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LD 1731

An Act To Increase The Influence Of The Maine State Ferry Advisory Board On The Funding And Operations Of The Maine State Ferry Service

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Chip Curry and 6 co-sponsors

The bill would have expanded the Maine State Ferry Advisory Board’s influence over funding and operational decisions for the Maine State Ferry Service.

Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD)
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Bill Summary · LD 1731

Summary of LD 1731 (Maine)

Overview

LD 1731, titled An Act To Increase The Influence Of The Maine State Ferry Advisory Board On The Funding And Operations Of The Maine State Ferry Service, sought to expand the role of the Maine State Ferry Advisory Board (MSFAB) in decisions about funding and operations of the Maine State Ferry Service (MSFS). The bill was introduced on April 22, 2025 and is currently listed as placed in Legislative Files (DEAD), meaning it did not become law. The measure underwent committee consideration, received varying fiscal notes, and was ultimately vetoed by the Governor with the legislature unable to override.

Purpose and Intent

  • Increase the influence of MSFAB over the funding and operational decisions of the MSFS.
  • Aim to elevate board input in budgeting, service planning, and day-to-day ferry operations (specific mechanisms not provided in the available materials).

Key Provisions (as available)

  • The central thrust is to expand MSFAB’s role in guiding or shaping funding decisions and operational matters for MSFS.
  • The exact procedural changes (e.g., required board approvals, budgetary thresholds, or consultation processes) are not detailed in the provided documents.
  • A committee amendment appeared in the fiscal note process, resulting in a minor cost impact applicable to the Highway Fund; otherwise, a preliminary note indicated no fiscal impact.

Fiscal Impacts

  • Preliminary Fiscal Note (Original Bill): No fiscal impact.
  • Fiscal Note (As Amended by Committee): Minor cost increase to the Highway Fund; costs expected to be minor and absorbable within existing DOT resources.
  • Overall, fiscal implications are small and manageable within current budgeted resources, depending on how the bill’s provisions are implemented.

Affected Parties

  • Maine State Ferry Advisory Board (MSFAB)
  • Maine State Ferry Service (MSFS)
  • Maine Department of Transportation (DOT), which administers or oversees MSFS
  • Highway Fund (potentially affected by the amended provisions)

Legislative History and Status

  • Introduced: April 22, 2025
  • Committee: Transportation
  • Key actions (selected):
    • April–May 2025: Referred to Transportation; work session and votes in committee
    • June 11, 2025: Bill advanced through multiple readings and concurrence steps
    • June 13–16, 2025: Several votes; debate over passage and reconsideration
    • June 25, 2025: Senate vote to override Governor’s objections failed (16-16); veto sustained
    • June 25, 2025: Bill placed in Legislative Files (DEAD)
  • Status: DEAD (not enacted)

Practical Implications and Considerations

  • As introduced, the bill would have expanded MSFAB’s influence, potentially affecting funding allocations and operational decisions for MSFS.
  • The final status indicates the measure did not become law, so MSFAB’s authority remains unchanged by this bill.
  • If similar proposals recur, proponents may seek more specific statutory language outlining approval processes, funding governance, or oversight mechanisms; opponents may seek to preserve existing program management structures.

Note

All details reflect the bill’s text and actions as provided in the documents above. The exact statutory language and mechanisms by which MSFAB would influence funding and operations are not included here.

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

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