ABC Maine Blog

As the 132nd Maine Legislature advances through its 2025 session, several key policy developments may directly impact our industry and the broader construction and business community. 

First, lawmakers passed the “Part One” biennial budget (LD 210), totaling $11.3 billion for fiscal years 2026–2027. This budget maintains baseline funding for things like education, revenue sharing, and Maine Care, but delays significant new initiatives to a forthcoming “Part Two” budget. Legislative Democrats have been relying on updated revenue forecasts to determine how to move forward. As members approach the end of session, legislators will have to grapple with how to fund the largest budget in Maine history while maintain government services at current levels. The Legislature is scheduled to adjourn June 18. 

Implementation of Maine’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program is now underway. Employer and employee payroll contributions began in January 2025, with benefits scheduled to begin in May 2026. Several bills under consideration—LD 894, LD 1712, and LD 1307—seek to refine the program’s implementation. LD 1307, in particular, may offer relief to ABC Maine members by pausing premium payments for employers with equivalent private plans and expediting exemption approvals. Maine’s PFML program has been heavily scrutinized by Maine’s business community during its implementation. 

Finally, LD 1226, sponsored by Rep. Tiffany Roberts, proposes licensure for residential general contractors on projects exceeding $15,000 or those involving multiple licensed trades. The bill responds to a rising number of consumer complaints and would create a Residential Construction Board to oversee education, insurance, and disclosure requirements. While commercial and small-scale work is excluded, ABC Maine is closely monitoring this legislation for potential long-term implications on industry standards and precedent.