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LD 775

An Act Requiring Voter Approval Of Legislative And Gubernatorial Pay Increases

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mathew McIntyre and 2 co-sponsors

Any Governor or legislative pay raise must win voter approval at the next general election via a statewide referendum; may trigger a second-ballot cost (~$341,000) for SOS.

Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD)
#legislators #legislature #salaries
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Bill Summary · LD 775

Summary: LD 775 — An Act Requiring Voter Approval Of Legislative And Gubernatorial Pay Increases

Status: Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD)

Introduction: LD 775, introduced February 25, 2025, would require that any enacted legislation increasing the salary of the Governor or members of the Maine Legislature be approved by voters at the next general election. The bill was referred to the Committee on State and Local Government, reported out, debated, and ultimately placed in legislative files as not enacted.

Purpose and Intent

  • To ensure that any increase in the Governor’s salary or legislative salaries is subject to direct voter approval.
  • To shift pay-increase decisions for top state elected officials from the legislature alone to a statewide referendum, thereby giving Maine voters the final say.

Key Provisions

  • Any enacted bill that increases the salary of the Governor or the Legislature must be approved by voters at the next general election.
  • The measure creates a statewide referendum mechanism for gubernatorial and legislative pay increases.
  • If the number of referendum questions on the ballot requires a second ballot to be printed, the Maine Department of Secretary of State would need a General Fund appropriation to cover printing and mailing costs of the second ballot.

Fiscal Implications

  • Preliminary Fiscal Impact: Potential General Fund cost increases in the current biennium related to the referendum process.
  • Specific cost noted: If a second ballot is required due to the referendum questions, the Secretary of State would need about $341,000 for printing and mailing the second ballot.
  • The two fiscal notes (LR 1050(01) and LR 1050(02)) reflect identical fiscal impacts tied to the same provision.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Primary Affected Officials: Governor and Maine state legislators (salary increases would be subject to voter approval).
  • Governmental/Administrative: Maine Secretary of State (ballot printing/mailing logistics and funding implications).
  • Voters: Would have a direct say on pay increases for top state officials at the next general election.
  • Taxpayers/Public: Potentially higher or lower taxpayer exposure depending on whether pay increases are approved; fiscal notes highlight ballot-related costs.

Timeline and Procedural History

  • Introduced: February 25, 2025.
  • Referred to Committee: State and Local Government (02/25/2025).
  • Work Session: April 14, 2025 (Voted - Divided Report).
  • Reported Out: May 22, 2025 (ONTP/OTP-AM).
  • Committee Action: May 27–28, 2025 (Majority Ought Not to Pass reported; concurrence actions followed).
  • Final Status: Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD) on May 28, 2025.

Notes for Readers

  • The bill would not adjust salaries directly but would trigger a voter referendum for any salary increases.
  • Its passage would depend on the electorate’s approval in a general election, potentially delaying or blocking pay increases.
  • While the measure ultimately did not advance, the fiscal notes emphasize the cost considerations tied to statewide ballots and potential second ballots.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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