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LD 944

Resolution, Proposing An Amendment To The Constitution Of Maine To Improve Representation And Simplify Legislative Redistricting

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Rick Bennett and 3 co-sponsors

Proposes a Maine constitutional amendment to improve representation and simplify redistricting, to be decided by a statewide November 2025 referendum.

Pursuant to Joint Rule 310.3 Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD)
#houseofrepresentatives #legislature #redistricting
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Bill Summary · LD 944

Summary of LD 944 — Resolution, Proposing An Amendment To The Constitution Of Maine To Improve Representation And Simplify Legislative Redistricting

Overview

  • LD Number: 944
  • Title: Resolution, Proposing An Amendment To The Constitution Of Maine To Improve Representation And Simplify Legislative Redistricting
  • Type: Joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment
  • Sponsor: Rep. Warren of Scarborough
  • Committee: State and Local Government
  • Status: Dead (Pursuant to Joint Rule 310.3, placed in legislative files)
  • Introduced: March 5, 2025
  • Version/References: LR 1613(01)

Purpose and Intent

  • The resolution seeks to amend the Maine Constitution to “improve representation and simplify legislative redistricting.”
  • The exact text of the proposed amendment is not provided in the available documents, so the specific changes to representation rules or redistricting procedures are not enumerated here.

Key Provisions (What the bill would do)

  • As a constitutional amendment proposal, it would place a statewide referendum question on the ballot to approve or reject the amendment.
  • The precise constitutional changes are not detailed in the documents provided; the summary cannot list particular criteria, processes, or mechanisms that the amendment would establish or modify.

Fiscal and Administrative Implications

  • Fiscal Note (Document 2): Preliminary; requires potential General Fund costs related to holding a statewide referendum.
  • Referendum costs:
    • Election: November 2025 General Election
    • The Secretary of State’s budget accommodates one ballot of average length.
    • If the referendum were to require a second ballot (i.e., additional referendum questions), an additional appropriation of approximately $341,000 may be needed.
  • Effective date of any costs would depend on when the referendum is scheduled and whether multiple questions appear on the ballot.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Voters of Maine: Would be asked to vote on the proposed constitutional amendment in a November 2025 general election, if the proposal advances.
  • Secretary of State and election administrators: Responsible for administering the referendum, including ballot production and delivery.
  • Legislative process: If revived or reintroduced, would follow standard constitutional amendment procedures (committee review, potential readings, and voter approval).

Legislative Timeline and Status

  • March 5, 2025: LD 944 introduced and referred to the Committee on State and Local Government.
  • March 21, 2025: Carried over to the next special or regular session per Joint Order SP 519.
  • May 12–19, 2025: Work session held; reported out as ONTP (Ought Not To Pass).
  • May 21, 2025: Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD) under Joint Rule 310.3.
  • Overall status: Dead for the 132nd Legislature; could be revived only if reintroduced in a future session.

Notes

  • The available materials do not include the actual text of the proposed constitutional amendment, so readers should not assume specific reform details beyond the stated aim of improving representation and simplifying redistricting.
  • If you need, I can summarize any available text from the amendment if you provide it or point to the corresponding legislative documents.

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

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