President Daughtry bills that will go into effect September 24
Supporting Consumers, Students, Workers, and Communities Across Maine
AUGUSTA, ME — Several major pieces of legislation sponsored by Senate President Mattie Daughtry (D-Brunswick) will officially go into effect this week, marking meaningful progress for Maine families, workers, students, and communities. From ticket buyer protections to workforce housing and school nutrition initiatives, these new laws reflect a deep commitment to building a stronger, fairer Maine.
“These laws are rooted in the everyday needs of Maine people. Whether it’s protecting Mainers from predatory business practices, helping our kids eat healthier in school, making it easier to stay housed while working, or ensuring infrastructure investments go where they’re needed most—these policies are about practical progress,” said Senate President Daughtry. “In a time of rising national uncertainty and deepening challenges across the country, I know how important it is to stay focused on what we can do right here at home. Maine people deserve stability, common-sense leadership, and results they can feel in their daily lives. That’s what these laws represent.
While there is still so much more to do, I’m proud of the real, measurable progress we’ve made this year. These victories are a reminder that in Maine, we still believe in rolling up our sleeves and delivering for our communities—one step at a time, and always with people at the center of our work.”
These new Maine laws sponsored by President Daughtry go into effect this week:
LD 913 – An Act to Amend the Law Regulating the Resale of Tickets
Protecting Ticket Buyers from Scams and Surprise Fees
This first-in-the-nation consumer protection law bans speculative ticket listings, deceptive ticket websites, and bots that buy up large blocks of tickets before fans have a fair shot. It also requires full price transparency, so Mainers see the total cost (fees included) before checkout.
LD 1858 – An Act To Promote Local Seafood in Schools
Bringing Healthy, Local Seafood to Student Lunch Trays
Passed with unanimous Senate support, this bill updates the Local Foods Fund to make it easier for schools to purchase seafood from Maine’s fishermen, aquaculturists, and processors. It increases state matching funds to help districts offer fresh, locally caught meals, while bolstering one of Maine’s cornerstone industries. Just as importantly, it supports student health by expanding access to high-quality protein and nutrient-rich options. It ensures that kids across Maine can grow, learn, and thrive with nutritious local food on their plates.
LD 894 – An Act To Amend the Laws Governing Paid Family and Medical Leave
Strengthening Maine’s Groundbreaking New Benefit for Workers
With Mainers set to start using Paid Family and Medical Leave benefits in 2026, this law ensures the program is stronger and more accessible by refining eligibility, protections, and implementation logistics. Daughtry played a central role in creating the original program in 2023. LD 894 refines what decades of advocacy and years of careful policy work produced: a Maine-made program that works for Maine people and businesses alike.
“This program will be life-changing,” said Senate President Mattie Daughtry during the first regular session. “No Mainer should have to choose between a paycheck and caring for a loved one. We’re building a more compassionate, economically resilient future.”
LD 1287 – An Act To Support Workforce Development by Establishing the Housing Stability Fund
Keeping MaineWorkers Housed—and Employed
This legislation helps Maine workers afford housing and remain connected to employment by making targeted rental assistance available. This is one of the most cost effective and successful ways to prevent homelessness and ensure continuity in Maine’s workforce.
LD 1340 – An Act To Establish the Municipal Stream Crossing Fund
Strengthening Infrastructure, Protecting Natural Resources
This law creates a dedicated grant fund for municipalities to repair and replace failing culverts and stream crossings—a smart investment in public safety, environmental health, and local job creation. This initiative also complements the goals of LD 1, Senate President Daughtry’s comprehensive storm emergency preparedness legislation that went into effect earlier this year. As Maine faces more frequent and intense storms due to climate change, upgrading culverts and stream crossings is essential to prevent flooding, protect roadways, and safeguard natural ecosystems. Together, these laws represent a proactive, climate-smart approach to protecting Maine communities before disaster strikes.
Full list of Daughtry bills going into effect September 24, 2025: (Non‑Emergency)
LD 29 – Resolve, To Require the Department of Transportation To Implement the Recommendations of the Lower Road Rail Use Advisory Council and the Calais Branch Rail Use Advisory Council
LD 30 – Resolve, To Direct the Department of Transportation To Implement the Recommendations of the Portland to Auburn Rail Use Advisory Council
LD 135 - An Act to Provide Compensation to Members of the Permanent Commission on the Status of Women to Enhance Equitable Commission Participation from Across the State
LD 396 – Resolve, Directing the Department of Education To Develop a Grant Program To Encourage Secondary Schools To Adopt Later Start Times
LD 894 – An Act To Amend the Laws Governing Paid Family and Medical Leave
LD 913 – An Act to Amend the Law Regulating the Resale of Tickets
LD 1209 – Resolve, To Create a Working Group To Study the Safety and Use of Nonconforming Vehicles on Maine's Roads and Highways
LD 1287 – An Act To Support Workforce Development by Establishing the Housing Stability Fund
LD 1340 – An Act To Establish the Municipal Stream Crossing Fund
LD 1637 - An Act to Reform the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority
LD 1648 – Resolve, To Honor Margaret Chase Smith and Joshua Chamberlain in the National Statuary Hall Collection
LD 1858 – An Act To Promote Local Seafood in Schools
LD 1863 – An Act To Amend the Laws Governing the Maine Space Corporation