Maine Legislative Leaders Approve Some Labor Bills to Be Considered in the 2026 Legislative Session; Hospital Closure Bill Being Appealed

The second regular session of the Maine Legislature is shorter and only a limited number of new bills are accepted for consideration. Legislative leaders in Augusta recently voted to allow three labor bills to be considered in the 2026 regular session. These bills have not received their LD numbers yet. Each of them impact specific union affiliates of the Maine AFL-CIO and the broader working class.

LR 2858, "An Act to Include Certain Community Mental Health Workers Under the 1998 Special Plan for Retirement," sponsored by Senator Mike Tipping (D-Penobscot). AFSCME Council 93 is backing this measure that would include certain mental health crises workers at state psychiatric facilities in a special state retirement plan that allows certain public employees to receive a full pension after 25 years of service. Currently, direct care workers at the facility — as well as firefighters, police, corrections officers — are eligible for this plan.

LR 2647, "An Act to Enhance the Safety of Public Transit Bus Operators Through the Installation of Vehicle Security Barriers," sponsored by Sen. Teresa Pierce (D-Cumberland). This bill will help public transit bus operators have a safe work environment. According to ATU 714, which represents public transit operators in Maine, operator safety is the top issue for its members and this bill would help recruit and retain drivers.

LR 2871, "An Act to Clarify Indemnification When Seeking Remedy for Labor Law Violations," sponsored by Rep. Matt Beck (D-So. Portland). This labor enforcement bill will help secure remedies for workers who are harmed by labor law violations in the construction industry.

We will be providing more information about these bills and dates for their public hearings in the coming months.

We were disappointed that LR 2913, "An Act to Prevent the Reduction of Services at Acute Care Hospitals," sponsored by Senate President Mattie Daughtry (D-Cumberland) was not accepted by the Legislative Council. That decision is being appealed and we hope it will let in upon appeal. Nurses and working class people in rural Maine have been hit hard by unit closures. This bill would require acute care hospitals to maintain the obstetrics, birthing, pediatrics, and surgical services, in addition to existing services, as a condition of licensure. It is a priority bill for the Maine State Nurses Association/NNU.