Maine's 2019 Legislative Session Report

Date: July 22, 2019

Information on legislation impacting small businesses in the state

A big transition of political power took place at the ballot box last November, with the election of Gov. Janet Mills and one-party control of the legislature, and the results played out dramatically at the State House during the legislative session that adjourned the morning of June 20.

The 2019 session was one of the most activist-oriented in decades. Dozens of new and returning legislators were eager to rollback pro-business and pro-taxpayer laws enacted during the past eight years of the Governor LePage era. And those legislators were also eager to advance ideas that had been vetoed over the past eight years, blocked by divided political control of the legislature, or were part of new agendas being pursued by national special interest groups.

A high level of turnover from a combination of term limits, other retirements, and election defeats also contributed a very busy session. Nearly half of the 151 legislators began the session with either no legislative service or only two years of service prior to 2019, which may rank Maine among the most inexperienced legislative bodies in the nation.

The 1,846 legislative proposals introduced are the most in the first regular session since 2007. The 530 new public laws are the most since 1999. Overall, new laws and resolves represent over 45% of the bills acted on this year. By way of contrast, the New Hampshire legislature considered 1,091 proposals of which 155 became law; Connecticut enacted 201 new laws; Rhode Island enacted 87; and, Vermont enacted 83.

Alas, it will be more challenging than ever to employ people in Maine and operate a successful small business, though Governor Mills interceded to prevent significant new employment costs, and her pledge to not support new or higher taxes has so far blocked legislative zeal in that direction. However, there are significant concerns the higher State Budget will be unsustainable in future years without tax increases. New laws on the renewable energy front likely will make electricity more expensive than otherwise. And, legislative actions may increase health insurance costs in the individual and small group markets.

Legislation affecting workplaces, wages, and employment costs were particularly numerous this session. NFIB worked closely with the Governor and key legislators to reduce the cost impact of paid leave legislation (LD 369). Governor Mills was also instrumental in working with business, labor, and insurance representatives to reach consensus on modest changes in the worker’s compensation law (LD 756).

Related Content: Small Business News | Maine

Subscribe For Free News And Tips

Enter your email to get FREE small business insights. Learn more

Get to know NFIB

NFIB is a member-driven organization advocating on behalf of small and independent businesses nationwide.

Learn More

Or call us today
1-800-634-2669

© 2001 - 2024 National Federation of Independent Business. All Rights Reserved. Terms and Conditions | Privacy