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LD 284

An Act To Update Major Policy-Influencing Positions Within The Maine Human Rights Commission

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Matt Moonen

Reclassifies the Maine Human Rights Commission Counsel from Public Service Coordinator III to a major policy-influencing position; no new staff, modest General Fund costs.

Signed by Governor
#commission #humanrights #majorpolicy-influencingpositions
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Bill Summary · LD 284

Summary — LD 284 (132nd Legislature)

Title: An Act To Update Major Policy-Influencing Positions Within The Maine Human Rights Commission
Status: Signed by Governor (July 1, 2025)
Introduced: January 28, 2025 · Sponsor: Rep. Moonen of Portland · Committee: Judiciary

Purpose

LD 284 reclassifies the existing Commission Counsel position at the Maine Human Rights Commission from a Public Service Coordinator III classification to a "major policy‑influencing" position. The intent is to recognize and align the Commission Counsel role with positions that have substantial policy influence within state government (affecting classification, pay and related personnel administration).

Key provisions

  • Reclassifies the incumbent Commission Counsel position from Public Service Coordinator III to a major policy‑influencing position.
  • Does not create a new position or add headcount; it modifies the classification/status of an existing position.
  • Committee Amendment "A" (H‑165) was adopted during the legislative process; the engrossed version as amended is the enacted language.

Fiscal impact

Fiscal notes (preliminary and amended) indicate modest General Fund costs associated with the reclassification:
- FY 2025‑26: $2,976 (appropriation)
- FY 2026‑27: $10,447 (appropriation)
- FY 2027‑28: $10,781 (projection)
- FY 2028‑29: $11,126 (projection)

These costs reflect salary and related benefit adjustments tied to reclassification. No new recurring program expenditures or additional staff were authorized beyond reclassifying the existing post.

Who is affected

  • Primary: The incumbent and any future holders of the Commission Counsel position at the Maine Human Rights Commission (classification, pay scale, personnel administration).
  • Secondary: Maine Human Rights Commission operations (potential impacts on recruitment, retention, and internal compensation structure).
  • State budget/General Fund: small additional personnel costs as shown above.

Legislative timeline and status

  • Referred to Judiciary: Jan 28, 2025.
  • Committee work, amendment adoption, and votes through May 2025 (Committee Amendment "A" adopted; “Majority Ought to Pass as Amended” reported).
  • Passed both chambers and placed on Special Appropriations Table on May 27 and June 25, 2025.
  • Passed to be enacted in concurrence: June 25, 2025.
  • Signed into law by the Governor: July 1, 2025.

Notes / Limitations

  • The bill is narrowly targeted to one position classification; it does not change the Commission’s statutory duties or add program authority.
  • Fiscal notes reflect state General Fund impacts only and are limited to personnel cost changes associated with reclassification.

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

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