAL $0 $114,307
Office of Violence Prevention N490
Initiative: Provides ongoing funding for annual outreach and educational materials.
GENERAL FUND 2023-24 2024-25
AllOther $0 $500,000
GENERAL FUND TOTAL $0 $500,000
Office of Violence Prevention N490
Initiative: Provides ongoing funding for annual grants to communities.
SENATE AMENDMENT
SENATE AMENDMENT " l\ " to COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" to H.P,1426, L.D. 2225 ^-7^)
GENERAL FUND 2023-24 2024-25
All Other $0 $1,000,000
GENERAL FUND TOTAL $0 $1,000,000
Office of Violence Prevention N490
Initiative: Provides one-time funding for required technology changes,
GENERAL FUND 2023-24 2024-25
AllOther $0 $1,000,000
GENERAL FUND TOTAL $0 $1,000,000
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES,
DEPARTMENT OF
DEPARTMENT TOTALS 2023-24 2024-25
1516 GENERAL FUND $0 $2,877,295
FEDERAL EXPENDITURES FUND $0 $223,851
FEDERAL BLOCK GRANT FUND $0 $114,307
DEPARTMENT TOTAL - ALL FUNDS $0 $3,215,453
Sec. 0-3. Effective date. This Part takes effect July 1,2024.
PART P
Sec. P-l. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and
allocations are made.
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF
Mental Health Sendces - Community Z198
Initiative: Provides ongoing funding for employee recruitment and retention incentives to
the staff that provide medication management services provided by the Office of
Behavioral Health that are similar to the services provided under the department's rule
Chapter 101: MaineCare Benefits Manual, Chapter II, Section 65, Behavioral Health
Services.
GENERAL FUND 2023-24 2024-25
AllOther $0 $2,500,000
GENERAL FUND TOTAL $0 $2,500,000
Sec. P-2. Effective date. This Part takes effect July 1,2024.
PART Q
Sec. Q-l. 25 MRSA §2015 is enacted to read:
§2015. GunshoRDroject
Page21-131LR3090(08)
SENATE AMENDMENT
SENATE AMENDMENT " [\ " to COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" to H.P. 1426, L.D. 2225 (5 -lO I
1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the
following terms have the following meanings.
A. "Dangerous or deadly weapon" has the same meaning as "dangerous weapon" in
Title 17-A, section 2, subsection 9, Daraeraoh C.
B. "Department" means the Department of Public Safefry.
C. "Firearm" has the same meaning as in Title_17-A, section 2, subsection 12-A.
D. "Gun_shop" means a business located in the State that sells firearms, dangerous or
deadly weapons or related components such as ammunition.
E. "Gun shop project" means a project jodevelQP, create and distribute suicide
prevention educational materials.
2. Admmistj'atio^o^^ project. The department shall administer a gun shop
project.
3. Development and creation of educational materials. In administering a gun shop
project under this section, the department shall contract with a statewide organization with
expertise in mental health for the development and creation of suicide_m'eventign
educational materials.
A. Educational materials under this subsection must include but are not limited to
information on:
d') Understanding and recognizing the various clinical siens, symptoms and
indicators of suicide risk; and
(2) Available suicide prevention resources.
B. In developing and creating educational materials under this subsection, the
contracted statewide organization must refer to the following:
fl) Gun shop projects in other states;
(T) Programs created or offered by oreanization_s m deadly
weapon industry; and
f31 Other projects or organizations that the department determines aDDropriate.
C. Materials developed for the gun shop project must be created as written materials,
such as pamphlets, signs. posters, tip sheets or other media, and as an online training
course for firearm dealers licensed as dealers under 18 United States Code. Section
923fa)C31andJOLgun shop customers.
4. Distribution of sun shop project educational materials. The department shall
ensure that the written educational materials and online training course created under
subsection 3 are available on the department's publicly accessible website.
Sec. Q-2. Reporting requirement. By December 1, 2026, the Department of
Public Safety shall submit a written report regarding the activities during the prior calendar
year related to the establishment and administration of the gun shop project under the Maine
Revised Statutes, Title 25, section 2015, including, but not limited to, the categories of
educational materials developed, the number of written educational materials created and
the number of participants in the online training course, to the joint standing committee of
the Legislature having jurisdiction over public safety matters.
SENATE AMENDMENT
" to COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" to H.P. 1426, L.D, 2225 ($ -~7U(
SENATE AMENDMENT " 1\ " to COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" to H.P.1426, L.D,2225
Sec. Q-3. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and
allocations are made.
PUBLIC SAFETY, DEPARTMENT OF
Licensing and Enforcement - Public Safety 0712
Initiative: Provides a one-time appropriation to contract with a statewide organization with
expertise in mental health for the development and creation of suicide prevention
educational materials,
GENERAL FUND 2023-24 2024-25
AllOther $0 $100,000
GENERAL FUND TOTAL $0 $100,000
See. Q-4. Effective date. This Part takes effect July 1, 2024.
PART R
Sec. R-l. Law enforcement alerts to public. The Commissioner of Public Safety
shall develop and implement procedures to notify the public of active shooter situations.
The procedures must include procedures for notifying the deaf and hard-of-hearing
community.
Sec. R-2. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and
allocations are made.
PUBLIC SAFETY, DEPARTMENT OF
Licensing and Enforcement - Public Safety 0712
Initiative: Provides one-time funding for programming costs to create and implement a
system to notify the public of active shooter situations.
GENERAL FUND 2023-24 2024-25
AHOther $0 $100,000
2627 GENERAL FUND TOTAL $0 $100,000
See. R-3. Effective date. This Part takes effect July 1,2024,
PART S
Sec. S-l. PL 2023, c. 406, §1 is amended to read:
Sec. 1. Adjustment of salary schedules for fiscal years 2023-24 and 2024-
25. The salary schedules for the executive branch employees in bargaining units
represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the
IVIaine State Troopers Association, the Maine State Law Enforcement Association, the
Maine Service Employees Association, the Fraternal Order of Police and any other certified
bargaining representative for an executive branch bargaining unit must be adjusted
consistent with the terms of any agreements ratified by December 31, 2023 July 1, 2025.
Sec. S-2. PL 2023, c.406,§5 is amended to read:
SENATE AMENDMENT
^ " to COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" to H.P. 1426, L.D. 2225 (/S'7 6*
SENATE AMENDMENT " ^ " to COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" to H.P. 1426, L.D.2225
Sec. 5. Costs to General Fund and Highway Fund. Costs to the General Fund
and Highway Fund must be provided wholly or in part through a transfer of Personal
Services appropriations within and between departments and agencies from the Salary Plan
program. General Fund account in the Department of Administrative and Financial
Services in an amount not to exceed $99,000,000 in total for the fiscal years ending June
30,202/\ and June 30, 2025 up to the full amount the salary plan has accrued as of the date
an agreement is reached with the respective bargaining agents to implement the economic
terms of the most recent collective bargaining agreements made from July 2023 to
December 2023 by with collective bargaining agents for the State and the American
Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the Maine State Troopers
Association, the Maine State Law Enforcement Association, the Maine Service Employees
Association, the Fraternal Order of Police and any other certified bargaining representative
for an executive branch bargaining unit, to provide equitable treatment of employees
excluded from collective bargaining pursuant to the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 26,
section 979-A, subsection 6, paragraph F and, notwithstanding Title 26, section 979-D,
subsection 1, paragraph E, subparagraph (3), to implement equitable adjustments for
confidential employees.
Sec. S-3. PL 2023,c.406, §6 is amended to read:
Sec. 6. Transfer of Personal Services appropriations between programs
and departments; General Fund. Notwithstanding the Maine Revised Statutes, Title
5, section 1585 or any other provision of law to the contrary, available balances in the
General Fund for Personal Services in fiscal year 2023-24 and fiscal year 2024-25 may be
transferred by financial order between programs and departments within the General Fund
upon recommendation of the State Budget Officer and approval of the Governor to be used
for costs associated with collective bargaining agreements made with collective bargaining
agents for state employees.
Sec. S-4. PL 2023, c. 406, §7 is amended to read:
Sec. 7. Transfer from Salary Plan program and special account funding.
The Salary Plan program, General Fund account in the Department of Administrative and
Financial Services may be made available as needed in allotment by financial order upon
the recommendation of the State Budget Officer and approval of the Governor to be used
for the implementation of the collective bargaining agreements made with collective
bargaining agents for state employees and for other economic items contained in this Act
in fiscal year 2023-24 and fiscal year 2024-25. Positions supported from sources of funding
other than the General Fund and the Highway Fund must may be funded from those other
sources.
Sec. S-5. PL 2023, c. 406, §8 is amended to read:
Sec. 8. Transfer of Personal Services allocations between programs and
departments; Highway Fund. Notwithstanding the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 5,
section 1585 or any other provision of law to the contrary, available balances in the
Highway Fund for Personal Services in fiscal year 2023-24 and fiscal year 2024-25 may
be transferred by financial order between programs and departments within the Highway
Fund upon recommendation of the State Budget Officer and approval of the Governor to
SENATE AMENDMENT
SENATE AMENDMENT "/\ " to COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" to H,P, 1426, L.D, 2225(, ^"'YC/
be used for costs associated with collective bargaining agreements made with collective
bargaining agents for state employees.
Sec. S-6. Retroactivity. This Part applies retroactively to July 10,2023.
PART T
Sec.T-1. 22 MRSA §1714-F is enacted to read;
S1714-F. Restriction on changes to reimbursement methods
Prior to July 1. 2029, the department may not alter the reimbursement methods of a
hospital that is reimbursed by the federal Medicare program as a prospective payment
system hospital and that was reimbursed by the MaineCare orogram as a critical access
hospital for outpatient services on or before January 1, 2024.
Sec. T-2. Prospective payment system hospital transition plans. The
Department of Health and Human Services shall work with any hospital that is reimbursed
by the federal Medicare program as a prospective payment system hospital and that was
reimbursed by the MaineCare program as a critical access hospital for outpatient services
on or before January 1,2024 to determine a plan for transitioning to reimbursement by the
M.aineCare program as a critical access hospital while maintaining financial solvency. This
transition plan may include but is not limited to ways in which the hospital can expand
services or reduce expenses. Any hospital that is reimbursed by the federal Medicare
program as a prospective payment system hospital and is reimbursed by the MaineCare
program as a critical access hospital for outpatient services shall pursue federal and state
provisions and programs that would improve its financial position, including but not limited
to wage reclassification by the Medicare Geographic Classification Review Board. By
March 31, 2029, the department shall submit to the joint standing committee of the
Legislature having jurisdiction over health and human services matters a report on any
transition plans developed under this section.
PART U
Sec.U-1. 20-A MRSA §4016 is enacted to read:
§4016. Minimum hourlv wage for educational technicians and other school support
staff
l.^Defmitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the
following terms have the following meanings.
A. "Educational, technician" has the same meaning as in section 13001-A. subsection
8,
B. "Other school support staff means a public school employee who is not an
educational technician and who is paid on an hourly basis,
2. Minimum hourly wage. Except as provided in subsection 3, for the school year
starting after June 30. 2025 and for each subsequent school year, the minimum hourlywage
for educational technicians is equal to 125% of the minimum hourly wage establishedjn
Title 26. section 664, subsection 1 and the minimum hourly wage for other school su^ort
staff is equal to 1 12.5% of the minimum hourly wage established in Title 26, section_664,
subsection 1.
Page25-131LR3090(08)
SENATE AMENDMENT
i" to COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" to H.P. 1426, L.D. 2225 i^
ROS SENATE AMENDMENT "/^ " to COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" to H.P. 1426, L.D. 2225
3. Wase increases. If, pursuant to the requirements of Title 26. section 664,
subsection L the minimum hourly wage is increased on January 1st of any year. the
minimum hourly wage for educational technicians and other school supuort staff is
increased beginning July 1st of the same year in an amount equal to 125% of the increased
minimum hourly wage under Title 26, section 664, subsection 1 for educational technicians
and in an amount equal to 112,5% of the increased mmimym hourly wage unde^Tltle 26,
section 664, subsection 1 for other school support staff,
4. State^ contnbytion. _NQtwithstan.ding_ any Drovision of chapter 606-B to the
contrary, the State shall provide 100% of the additional funding necessary to achieve the
minimum hourly wage for educational technicians and other school support staff under this
section.
Sec. U-2. 20-A MRSA §15677, sub-§2, ^B, as enacted by PL 2003, c. 504, Pt. A,
§6, is amended to read:
B. For fiscal year 2006-07 and each subsequent year until fiscal year 2025-26, the
commissioner shall update the previous year's salary matrix to reflect appropriate
trends in the Consumer Price Index or other comparable index.
Sec. U-3. 20-A MRSA §15677, sub-§2, ^C is enacted to read:
C. For fiscal year 2025-26 and for each subsequent fiscal year. the commissioner shall
update the previous year's salary matrix to reflect appropriate trends in the Consumer
Price Index or other comparable index and to reflect any increase in the minimum
hourly wage of educational technicians and clerical staff in accordance with section
4016. subsection 3.
Sec. U-4. Incorporation into essential programs and services. The
Department of Education shall incorporate the minimum hourly wage under the Maine
Revised Statutes, Title 20-A, section 4016 into the essential programs and services funding
model under Title 20-A, chapter 606-B.
PART V
Sec. V-l. 20-A MRSA c. 223, sub-c. 10, headnote is amended to read:
SUBCHAPTER 10
o ¥GVf» BEHAVIORAL AND MENTAL HEALTH FmST ADD TRAINING
Sec.V-2. 20-A MRSA §6672 is enacted to read:
§6672. Behavioral and mental health grant program
1. Grant proeram. The department shall establish and administer a grant program to
provide grants to school administrative units that contract for behavioral and mentaUiealth
services provided by licensed behavioral and mental health service providers.
2. Limitation on use of funds. Funds provided under the grant program under this
section may be used only for behavioral and mental health services that are not otherwise
8 covered or reimbursable through the MaineCare program. Funds must be used in a manner
SENATE AMENDMENT
SENATE AMENDMENT "/] " to COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" to H.P. 1426, L.D. 2225 ^ S"7^
that ensures that contracted behavioral and mental health service providers do not supplant
qualified and available school administrative unit behavioral and mental health staff.
3. Grant program funding based on population. In admmisterin&the grant program
under this section, the department shall provide grant fuiids according to the population of
a school administrative unit as follows:
A. Two hundred fifty or fewer students, $3,000;
B. Two hundred fifty-one students to 500 students, $6.000; and
C. More than 500 students. $9,000.
Sec. V-3. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and
allocations are made.
EDUCATION, DEPARTMENT OF
School and Student Supports Z270
Initiative: Provides ongoing funds for grants to school administrative units for contracted
behavioral and mental health services for students. The grants are based on the population
of each school administrative unit.
GENERAL FUND 2023-24 2024-25
AllOther $0 $1,353,000
GENERAL FUND TOTAL $0 $1,353,000
2021 PARTW
See. W-l. 5 MRSA §7065, sub-§2-D, ^A, as enacted by PL 1993, c, 705, §2, is
amended to read:
A. Payment of a recruitment and retention adjustment may be authorized only when
justified by at least 2 of the following conditionsT^
(1) High himover exists or long-term vacancies exist within State Government in
the relevant occupational classifications or job series^
(2) The relevant occupational classification or job series has a clear,
geographically definable labor market within which the State must compete7i
(3) All appropriate recruitment and retention efforts have been attempted and have
proven ineffective at the current levels ofcompensatioi-iT; or
(4) Comprehensive, verifiable documentation of labor market compensation levels
for the relevant occupation has been compiled to determine competitive pay levels
within the defined labor market. This documentation must demonstrate that a labor
market disparity exists and that the disparity represents a long-term, not transitory
or seasonal, problem.
Sec. W-2. 5 MRSA §7065, sub-§2-D, ^C, as corrected by RR 2023, c.1, Pt. B,
§38 and affected by §50, is amended to read:
C. To assist the officer in making a determination under paragraphs A and B, a
committee must be formed to evaluate each request from an agency or bargaining agent
SENATE AMENDMENT
SENATE AMENDMENT " ^." to COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" to H.P. 1426, L.D. 2225 i<ly'Jdl
for a recruitment or retention adjustment. The committee must be composed of a
representative of the bureau, a representative of the employing agency or agencies and
a representative of the bargaining agent, if applicable. The committee shall evaluate
the request against the applicable criteria specified in paragraphs A and B and shall
conduct studies as the committee considers necessary to evaluate the request. The
committee shall, by majority vote, provide If the committee agrees on the appropriate
adjustments, the committee shall issue to the officer, the agency and the bargaining
agent, if applicable, w-ith a report recommending and documenting adjustments
authorized under this subsection. If the committee cannot agree on the appropriate
adjustments, the matter must be submitted to a neutral 3rd party for a final decision and
report. The neutral 3rd party may be jointly agreed upon by the officer, the agency and
the bareainine aeent, if applicable, or. if agreement cannot be reached, the Maine Labor
Relations Board shall apDointthe neutral 3rd party in accordance with the procedure
outlined in Title 26. section 979-D. subsection 4, paragraph B. The officer, the agency
and the bargaining agent, if applicable, shall act on thts the report. If a funding request
is necessary to implement an approved adjustment, the officer shall submit the cost
items for inclusion in the Governor's next operating budget within 10 days after action
on the report.
Sec. W-3. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and
allocations are made.
ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF
Administration - Human Resources 0038
Initiative: Establishes one Public Service Coordinator I position for recruitment and
retention adjustment requests and evaluations and provides funding for related All Other
costs.
GENERAL FUND
POSITIONS - LEGISLATIVE COUNT
Personal Services
All Other
GENERAL FUND TOTAL $0 $127,489
Administration - Human Resources 0038
Initiative: Establishes one Public Service Coordinator II position to handle recruitment and
retention adjustment arbitration and provides funding for related All Other costs.
GENERAL FUND 2023-24 2024-25
POSITIONS - LEGISLATIVE COUNT 0.000 1.000
Personal Services $0 $133,759
AllOther $0 $5,375
GENERAL FUND TOTAL $0 $139,134
Administration - Human Resources 0038
Initiative: Provides funding for recruitment and retention adjustments.
GENERAL FUND 2023-24 2024-25
SENATE AMENDMENT
2023-24
0.000
$0
$0
2024-25
1.000
$122,114
$5,375
SENATE AMENDMENT "/1" to COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" to H.P. 1426, L.D. 2225 [,S'7 ^
Personal Services $0 $5,000,000
GENERAL FUND TOTAL $0 $5,000,000
Administration - Human Resources 0038
Initiative: Provides funding for the contracted services of arbitrators and mediators.
GENERAL FUND 2023-24 2024-25
Persona! Services $0 $75,000
GENERAL FUND TOTAL $0 $75,000
ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL
SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF
DEPARTMENT TOTALS 2023-24 2024-25
1415 GENERAL FUND $0 $5,341,623
DEPARTMENT TOTAL - ALL FUNDS $0 $5,341,623
Amend the amendment on page 4 by inserting after section B-4 the following:
'Amend the bill by striking out the emergency clause and inserting the following:
'Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation
takes effect when approved, except as otherwise indicated.''
Amend the amendment by relettering or renumbering any nonconsecutive Part letter or
section number to read consecutively.
SUMMARY
This amendment amends Committee Amendment "A" to change the title and retain the
transfer of $50,000,000 from the Maine Budget Stabilization Fund, but specify that up to
$30,000,000 of the funds provided must be used for projects related to wharves and piers
that support commercial fisheries and aquaculture businesses in this State, with the
remainder of the funds to be used for noncoastal municipal, state or regionally significant
infrastructure adaptation, repair and improvements that support public safety, protection of
essential community assets, regional economic needs and long-term infrastructure
resiliency.
Additionally, this amendment does the following,
Part C directs the Department of Health and Human Services to amend its rule Chapter
101: MaineCare Benefits Manual, Chapter II, Section 13.03-4 to remove from the
eligibility requirements for targeted case management services for adults with substance
8 use disorder the provision regarding pregnancy, living with minor children and intravenous
drug use.
Part D requires the Department of Health and Human Services to offer grants and
incentives to providers to expand into rural areas to provide services to children and adults
SENATE AMENDMENT
SENATE AMENDMENT
" to COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" to H.P. 1426, L.D. 2225 i^yr7c>l
in families involved in the child welfare system. It provides an appropriation of $500,000
for this purpose.
Part E, beginning January 1, 2025, provides reimbursement for the treatment of
personality disorder and other disorders associated with primary emotional dysregulation
and specifies that required reimbursement for emotional dysregulation is for disorders
associated with primary emotional dysregulation. This Part specifies that the
reimbursement must be in accordance with the statutory language describing the
MaineCare rate-setting system for development and maintenance of sustainable, efficient
and value-oriented MaineCare payment models and rates and requires that reimbursed
treatments are evidence-based.
Part F requires the Department of Health and Human Services to establish a
contingency fund to provide supplemental assistance for children and adults with severe
behavioral health diagnoses when those needs are not otherwise met by existing state or
federal programs. The fund is a nonlapsing fund, and expenditures are capped at $100,000
per fiscal year. The funds may be used to support additional staffing, enhanced
reimbursement rates, physical accommodations or other identified needs. Expenditures
from the fund must be used to supplement, not supplant, other departmental expenditures.
Part G provides funding to bridge the gap from federal grants to state funding for
mental health organizations participating in certified community behavioral health clinic
projects.
Part H directs the Department of Health and Human Services to design and implement
a community-based model of care that addresses the acute mental health needs of
adolescents with co-occurring disorders. It appropriates one-time funds of $965,000 for
this purpose. It directs the Department of Health and Human Services, no later than
December 3, 2026, to submit to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having
jurisdiction over health and human services matters a report demonstrating the efficacy of
the model of care and sufficient data to aid in the development of a future MaineCare
reimbursement rate.
Part I requires the Department of Health and Human Services, when conducting its
review of reimbursement rates paid to nursing facilities pursuant to the Maine Revised
Statutes, Title 22, section 3173-J, to consider the following to be included in any new rates
paid to nursing facilities:
1. Providing a supplemental allowance per patient per day that is the difference
between the amount reimbursed by the MaineCare program and the MaineCare allowable
costs as reported in the as-filed MaineCare 2022 cost report. The amount may be no more
than $90 per patient per day for nursing facilities not including rural nursing facilities;
2. Allowing for education and training costs for direct care staff to be included as a
cost component under the MaineCare program, including paying direct care staff wages
while attending the education or training and paying the trainers; and
3. Establishing the separate category of rural nursing facilities for purposes of
providing a supplemental allowance per patient per day.
Part I also requires the department to direct any funds appropriated for one-time
supplements or extraordinary circumstance allowances for nursing facilities or private
nonmedical institutions within the scope of the department's rules for increased costs and
SENATE AMENDMENT
ROS SENATE AMENDMENT " /) " to COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" to H.P. 1426, L.D. 2225 (. <~y'~JC>\
lost revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic that have remained unspent to be used to
create additional financial assistance opportunities for private nonmedical institutions
within the scope of the department's rules.
Part J extends the date by which the Department of Health and Human Services is
required to establish an income disregard for qualified Medicare beneficiaries and qualified
individuals.
Part K changes the educational requirements for behavioral health professionals
providing services for children, regardless of the setting in which the service is provided,
to a minimum of 60 credit hours in a related field, 90 credit hours in an unrelated field or a
high school diploma or equivalent with training and oversight as determined by the
Department of Health and Human Services in addition to the training provided for
certification as a behavioral health professional. It requires the department to amend or
establish contracts for training behavioral health professionals to train any number of
additional individuals within existing resources and authorizes the department to opt to
charge individuals or their employers fees for training.
Part L requires the Department of Health and Human Services to establish
reimbursement rates for Maine Veterans' Homes services covered by the MaineCare
program. This Part requires the MaineCare program to reimburse veterans' facilities for
covered services on a per resident daily rate basis that will reimburse the portion of the total
MaineCare allowable cost of operating each veterans' facility attributable to the provision
of services to residents who receive MaineCare benefits. This Part requires the department
to index the rates to inflation annually.
Part M provides funding to strengthen and expand mental health crisis intervention
mobile response services in order to provide services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, It
requires the Department of Health and Human Services to provide for the incorporation of
specific types of mental health and crisis intervention experts into the existing crisis
services response system. It also provides funding for ancillary services for mobile
response services, including necessary travel and telephone conferences with clients. Part
M also requires the Department of Health and Human Services, by January 30, 2025, in
coordination with the Public Utilities Commission, Emergency Services Communication
Bureau and the Department of Public Safety, to ensure the coordination of services under
the State's E-9-1-1 system and the State's 9-8-8 mobile crisis services system. By January
30,2026, the Department of Health and Human Services must submit a status report related
to the coordination of services, including suggested legislation, to the joint standing
committees of the Legislature having jurisdiction over health and human services matters
and utilities matters, and authorizes each of those joint standing committees to submit a bill
relating to the report to the Second Regular Session of the 132nd Legislature.
Part N directs the Department of Health and Human Services to establish 2 crisis
receiving centers, one in Aroostook County and one in Penobscot County, to support
individuals dealing with behavioral health, mental health or substance use issues. Crisis
receiving centers must provide culturally sensitive trauma-informed care. Part N also
provides funding to establish the crisis receiving centers. The department is required to
develop a plan to expand crisis receiving centers statewide, with at least one center located
in each county.
SENATE AMENDMENT
SENATE AMENDMENT •• f^ " to COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" to H.P. 1426, L.D. 2225 /<y-7b |'
ROS
Part 0 establishes the Office of Violence Prevention within the Maine Center for
Disease Control and Prevention to coordinate and promote effective efforts to reduce
violence in the State, including gun violence, and related trauma and promote research
regarding causes of and evidence-based responses to violence. The office is directed to
increase the awareness of and educate the general public about laws and resources relating
to violence prevention and conduct awareness and education campaigns. The office may
establish and administer a grant program to award grants to organizations to conduct
community-based violence intervention initiatives that are primarily focused on
interrupting cycles of violence, trauma and retaliation by providing culturally competent
intervention services. The grant program ends June 30, 2027. The office is required to
create and maintain a data hub of regularly updated and accurate materials and resources
as a repository for data, research and statistical information regarding violence in the State.
Part 0 also provides funding for those purposes.
Part P provides ongoing funding to the Department of Health and Human Services for
employee recruitment and retention incentives to the staff who provide medication
management services provided by the Office of Behavioral Health within the department.
Part Q requires the Department of Public Safety to contract with a statewide
organization with expertise in mental health for the establishment of a gun shop project for
the development and dissemination of written and online suicide prevention educational
materials. The department is required to submit a report by December 1, 2026 regarding
the activities during the prior calendar year related to the establishment and administration
of the gun shop project to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having
jurisdiction over public safety matters.
Part R requires the Commissioner of Public Safety to develop and implement
procedures to notify the public, including the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, of
active shooter situations and provides funding for that purpose.
Part S amends Public Law 2023, chapter 406, which funded collective bargaining
agreements with executive branch employees for the fiscal years 2023-24 and 2024-25, by
removing the cap on the amount that may be used to fund the Salary Plan program and
0 instead allowing the funds to be provided pursuant to agreements with collective bargaining
agents for executive branch bargaining units instead of pursuant to a collective bargaining
agreement.
Part T prohibits, until July 1,2029, the Department of Health and Human Services from
altering the reimbursement method for a hospital that receives reimbursement from the
federal Medicare program as a prospective payment system hospital if that hospital was
reimbursed by the MaineCare program as a critical access hospital for outpatient services
on or before January 1,2024. This Part also requires the department to work with any such
8 hospital to determine a plan for transitioning to reimbursement by the MaineCare program
as a critical access hospital while maintaining financial solvency.
Part U provides that, beginning in the school year starting after June 30, 2025, the
minimum hourly wage for educational technicians is 125% of the state minimum hourly
wage and the minimum hourly wage for other school support staff who are paid hourly is
112.5% of the state minimum hourly wage. If the state minimum hourly wage is increased
on January 1 st of any year, the minimum hourly wage for educational technicians and other
school support staff is increased beginning July 1 st of the same year,
Page32-131LR3090(08)
SENATE AMENDMENT
SENATE AMENDMENT " j\" to COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" to H.P. 1426, L.D. 2225 [ <y'~J b I
Part U provides that, beginning in fiscal year 2025-26 and for each subsequent fiscal
year, the Commissioner of Education is required to update the salary matrix to reflect any
increase in the minimum hourly wage of educational technicians and clerical staff. The
Department of Education is directed to incorporate the minimum hourly wage into the
essential programs and services funding model.
Part U also provides that, for the 2025-2026 school year only, the State must pay 100%
of the additional funding necessary to achieve the minimum hourly wage.
Part V establishes a grant program within the Department of Education to provide
grants to school administrative units that contract for behavioral and mental health services
provided by licensed behavioral and mental health service providers. This Part limits the
use of funds provided through the grant program to behavioral and mental health services
that are not otherwise covered or reimbursable through the IVtaineCare program and
provides that funds must be used in a manner that does not supplant qualified and available
school administrative unit behavioral and mental health staff. Part V provides that the
amounts of the grants must be based on a school administrative unit's population and
provides ongoing funding for the grants starting in the 2nd year of the biennium.
Part W amends the recruitment and retention adjustment process for state civil service
employees by:
1. Reducing from 4 to at least 2 the number of specified conditions that must be met to
authorize payment of a recruitment and retention adjustment; and
2. Requiring, in the event the committee formed to determine the appropriate
recruitment and retentior^adjTfs^ments cannot agree on the appropriate adjustment, the use
of a neutral 3rd party to i^al^e a^Tmal deci;
SPONSORED BY:
\
(Senator BENNETT, R.)
COUNTY: Oxford
NSCAL NOTE REQUIRED
(See attached)
SENATE AMENDMENT
Revised: 04/12/24 ^y^C-
LD 2225 LR 3090(08)
An Act to Provide Funding to Rebuild Infrastructure Affected by Extreme Inland and Coastal
Weather Events
Fiscal Note for Senate Amendment "^" to Committee Amendment "A"f $--'701
Sponsor: Sen. Bennett of Oxford
Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Net Cost (Savings)
General Fund
Appropriatipns/AMocations
General Fund
Federal Expenditures Fund
Other Special Revenue Funds
Federal Block Grant Fund
Fiscal Note
Projections Projections
FY 2023-24 FY 2024-25 FY 2025-26 FY 2026-27
$0 $63,841,544 $76,260,601 $76,521,710
$0 $63,841,544
$0 $79,273,494
$0 $6,998,717
$0 $196,884
$76,260,601
$85,489,749
$7,399,803
$200,109
$76,521,7.
$85,496,325
$7,399,803
$203,489
Revenue
Federal Expenditures Fund
Other Special Revenue Funds
Federal Block Grant Fund
$0 $19,039,931
$0 $1,175,298
$0 $196,884
$25,256,186
$1,576,384
$200,109
$25,262,762
$1,576,384
$203,489
Fiscal Detail and Notes
This amendment provides General Fund appropriations of $63,841,544 in fiscal year 2024-25. The amendment also
provides corresponding Federal Expenditures Fund, Other Special Revenue Funds and Federal Block Grant Fund
allocations in fiscal year 2024-25. General Fund appropriations provided in this amendment will result in aggregate
General Fund appropriations for fiscal year 2024-25 exceeding the appropriations limitation for fiscal year 2024-25
calculated pursuant to PL 2023, c. 412, Part 1-6.
This. amendment requires that, beginning with the school year starting after June 30, 2025, the minimum hourly wage
for educational technicians is 125% of the state minimum hourly wage and the minimum hourly wage for other school
support staff who are paid hourly is 112.5% of the state minimum hourly wage. The total State cost of this provision is
estimated to be $7,720,862 in fiscal year 2025-26 and $7,952,488 in fiscal year 2026-27 and is fully funded by the
State.
LR3090(08) - Fiscal Note - Page 1 of 2
SACS--7^)
The amendment modifies the upper limit on transfers from the Salaiy Plan used to fund collective bargaining
agreements. The fixed limit of $99,000,000 established in PL 2023, c. 406 is replaced with a variable limit determined
by the full amount that has accrued in the Salary Plan program, General Fund account within the Department of
Administrative and Financial Services (DAFS) at the time agreements are reached, The unobligated balance in the
Salaiy Plan is currently $147,480,436. The amount of balances that will be available at the time agreements are
reached cannot be determined at this time.
This amendment provides ongoing General Fund appropriations of $1,353,000 per year beginning in fiscal year 2024-
to the School and Student Supports program within the Department of Education for grants to school
administrative units for contracted behavioral and mental health services for students. The grants are based on the
population of each school administrative unit,
The amendment includes ongoing General Fund appropriations to DAFS of $5,341,623 beginning in fiscal year 2024-
for the increased costs of recruitment and retention adjustments resulting from changes to the eligibility criteria for
adjustments, two additional staff positions in the Bureau of Human Resources (BHR) within DAFS to manage
increased recruitment and retention initiatives and for payments to contracted mediation and arbitration services.
LR3090(08) - Fiscal Note - Page 2 of 2