MaineMaine would fund a statewide database for general assistance decisions
Maine’s health department would get until July 1, 2028 to give local overseers real-time database access, with funding and a progress report required.
What it does
The department would have until July 1, 2028 to provide local overseers a real-time online database for checking general assistance eligibility.
The department would report by February 1, 2027 on its progress toward building the statewide general assistance database.
The amendment sets aside $2.8 million to build the general assistance database and $450,000 for its ongoing maintenance in fiscal year 2026–27.
Argument forFunding to build and maintain a shared database could help local overseers check applicants’ eligibility information in real time.
Argument againstThe later database deadline could mean local overseers wait longer for real-time eligibility information, which may slow their decisions for applicants.
More detail
The Department of Health and Human Services must provide overseers access to an online database with real-time information needed to decide general assistance eligibility. The database is for local general assistance overseers deciding whether applicants qualify. The required database access begins July 1, 2028.
The Department of Health and Human Services must report its progress on building the database to the Legislature’s health and human services committee. The report goes to the joint standing committee responsible for health and human services matters. The report is due by February 1, 2027.
The amendment sets aside $2.8 million for the department to build the database and $450,000 for its ongoing maintenance. The money is for the Department of Health and Human Services’ general assistance database. Both amounts are listed for fiscal year 2026–27; the building amount is one-time, while maintenance funding is ongoing.
Where do you stand?
Choose your position
Tell your reps
Take a position to see your representatives and ways to contact them.
Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Became Law
- Died
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Apr 29Died in Possession of the Senate when the Legislature adjourned Sine Die and was PLACED IN THE LEGISLATIVE FILES. (DEAD)Died
- Mar 25On motion by Senator ROTUNDO of Androscoggin PLACED ON THE SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS TABLE pending ENACTMENT in concurrence.
- Mar 24Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
- Mar 24PASSED TO BE ENACTED.Became Law
- Mar 19In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
- Mar 19The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-555).Minor
- Mar 19Under suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.
- Mar 19CONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAY
- Mar 18Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence.
- Mar 18READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-555)Minor
- Mar 18COMMITTEE ON BILLS IN THE SECOND READING REPORTS NO FURTHER VERBAL AMENDMENTS NECESSARY. REPORT ACCEPTED.
- Mar 17ASSIGNED FOR SECOND READING NEXT LEGISLATIVE DAY.
- Mar 17Committee Amendment "A" (S-555) READ and ADOPTED.Minor
- Mar 17Bill READ ONCE.Minor
- Mar 17Report READ and ACCEPTED.
- Mar 16Reported Out - OTP-AM
- Feb 19Voted - OTP-AM
- Feb 19Work Session Held
- 2025
- Dec 3Received by the Secretary of the Senate on December 3, 2025 and REFERRED to the Committee on HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2Introduced
HealthcareMental HealthAI & Privacy