Frequently Asked Questions

The Maine House of Representatives is the lower chamber of the Maine Legislature, the state's lawmaking body. It consists of 151 members, each representing approximately 9,000 constituents in their district. Together with the 35-member Maine Senate, the House forms the bicameral Maine Legislature. The House meets in the State House in Augusta, Maine's capital.

View our House Leadership or browse the full list of Representatives.

The Clerk of the House is a non-partisan officer elected by the full House membership. The Clerk is responsible for maintaining the official records of the House, managing parliamentary procedures during session, certifying legislation, overseeing the production of the House Calendar and Legislative Record, and supervising the administrative operations of the House. The Clerk's Office serves as a resource for both legislators and the public.

Contact the Clerk's Office at (207) 287-1400 for assistance.

The Speaker of the House is the presiding officer of the Maine House of Representatives, elected by the full House membership at the start of each legislature. The Speaker maintains order during debate, recognizes members to speak, rules on parliamentary questions, appoints committee members (in consultation with leadership), and represents the House in official capacities. The Speaker is typically a member of the majority party but presides in a fair and impartial manner during floor proceedings.

Learn more about the Speaker's Office.

The Majority Office serves the party with the most seats in the House, while the Minority Office serves the party with fewer seats. These offices provide research, communications, and policy support to their respective caucus members. They help coordinate legislative strategy and assist Representatives with constituent services. Both offices employ professional staff who support the legislative work of their caucus.

You can reach the Clerk's Office at:

Visit our Contact Us page for directions and additional contact information.

A bill in Maine follows this general path:

1. Introduction: A legislator files the bill with the appropriate clerk (House or Senate)
2. Committee Assignment: Leadership refers the bill to a joint standing committee
3. Public Hearing: The committee holds a public hearing where citizens can testify
4. Work Session: The committee debates and votes on a recommendation
5. Floor Debate: Both chambers debate and vote on the bill
6. Enrollment: If both chambers agree, the bill is enrolled and sent to the Governor
7. Governor's Action: The Governor may sign, veto, or allow the bill to become law without signature

Learn more on our Path of Legislation page.

"LD" stands for "Legislative Document." Every bill, resolve, constitutional resolution, or other legislative proposal is assigned an LD number when it is printed. The LD number is the primary way to track legislation through the process. For example, "LD 123" would be the 123rd document printed in that legislative session. You can search for bills by LD number using the search box in our header or through the Maine Legislature's Bill Status system.

Each two-year Legislature has two Regular Sessions:

• First Regular Session: Convenes in odd-numbered years (e.g., January 2025) with no limit on bill submissions
• Second Regular Session: Convenes in even-numbered years with limited bill submissions (primarily budget matters, emergencies, and carry-over bills)

Special Sessions may be called by the Governor or by written request of legislators to address specific urgent matters. Special sessions are limited in scope to the items specified in the call.

View the Session Schedule for upcoming session dates.

A roll call vote is a recorded vote where each member's individual vote (Yea, Nay, or Absent) is documented. In Maine, a roll call vote can be requested by any member and must be taken if supported by at least one-fifth of the members present. Roll calls are taken electronically in the House Chamber, and results are immediately displayed and recorded.

You can view roll call votes on our Roll Calls page or download Roll Call PDFs.

A two-thirds vote (requiring approval from two-thirds of those present and voting) is required in several situations under Maine law:

• Emergency legislation (to take effect immediately upon the Governor's signature)
• Constitutional amendments (proposed changes to the Maine Constitution)
• Overriding a Governor's veto
• Certain bond issues and financial matters
• Suspending the rules

Standard legislation requires only a simple majority (more than half of those voting).

An emergency preamble declares that legislation is "immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health or safety." Bills with emergency preambles take effect immediately upon the Governor's signature, rather than 90 days after the Legislature adjourns (the standard effective date). Emergency legislation requires a two-thirds vote in both chambers. The emergency preamble must state specific facts justifying the emergency designation.

House Rules govern the internal proceedings of the House of Representatives, including debate procedures, voting methods, decorum, and the duties of officers. Each Legislature adopts its rules at the beginning of the term.

Joint Rules govern matters involving both chambers, including committee procedures, bill deadlines, conference committees, and communication between the House and Senate. Joint Rules are adopted by concurrent action of both bodies.

When a bill is "tabled," it is temporarily set aside and removed from immediate consideration. In Maine, a member may move to table a bill, and if the motion passes, the bill is placed on the Special Appropriations Table or the Unassigned Table. Tabled items can be taken up again later by motion. Bills are often tabled to allow time for further negotiation, to await related legislation, or to manage floor time. A tabled bill is not dead—it remains pending and can be brought back for consideration.

The Special Appropriations Table is where bills with a fiscal impact (those requiring state funding) are placed after passing both chambers. These bills wait on the table until the end of session when the Appropriations Committee and legislative leadership determine which can be funded within the budget. Bills are then taken from the table and either enacted or defeated based on available resources. This process ensures fiscal responsibility by preventing unfunded mandates.

Engrossment occurs when the chamber of origin (where the bill started) passes the bill in its final form, incorporating all amendments. An engrossed bill is sent to the other chamber for consideration.

Enactment is the final passage of a bill by both chambers. Once a bill is enacted, it is enrolled (prepared in final form) and sent to the Governor for signature. The House enacts bills; the Senate "finally passes" them—but both terms refer to the final legislative approval step.

You can find your State Representative several ways:

• Use our Search Members page
• Browse the Alpha Towns Listing to find representatives by municipality
• View County Delegations to see all representatives from your county
• Check the District Towns Listing to find which district includes your town

You can also use the Contact Your Legislator page for information on reaching your elected officials.

Under the Maine Constitution, to serve in the House of Representatives, a person must:

• Be at least 21 years of age
• Have been a citizen of the United States for at least 5 years
• Be a resident of Maine for at least 1 year prior to election
• Be a resident of the district they seek to represent at the time of election

Learn more on our Qualifications for Office page.

Maine State Representatives serve two-year terms. Elections are held in even-numbered years (November). A new Legislature convenes in the first week of December following the election. Representatives may serve a maximum of four consecutive two-year terms (8 years) under Maine's term limits law, after which they must wait two years before running again for the same office.

View which current members are approaching their term limits on our Will Term Out page.

Maine's Constitution establishes a House of Representatives with between 100 and 151 members. The number was set at 151 to provide adequate representation for Maine's geographically dispersed population while maintaining manageable district sizes. With approximately 1.3 million residents, each House district represents roughly 9,000 people. This relatively small district size allows Representatives to maintain close connections with their constituents—a hallmark of Maine's citizen legislature tradition.

Maine is known as a "citizen legislature" because legislators are part-time, meaning they maintain careers and lives outside of their legislative duties. Unlike full-time professional legislatures in some larger states, Maine legislators typically work other jobs and receive modest compensation. This tradition reflects Maine's belief that legislators should remain connected to their communities and the everyday concerns of their constituents. Sessions are structured to accommodate this, with most activity occurring from January through June.

Maine legislative districts are redrawn every ten years following the federal census to ensure equal population in each district. The Maine Constitution establishes a 15-member Apportionment Commission, consisting of legislators from both parties and public members appointed by legislative leadership. The Commission develops plans that are then voted on by the full Legislature. Districts must be contiguous, compact, and respect municipal boundaries where possible. If the Legislature cannot agree, the Maine Supreme Judicial Court draws the final lines.

Joint Standing Committees are permanent committees composed of members from both the House and Senate. Maine has approximately 16 joint standing committees, each focusing on specific policy areas such as Education, Health and Human Services, Taxation, or Criminal Justice. These committees hold public hearings, conduct work sessions, and make recommendations on legislation. Each committee has two chairs—one Senator and one Representative—who alternate presiding duties.

View the Committees List or see Joint Committee Members.

Public Hearing: An opportunity for citizens, organizations, and agencies to provide testimony (in support, opposition, or neither) on proposed legislation. Hearings are open to the public, and anyone may sign up to speak. Written testimony may also be submitted.

Work Session: A meeting where committee members discuss and vote on legislation after the public hearing. Committee members deliberate, may propose amendments, and ultimately vote on what recommendation to send to the full Legislature. Work sessions are open to the public to observe, but public testimony is not taken.

Learn how to participate on our Testifying page.

Committees can issue several types of reports:

• Ought to Pass (OTP): The committee recommends the bill pass as introduced
• Ought to Pass as Amended (OTP-A): The committee recommends passage with specific changes
• Ought Not to Pass (ONTP): The committee recommends against passage
• Refer to Another Committee: The bill should be considered by a different committee
• Divided Report: Committee members disagree, resulting in majority and minority reports

Committee reports are recommendations—the full House and Senate make the final decision.

Visit our Committee Subject Matter page to see which topics fall under each committee's jurisdiction. For example, the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee handles K-12 education, higher education, and library matters, while the Health and Human Services Committee handles healthcare, MaineCare, and social services. If you're unsure, the Clerk's Office can help direct you to the appropriate committee.

To testify at a public hearing:

1. Find the hearing schedule on the Legislature's website or by contacting the committee clerk
2. Arrive early and sign up to testify (indicating support, opposition, or neither)
3. Wait to be called by the committee chairs
4. State your name, residence, and whom you represent (yourself or an organization)
5. Present your testimony clearly and concisely (typically 3-5 minutes)
6. Be prepared to answer questions from committee members

Written testimony can also be submitted. Many committees now accept remote testimony via video conference. Visit our Testifying page for detailed guidance.

Representatives welcome constituent input on legislation. You can contact your Representative by:

• Email: Find email addresses on our Email Listing
• Phone: Call the State House at (207) 287-1400 and ask to be connected
• Mail: Send correspondence to the State House or the member's home address
• In Person: Visit during session or schedule a meeting

When contacting your legislator, be respectful, specific about the bill (include the LD number if known), and explain how the issue affects you or your community. Visit Contact Your Legislator for more information.

Yes! Legislative proceedings are open to the public. You can:

• Visit in person: The public gallery in the House Chamber is open during session. See our Tour Information for visiting details
• Watch online: Floor sessions and many committee hearings are streamed live on the Legislature's website
• Access archives: Recorded sessions are available for later viewing

Check the Session Schedule to see when the House will be in session.

In Maine, only legislators can introduce bills (private citizens cannot file bills directly). To have legislation introduced:

1. Contact your State Representative or Senator and explain your idea
2. Provide background information and any draft language you have developed
3. If your legislator agrees to sponsor the bill, they will work with the Revisor's Office to draft proper legal language
4. Be aware of bill submission deadlines, which typically occur early in each session

Citizens may also propose legislation through the citizen initiative process, which requires collecting a specified number of voter signatures.

The Maine Legislative Code of Ethics establishes standards of conduct for legislators. It addresses conflicts of interest, proper use of position and resources, gifts and hospitality, relationships with lobbyists, and other ethical matters. Legislators must disclose certain financial interests and recuse themselves from votes where they have a direct personal or financial conflict. The code is administered by the Legislative Ethics Commission.

Read the full Legislative Code of Ethics.

State Representatives serve in the Maine House of Representatives in Augusta. They make laws that apply only within Maine, address state-level issues (education, state taxes, Maine highways, etc.), and serve 2-year terms. Maine has 151 State Representatives.

U.S. Representatives (also called Congressmen/Congresswomen) serve in the U.S. House of Representatives in Washington, D.C. They make federal laws affecting the entire nation, address national issues, and also serve 2-year terms. Maine has 2 U.S. Representatives (one for each of Maine's two congressional districts).

This website serves the Maine House of Representatives—your state legislature.

The United States operates under a federal system where power is divided between the national government and state governments. Under the U.S. Constitution:

• Federal government handles matters like national defense, foreign policy, interstate commerce, and immigration
• State governments handle matters like education, most criminal law, state highways, professional licensing, and many day-to-day services

This "dual sovereignty" means Maine citizens have representatives at both levels. The Maine Legislature in Augusta addresses state matters, while Maine's congressional delegation in Washington addresses federal matters. Many issues involve coordination between both levels of government.

Yes. Maine voters approved term limits in 1993. State legislators may serve no more than four consecutive terms (8 years) in the same office. After reaching the limit, a legislator must wait at least two years before running again for that office. A Representative who has served 8 years in the House may run for Senate, and vice versa. This differs from the U.S. Congress, which has no term limits for Representatives or Senators.

View Will Term Out to see which current members are approaching term limits.

Several features make Maine's Legislature distinctive:

• Citizen Legislature: Maine legislators are part-time and maintain outside employment
• Biennial Sessions: The Legislature meets in two-year cycles with first and second regular sessions
• Joint Committees: Maine uses joint House-Senate committees rather than separate committees in each chamber
• Large House: With 151 members, Maine's House is among the largest in the nation relative to population
• Term Limits: Maine has strict term limits, unlike many states
• Clean Elections: Maine pioneered public campaign financing through its Clean Election Act

Maine became the 23rd state on March 15, 1820, as part of the Missouri Compromise. Before statehood, Maine was a district of Massachusetts. The Maine Constitution was drafted in October 1819 at a convention in Portland, ratified by the people, and took effect upon admission to the Union. The first Maine Legislature convened in Portland (then the capital) in May 1820. Augusta became the capital in 1832.

Explore Historical Sessions to view records from past legislatures.

Each two-year term of the Maine Legislature is numbered sequentially from statehood. The 1st Legislature served from 1820-1821. The current 132nd Legislature serves from December 2024 through December 2026. This numbering system helps distinguish legislative sessions and track historical records. Bills, legislative records, and official documents are organized by legislature number.

The Maine State House was designed by Boston architect Charles Bulfinch and completed in 1832 when Augusta became the state capital. Bulfinch also designed the Massachusetts State House and contributed to the U.S. Capitol. The original granite building has been expanded several times, most notably in 1910 when the wings and the current dome were added. The distinctive copper dome, originally painted silver, now displays its natural green patina. The statue atop the dome, "Wisdom," was installed in 1920.

The Hall of Flags is a prominent space in the Maine State House displaying battle flags carried by Maine military units from the Civil War through more recent conflicts. These historic flags honor Maine's military heritage and the sacrifices of Maine service members. The Hall of Flags also serves as a venue for public events, ceremonies, and exhibits.

View the Hall of Flags Schedule for upcoming events, or learn about reserving the space.

Maine's state motto is "Dirigo"—Latin for "I Lead" or "I Direct." Adopted in 1820, it reflects Maine's position as the easternmost state, where the sun first rises on the nation. The motto appears on the state seal, which features a farmer and a seaman flanking a shield with a moose and pine tree, beneath the North Star. The seal and motto are prominently displayed throughout the State House, including in the House Chamber.

The Maine Constitution can be amended through two methods:

• Legislative Proposal: The Legislature may propose amendments by a two-thirds vote of both chambers. The proposal then goes to voters for ratification at the next general election.
• Constitutional Convention: Voters may call a convention to revise the constitution. The question of whether to call a convention must be placed on the ballot at least once every ten years.

Since 1820, the Maine Constitution has been amended numerous times. Notable amendments include women's suffrage (1919), term limits (1993), and same-day voter registration (1973).

Tours of the Maine State House are offered daily at 9:00 am, 10:00 am, 11:00 am, and 12:00 noon. Tours are scheduled through the Maine State Museum. Contact Amanda Browne at 2072876608 to schedule a tour. Tours are free and cover the building's history, architecture, and current function. Group tours for schools and organizations can be arranged with advance notice.

For complete details, visit our Tour Information page.

The Honorary Page Program allows students from elementary through high school to serve in the House Chamber during session. Honorary Pages assist with delivering messages to legislators and distributing documents. It's an excellent educational opportunity to see government in action. Pages should arrive at least 30 minutes before session begins and report to the Clerk's Office (Room 300). Appropriate dress is required (no shorts, flip flops, or hats).

Learn more and download the invitation form on our Honorary Page Program page.

Yes! The public gallery in the House Chamber is open when the House is in session. Visitors should:

• Check the Session Schedule for session days
• Arrive before the session begins (typically between 9-10 am)
• Maintain silence in the gallery during proceedings
• Leave electronic devices on silent
• Avoid any displays of support or opposition during debate

Gallery seating is first-come, first-served. For large groups, please contact the Clerk's Office in advance.

The House welcomes school bands to perform in the State House and clergy members to deliver opening prayers during session:

• School Bands: Maine school bands perform in the Hall of Flags before session, showcasing student musicians and building civic engagement. View the Band Schedule.
• Guest Clergy: Religious leaders from communities across Maine are invited to deliver the opening prayer at the start of each session day. View the Clergy Schedule.

Schools and clergy interested in participating should contact the Clerk's Office.

The Maine State House is located at the top of State Street in Augusta, Maine. The address is:

Visitor parking is available in the public parking lot behind the State House (Cultural Building parking lot) and on surrounding streets. During session, parking may be limited, so arrive early. See our Contact Us page for directions.

The House Calendar, formally known as the "Advance Journal and Calendar," is the official daily agenda published before each session day. It lists:

• Bills scheduled for consideration
• Committee reports to be taken up
• Orders of the Day
• Unfinished business from previous sessions
• Special orders and announcements

The Calendar helps legislators and the public know what will be discussed. View the House Calendar for current and past calendars.

The Legislative Record is the official verbatim transcript of floor proceedings in both the House and Senate. It includes:

• All debate and speeches by members
• Motions, votes, and parliamentary actions
• Official communications and messages
• Roll call vote results

The Legislative Record serves as the permanent historical record of legislative proceedings. Access historical records on our Legislative Record page.

These are two different documents published by the Legislature:

• Weekly Legislative Calendar (WLC): Lists committee hearings and work sessions scheduled for the coming week
• Weekly Legislative Report (WLR): Summarizes legislative actions taken during the previous week, including bills passed, enacted, and signed into law

Both documents are valuable for tracking legislative activity and planning participation in the process.

Use the "Search LD Number" box in the website header. Enter the LD number (just the number, e.g., "123" for LD 123) and click "View." This will take you to the Maine Legislature's official bill tracking system with full details including:

• Bill text and amendments
• Sponsors and cosponsors
• Committee assignment and actions
• Floor votes and current status

You can also access the Bill Status search directly for advanced searches.

This website provides access to:

• Member Information: Complete member directory with contact information, committee assignments, and district details
• Schedules: Session dates, House Calendar, and public event schedules
• Voting Records: Roll call votes and member voting statistics
• Rules & Ethics: House Rules, Joint Rules, and Code of Ethics
• Committees: Committee lists and subject matter jurisdictions
• Historical Information: Past legislature records and member listings
• Helpful Links: Additional resources and related websites

If you can't find what you need, contact the Clerk's Office at (207) 287-1400 for assistance.