Resolved: Two thirds of each branch of the
Maine Legislature, Session 132, LD 1221
Committee: Labor
Sponsors: DRINKWATER, BRADSTREET

Legislative Document
No. 1221
H.P. 796
House of Representatives, March 20, 2025
RESOLUTION, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of 
Maine to Prohibit the Legislature from Using Paid Family and 
Medical Leave Program Funds for Any Other Purpose
Reference to the Committee on Labor suggested and ordered printed.
ROBERT B. HUNT
Clerk
Presented by Representative DRINKWATER of Milford.
Cosponsored by Senator BRADSTREET of Kennebec and
Representatives: DAIGLE of Fort Kent, DUCHARME of Madison, GRIFFIN of Levant, 
LEMELIN of Chelsea, MORRIS of Turner, SOBOLESKI of Phillips.
Constitutional amendment. Resolved: Two thirds of each branch of the 
Legislature concurring, that the following amendment to the Constitution of Maine be 
proposed:
Constitution, Art. IX, §26 is enacted to read:
Section 26.  Limitation on expenditure of paid family and medical leave 
benefits program revenues.  All revenues derived from taxes, fees, premiums, fines 
and penalties relating to a paid family and medical leave benefits program and any other 
money received from any source, including grants, gifts, bequests or money specifically 
designated to benefit such a program, together with the interest and earnings on such 
revenues and other money, must be expended solely for the cost of program benefits and 
administration and may not be encumbered for, or diverted to, other purposes.
Constitutional referendum procedure; form of question; effective date.  
Resolved:  That the municipal officers of this State shall notify the inhabitants of their 
respective cities, towns and plantations to meet, in the manner prescribed by law for holding 
a statewide election, at a statewide election held in the month of November following the 
passage of this resolution, to vote upon the ratification of the amendment proposed in this 
resolution by voting upon the following question:
"Do you favor amending the Constitution of Maine to provide that all 
revenues relating to a paid family and medical leave benefits program must 
be expended solely for the cost of program benefits and administration and 
may not be used for other purposes?"
The legal voters of each city, town and plantation shall vote by ballot on this question 
and designate their choice by a cross or check mark placed within the corresponding square 
below the word "Yes" or "No."  The ballots must be received, sorted, counted and declared 
in open ward, town and plantation meetings and returns made to the Secretary of State in 
the same manner as votes for members of the Legislature.  The Governor shall review the 
returns.  If it appears that a majority of the legal votes are cast in favor of the amendment, 
the Governor shall proclaim that fact without delay and the amendment becomes part of 
the Constitution of Maine on the date of the proclamation.
Secretary of State shall prepare ballots.  Resolved:  That the Secretary of State 
shall prepare and furnish to each city, town and plantation all ballots, returns and copies of 
this resolution necessary to carry out the purposes of this referendum.
SUMMARY
This resolution proposes to amend the Constitution of Maine to provide that all 
revenues relating to a paid family and medical leave benefits program must be expended 
solely for the cost of program benefits and administration and may not be encumbered for, 
or diverted to, other purposes.