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LD 280

An Act To Establish Lifetime Ferry Passes For Retired Maine State Ferry Service Employees

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Chip Curry

Establishes lifetime, fare-free Maine State Ferry Service passes for eligible retirees (15+ years, island resident), costing about $18,300/year in revenue.

Signed by Governor
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Bill Summary · LD 280

Summary — LD 280: An Act To Establish Lifetime Ferry Passes For Retired Maine State Ferry Service Employees

Status: Signed by Governor (June 10, 2025)
Introduced: January 28, 2025
Committee: Transportation — Final action: Passed as amended (Committee Amendment "A" (S‑193)); enrolled and enacted.

Purpose

LD 280 creates a lifetime ferry-pass benefit for eligible Maine State Ferry Service employees upon retirement. The intent is to provide continued fare-free access to state ferry service for long‑serving, year‑round island residents who worked for the ferry system.

Key provisions

  • Establishes lifetime ferry passes for qualifying individuals (as reflected in the bill title and enacted language).
  • Eligibility criteria (as reflected in fiscal notes and enacted amendment):
    • Must be a year‑round resident of an island served by the Maine State Ferry Service; and
    • Must have been employed by the Maine State Ferry Service for at least 15 years (the bill targets state ferry employees who meet this tenure requirement).
  • Administrative implementation and any details (pass issuance, verification, exceptions) would be managed by the Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) / Maine State Ferry Service; the enacted bill authorizes MaineDOT to implement the passes consistent with the statute.

Fiscal impact

  • The Department of Transportation’s Island Ferry Services Fund is projected to experience a revenue decrease of $18,300 annually.
  • The fiscal note records the $18,300 reduction beginning in FY 2025–26 and continuing in subsequent projected fiscal years.
  • The amount indicates a relatively small, ongoing loss of fare revenue; the fiscal note does not break out the number of beneficiaries.

Who is affected

  • Primary beneficiaries: retired Maine State Ferry Service employees who are year‑round island residents and who satisfy the 15‑year employment requirement.
  • Statewide impact: MaineDOT / Island Ferry Services Fund (reduced fare revenue by ~ $18,300/year).
  • Ferry riders and operations: minimal direct operational impact anticipated; the change affects fare revenue rather than service levels.

Legislative and procedural timeline

  • Referred to the Transportation Committee (Jan 28, 2025).
  • Committee work: Reported Out OTP‑AM, work session held, Committee Amendment "A" (S‑193) adopted.
  • Passed both chambers (June 2, 2025); signed by Governor June 10, 2025.
  • Fiscal notes approved May 28 and June 2, 2025.

Notes: The enacted text (as amended) defines the eligibility and creates the lifetime pass benefit; administrative rules or guidance from MaineDOT will specify implementation details (application, verification, and issuance).

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

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