For Further Research

Maine statutes

Library catalog search

News clippings by subject


About Topical
Legislative Histories


Abbreviations & Terms





Citizen Initiated Legislation, 1911-Present  
Updated through the 131st Legislature

Introduction

Maine enacted the citizen petition process in 1909 with the approval of Maine Constitutional Amendment XXXI (Me. Const. Art. IV, Part 3, Section 18). It allows citizens to submit legislation, except constitutional amendments and bond issues.

The Legislature may enact competing legislation that competes with the initiative and is voted on at the same time as the initiative. If neither measure receives a majority of the vote, the one with the greatest number of votes is referred to the next statewide election for a straight up or down vote.




Browse by LD:  

Year LD Legislative
Action
Ballot
Question
Date and Result of Referendum Enacted Law Legislative Record
Debate & Remarks
Other Documents &
News Clips
Full LD
History
1911 SD 75

An Act to provide for nomination of candidates of political parties by primary elections
Sent to referendum An act to provide for nomination of candidates of political parties by primary elections," whereby "all nominations of candidates for any State or County office, including United States Senator, Member of Congress and Member of State Legislature, shall hereafter be made at and by primary elections held in accordance with the provisions of this act. Sept. 11, 1911

Passed

Yes:

65,810

No:
21,774
PL 1913, c. 221 Senate, March 30, 1911
p. 1045-1046

House, March 30, 1911
p. 1061-1066
N/A N/A
1923 SD 157

AN Act to Amend Sections One and Three of Chapter Three Hundred Fifty of the Public Laws of Nineteen Hundred and Fifteen, Relative to the Hours of Employment of Women and Minors
Sent to referendum Shall An Act Entitled "An Act to Amend Sections One and Three of Chapter Three Hundred Fifty of the Public Laws of Nineteen Hundred and Fifteen, Relative to the Hours of Employment of Women and Minors," Become a Law? Oct. 15, 1923

Failed

Yes:

33,991

No: 
53,784
N/A No debate. N/A N/A
1927 An Act to Repeal Sections One to Thirty-Six of Chapter Six of the Revised Statutes Relative to Primary Elections

Not printed. No bill number. Bill text published in the
Legislative Record.
Sent to referendum Shall an Act Entitled "An Act to Repeal Sections One to Thirty-Six of Chapter Six of the Revised Statutes Relative to Primary Elections," Become a  Law? Oct. 18, 1927

Failed

Yes:

20,027

No:
37,114
N/A Senate, March 1, 1927
p. 303

Senate, March 2, 1927
p. 313

House, March 2, 1927
p. 320

Senate, March 8, 1927
p. 363

Senate, March 18, 1927
p. 482

Senate, March 24, 1927
p. 570

House, March 25, 1927
p. 623-624

Senate, March 31, 1927
p. 784-785

Senate, April 13, 1927
p. 1135-1136

House, April, 13, 1927
p. 1190
Court Opinion: Opinion of the Justices, 126 Me. 620, 137 A. 53 (1927) N/A
1933 LD 811, IB 1

An Act to Raise an Excise Tax on Corporations Organized for Making, Generating, Selling, Distributing and/or Supplying Electricity or Electric Current for Power, Lighting, Heating, Manufacturing or Mechanical Purposes
Sent to referendum Shall a Bill Entitled "An Act to Raise an Excise Tax on Corporations Organized for Making, Generating, Selling, Distributing and/or Supplying Electricity or Electric Current for Power, Lighting, Heating," etc., Become a Law? Sept. 11, 1933

Failed

Yes:

46,015

No:
90,804
N/A No debate. News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian. N/A
1933 LD 812, IB 2

An Act Establishing a Low Rate Tax on Intangible Personal Property in Accordance with Constitutional Amendment Permitting the Same
Sent to referendum Shall a Bill Entitled "An Act Establishing a Low Rate Tax on Intangible Personal Property", etc., Become a Law? Sept. 11, 1933

Failed

Yes:

44,832

No:
85,332
N/A No debate. News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian. N/A
1935 LD 217, IB 1

An Act Relating to the Use of the General Highway Fund, and to Prevent Diversion Thereof
Sent to referendum Relating to the use of the general highway fund Sept. 14, 1936

Passed

Yes:

182,012

No:
52,590
Initiated Act 1936, c. 1

See also
PL 1937, c. 1
No debate. N/A N/A
1941 LD 1158, IB 1

An Act to Provide a Police Commission for the City of Biddeford
Enacted N/A N/A P&SL 1941, c. 84 House, April 17, 1941
p. 1219-1222

N/A N/A
1941 LD 1159, IB 2

AN Act Relating to Elections in the City of Biddeford
Enacted N/A N/A P&SL 1941, c. 83 House, April 17, 1941
p. 1222-1223
N/A N/A
1947 IB 1

An Act to Protect the Right to Work and to Prohibit Secondary Boycotts, Sympathetic Strikes and Jurisdictional Strikes (Barlow Bill)
Sent to referendum Shall a bill entitled, “An Act to Protect the Right to Work and to Prohibit Secondary Boycotts, Sympathetic Strikes and Jurisdictional Strikes,” become a law? (Barlow Bill) Sept. 13, 1948

Failed

Yes:

46,809

No:
126,285
N/A No debate. Court Opinion:  Farris ex rel. Dorsky v. Goss, 143 Me. 227, 60 A.2d 908 (1948) N/A
1947 LD 242

AN Act Protecting the Right of Non-members of Labor Organizations to the Opportunity to Work (Tabb Bill)

OTP-ND:
LD 1346
Enacted with Senate Amendment "B" as PL 1947, c. 395

Sent as a competing measure to IB 1 (the Barlow Bill)
Shall a bill entitled, “An Act Protecting the Right of Members and Nonmembers of Labor Organizations to the Opportunity to Work,” become a law? (Tabb Bill) Sept. 13, 1948

Failed

Yes:

13,676

No:
126,285
N/A House, April 1, 1947
p. 681-686

House, April 2, 1947
p. 693-713

Senate, April 10, 1947
p. 864-870

Senate, May 6, 1947
p. 1636-1640

House, May 8, 1947
p. 1806-1811

Senate, May 10, 1947
p. 1869-1873

House, May 10, 1947
p. 1885
Court Opinion:  Farris ex rel. Dorsky v. Goss, 143 Me. 227, 60 A.2d 908 (1948) N/A
1971 LD 1536, IB 1

An Act Repealing the "Maine Income Tax Law"
Sent to referendum Shall the corporate and individual Maine Income Tax Law be Repealed? Nov. 2, 1971

Failed

Yes:

63,393

No:
190,261
N/A House, March 31, 1971
p. 1068-1070

Senate, March 31, 1971
p. 1085-1091

House, April 6, 1971
p. 1198-1201

House, April 30, 1971
p. 2057-2058
Court Opinion:  Opinion of the Justices, 275 A.2d 800 (Me. 1971) N/A
1972 LD 1707, IB 2

An Act Relating to Form of Ballots in General Elections
Sent to referendum Shall an Initiated Act ‘Relating to Form of Ballots in General Elections’ Establishing an Office-type Ballot and Eliminating Voting by the Straight Party Square Box Become Law? June 19, 1972

Passed

Yes:

110,867

No:
64,506
1971 IB Senate, April 29, 1971
p. 2043-2044

Senate, April 30, 1971
p. 2085-2091

House, May 3, 1971
p. 2099-2108

Senate, May 25, 1971
p. 3156-3162

House, May 26, 1971
p. 3173-3175

House, January 28, 1972
p. 67

House, February 1, 1972
p. 90-91

House, February 1, 1972
p. 92-98

Senate, February 1, 1972
p. 105

Senate, February 2, 1972
p. 117-122

Senate, February 2, 1972
p. 126-127

Senate, February 2, 1972
p. 126-127

Senate, February 3, 1972
p. 141-142

House, February 4, 1972
p. 149-150

Senate, February 4, 1972
p. 152

House, February 7, 1972
p. 169

Senate, February 7, 1972
p. 171-173

Senate, February 10, 1972
p. 235-236

House, February 17, 1972
p. 330-331

Senate, February 17, 1972
p. 332
Court Opinion:  Kelly v. Curtis, 287 A. 2d 426 (Me. 1972) N/A
1973 IB 1

An Act Creating the Power Authority of Maine
Sent to referendum Shall an initiated bill ‘An Act Creating the Power Authority of Maine’ become law? Nov. 6, 1973

Failed

Yes:

95,645

No:
151,480
N/A House, February 23, 1973
p. 483-484

House, February 26, 1973
p. 499-500

Senate, April 18, 1973
p. 1760-1771

House, April 19, 1973
p. 1803-1824

Senate, May 22, 1973
p. 3159-3160

House, June 21, 1973
p. 4701-4703

Senate, June 21, 1973
p. 4707-4711
N/A N/A
1975 LD 1619, IB 1

An Act to Establish a Public Preserve in the Bigelow Mountain Area
Died between houses Shall an Initiated Bill Entitled ‘An Act to Establish a Public Preserve in the Bigelow Mountain Area’, Become Law? June 8, 1976

Passed

Yes:

85,782

No:
81,915
1975 IB Senate, May 22, 1975
p. B1266-B1267

Senate, May 23, 1975
p. B1296

Senate, June 3, 1975
p. B1581-B1583

House, June 9, 1975
p. B1728-B1729
N/A N/A
1977 LD 270, IB 1

An Act to Repeal the State Property Tax
ONTP Do You Wish to Repeal the Uniform State Property Tax? Dec. 5, 1977

Passed

Yes:

124,322

No:
95,413
1977 IB Senate, January 27, 1977
p. 73

Senate, February 1, 1977
p. 81-82
Court Opinion:  Opinion of the Justices, 370 A.2d 654 (Me. 1977)

Attorney General Opinion: 
July 8, 1977

News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.
N/A
1979 LD 1412, IB 1

An Act to Repeal the Forced Deposit Law
ONTP Do You Wish to Repeal the "Returnable Container Law" (Bottle Bill)? Nov. 6, 1979

Failed

Yes:

41,480

No:
226,687
N/A House, May 18, 1979
p. 1249
Attorney General Opinion: 
Op. Me. Att’y Gen. 79-87
N/A
1980 LD 1984, IB 2

An Act to Prohibit the Generation of Electric Power by Means of Nuclear Fission
ONTP Shall "An Act to Prohibit the Generation of Electric Power by Means of Nuclear Fission,” become law? Sept. 23, 1980

Failed

Yes:

161,181

No:
233,198
N/A No debate. News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian. N/A
1981 LD 522, IB 1

An Act to Create the Maine Energy Commission
ONTP Shall “An Act lo Create the Maine Energy Commission,” become law? Nov. 3, 1981

Failed

Yes:

90,333

No:
144,647
N/A No debate. News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian. Yes
1982 LD 1737, IB 2

An Act to Adjust Annually Individual Income Tax Laws to Eliminate Inflation-induced Increases in Individual State Income Taxes
Died between houses Shall "An Act to Adjust Annually Individual Income Tax Laws to Eliminate InflationInduced Increases in Individual State Income Taxes," become law? Nov. 2, 1982

Passed

Yes:

240,023

No:
182,939
IB 1981, c. 2 House, January 7, 1982
p. 11

Senate, March 31, 1982
p. 491
News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian. Yes
1982 LD 1935, IB 3

An Act to Repeal the Control of Milk Prices at the Wholesale and Retail Levels
ONTP Shall "An Act to Repeal the Control of Milk Prices at the Wholesale and Retail Levels," become law? Nov. 2, 1982

Failed

Yes:

222,422

No:
232,430
N/A House, February, 4, 1982
p. 72

Senate, February 10, 1982
p. 86

House, February 17, 1982
p. 106

Senate, February 17, 1982
p. 107
News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian. Yes
1982 LD 1989, IB 4

An Act to End the Use of Nuclear Power for Producing Electricity in Five Years
ONTP Shall "An Act to End the Use of Nuclear Power for Producing Electricity in Five Years," become law? Nov. 2, 1982

Failed

Yes:

201,617

No:
256,124
N/A No debate. News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian. Yes
1983 LD 743, IB 1

An Act to Repeal the Law Providing an Open Season on Moose
ONTP Shall Maine Repeal the Hunting Season on Moose? Nov. 8, 1983

Failed

Yes:

121,125

No:
185,603
N/A No debate. Committee File:  Yes
Yes
1985 LD 615, IB 1 (Question A)

An Act to Require Voter Approval of the Disposal of Low-level Radioactive Waste


OTP-ND:
LD 1649 (Question B) (Competing Measure)

An Act to Establish a State Policy Relating to the Disposal of Low-level Radioactive Waste
OTP-ND (LD 615, IB 1)





Enacted as PL 1985, c. 493 (LD 1649)

Do you want the right to vote for or against any plan for the storage or disposal of low-level radioactive waste?


Do you want to vote on any Maine site for disposal of low-level radioactive waste if it is not disposed of safely outside of Maine or at the Maine Yankee site?
Nov. 5, 1985

Question A Passed

In Favor of:

Question A:  86,678

Question B:  45,920

Opposed to both questions: 39,893
IB 1985, c. 1 House, June 11, 1985
p. 1127-1131

House, June 12, 1985
p. 1168-1169

Senate, June 12, 1985
p. 1180-1182

House, June 14, 1985
p. 1249-1250

Senate, June 14, 1985
p. 1274

Senate, June 20, 1985
p. 1407-1408
Committee File:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

Attorney General Opinion:
 
Op. Me. Att’y Gen. 84-19
Yes
1986 LD 2092, IB 2

An Act to Prohibit the Promotion and Wholesale Promotion of Pornographic Material in the State of Maine
ONTP Do you want to make it a crime to make, sell, give for value, or otherwise promote obscene material in Maine? June 10, 1986

Failed

Yes:

81,970

No:
209,537
N/A House, April 4, 1986
p. 1070-1074

House, April 14, 1986
p. 1402-1404

Senate, April 14, 1986
p. 1450-1456

House, May 28, 1986
p. 13
Court Opinion: City of Portland v. Jacobsky, 496 A.2d 646 (Me. 1985)

Committee File:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.


Yes
1986 LD 2093, IB 3

An Act to Prohibit Mandatory Local Measured Service and to Preserve Affordable Traditional Flat Rate Local Telephone Service at as Low a Cost as Possible
ONTP Do you want to ban mandatory local measured phone service and direct the state to keep flat rate local phone service at as low a cost as possible? Nov. 4, 1986

Passed

Yes:

241,894

No:
178,745
IB 1985, c. 2 House, March 25, 1986
p. 858-859
Committee File:  Please contact a Reference Librarian. Yes
1987 LD 20, IB 1

An Act Regarding the Generation of Electric Power and High-level Radioactive Waste
ONTP

Do you want to let any power plant like Maine Yankee operate after July 4, 1988, if it makes high level nuclear waste? Nov. 3, 1987

Passed

Yes:

235,069

No:
162,902
N/A Senate, February 19, 1987
p. 186

House, April 13, 1987
p. 513-515
Committee File:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

Yes
1989 LD 255, IB 1

A Resolution Regarding the Testing of Cruise Missiles in Maine
ONTP Do you favor stopping Cruise Missile Tests in Maine?" Nov. 7, 1989

Passed

Yes:

122,820

No:
112,109
IB 1989, c.1 No debate. Committee File:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

Yes
1989 LD 256, IB 2

An Act to Limit Spending and Contributions in Campaigns for Governor
ONTP Do You Favor the Changes in Maine Law Concerning Campaign Finances for Candidates for Governor, as Proposed by Citizen Petition? Nov. 7, 1989

Failed

Yes:

98,558

No:
126,140
N/A No debate. Report: Interim Report of the Commission to Study Public Financing of State Elections (Dec. 1989)

Committee File:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.


News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.
Yes
1990 LD 2371, IB 3

An Act to Amend the Sunday Sales Law
ONTP Do you favor the change in Maine law that would allow all stores a choice to open on Sunday and certain holidays, provided stores in excess of 5000 square feet of selling space do not require their employees to work on such days proposed by citizen petition? Nov. 6, 1990

Passed

Yes:

272,129

No:
246,378
IB 1989, c. 2 No debate. Committee File:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

Yes
1991 LD 719, IB 1

An Act to Deauthorize the Widening of the Maine Turnpike and to Create a Sensible Transportation Policy
ONTP Do you favor the changes in Maine law concerning deauthorizing the widening of the Maine Turnpike and establishing transportation policy proposed by citizen petition? Nov. 5, 1991

Passed

Yes:

224,277

No:
156,861
IB 1991, c. 1 No debate. Committee File:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.
Yes
1991 LD 720, IB 2

An Act to Enact the Passenger Rail Service Act
Enacted with amendment:

H-461
N/A N/A PL 1991, c. 587 No debate. Committee File:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

Yes
1993 LD 751, IB 1

An Act to Impose Term Limitations on Legislators, Constitutional Officers and the State Auditor
Died between houses

Do you favor the changes in Maine law concerning limiting the number of terms which may be served by Maine's State Legislators, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Attorney General and State Auditor proposed by citizen petition? Nov. 2, 1993

Passed

Yes:

159,785

No:
76,732
IB 1993, c. 1 House, March 10, 1993
p. H-249-H-250

House, April 27, 1993
p. H-539-H-542

Senate, July 1, 1993
p. S-1208-S-1209
Committee File:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.
Yes
1994 LD 1983, IB 2

An Act to Impose Term Limits on Members of the United States Congress
ONTP Do you favor the changes in Maine law limiting the number of terms which may be served by Maine's Representatives to the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate Proposed by citizen petition? Nov. 8, 1994

Passed

Yes:

312,007

No:
182,192
IB 1993, c. 2 House, April 6, 1994
p. H-2084-H-2087

Senate, April 7, 1994
p. S-1930
Court Opinion:  League of Women Voters of Maine v. Diamond, No. 94-377-P-H (D. Me., May 26, 1995). 21-A MRS c. 5, sub-c. VI ruled unconstitutional. Subsequently repealed by PL 2001, c. 516, §5.

Committee File:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

Yes
1995 LD 310, IB 1

An Act to Limit Protected Classes Under Maine Law
ONTP Do you favor the changes in Maine law limiting protected classifications, in future state and local laws to race, color, sex, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status, and marital status, and repealing existing laws which expand these classifications as proposed by citizen petition? Nov. 7, 1995

Failed

Yes:

193,938

No:
221,562
N/A No debate. Committee File:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.
Yes
1995 LD 716, IB 2

An Act to Repeal the Motor Vehicle Emission Inspection Program
Enacted with amendment:

H-144
N/A N/A PL 1995, c. 49 Senate, April 26, 1995
p. S-583-S-584

Senate, April 26, 1995
p. S-588
Committee File:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.
Yes
1995 LD 717, IB 3

An Act to Establish the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund
Enacted with amendment:

H-279
N/A N/A PL 1995, c. 494 House, May 24, 1995
p. H-745-H-750

Senate, May 30, 1995
p. S-911-S-912
Committee File:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.
Yes
1996 LD 1819, IB 4

An Act to Promote Forest Rehabilitation and Eliminate Clearcutting

LD 1892 (Competing Measure)

An Act to Implement the Compact for Maine's Forests
ONTP (LD 1819, IB 4)




Enacted with amendments (LD 1892):

H-924
H-931
H-933
S-605
S-606
Do you want Maine to ban clearcutting and set other new logging standards?"


Do you want the Compact for Maine's Forests to become law to promote sustainable forest management practices throughout the State?"
Nov. 5, 1996

LD 1892 passed

In favor of LD 1819: 
175,078

In favor of LD 1892:  282,620

Opposed to both measures:  139,176

LD 1892 carried over to
Nov. 4, 1997  election


Failed

Yes:

164,574

No:
182,368
CMR 1995, c.1 Senate, March 25, 1996
p. S-1957-S-1958

House, September 5, 1996
p. H-2167-H-2170

House, September 5, 1996
p. H-2172-H-2178

House, September 6, 1996
p. H-2179-H-2202

House, September 6, 1996
p. H-2209-H-2214

Senate, September 6, 1996
p. S-2252-S-2256

Senate, September 7, 1996
p. S-2279-S-2280
Report:  A Review of the Current Forestry Audit Programs in the Northeast: a Report to the Joint Standing Comm. on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (Apr. 1998)

Committee File:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.


News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.
Yes




Yes
1996 LD 1823, IB 5

An Act to Reform Campaign Finance
Died between houses Do you want Maine to adopt new campaign finance laws and give public funding to candidates for state office who agree to spending limits? Nov. 5, 1996

Passed

Yes:

320,755

No:
250,185
IB 1995, c. 1 House, March 30, 1996
p. H-2001-H-2004

Senate, March 30, 1996
p. S-2069

House, April 1, 1996
p. H-2020-H-2021

House, September 5, 1996
p. H-2149
Court Opinion: Opinion of the Justices, 674 A.2d 501 (Me. 1996)

Committee File:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.
Yes
1996 LD 1827, IB 6

An Act to Seek Congressional Term Limits
ONTP Do you want Maine to require candidates and elected officials to show support for Congressional term limits or have their refusal printed on the ballot? Nov. 5, 1996

Passed

Yes:

318,119

No:
225,620
IB 1995, c.2 House, September 5, 1996
p. H-2149
Court Opinion:  Opinion of the Justices, 673 A.2d 693 (Me. 1996)

Court Opinion:  League of Women Voters of Maine v. Gwadosky, 966 F. Supp. 52 (D. Me. 1997). 21-A MRSA c. 9, sub-c. I-A ruled unconstitutional. Repealed by PL 2001, c. 516, §8.

Committee File:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.
Yes
1997 LD 1017, IB 1

An Act to Protect Traditional Marriage and Prohibit Same Sex Marriages
Enacted with amendment:

H-104
N/A N/A PL 1997, c. 65 House, March 25, 1997
p. H-330-H-333

Senate, March 26, 1997
p. S-380-S-386
Committee File:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.
Yes
1999 LD 1593, IB 1

An Act to Ban Partial Birth Abortion
Died between houses Do you want to ban a specific abortion procedure to be defined in law, except in cases where the life of the mother is in danger? Nov. 2, 1999

Failed

Yes:

185,541

No:
232,113
N/A House, May 20, 1999
p. H-1229-H-1237

Senate, May 21, 1999
p. S-1153-S-1154
Committee File:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.
Yes
1999 LD 2109, IB 2

An Act to Permit the Medical Use of Marijuana
ONTP Do you want to allow patients with specific illnesses to grow and use small amounts of marijuana for treatment, as long as such use is approved by a doctor? Nov. 2, 1999

Passed

Yes:

256,387

No:
161,114
IB 1999, c. 1 Senate, May 4, 1999
p. S-721
Committee File:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.
Yes
2000 LD 2348, IB 3

An Act to Enact the Maine Death with Dignity Act
ONTP Should a terminally ill adult who is of sound mind be allowed to ask for and receive a doctor's help to die? Nov. 7, 2000

Failed

Yes:

315,031

No:
332,280
N/A No debate. Committee File:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.
Yes
2000 LD 2349, IB 4

An Act to Allow Video Lottery Terminals
ONTP Do you want to allow video lottery machines at certain horse racing tracks if 40% of the profits are used for property tax relief? Nov. 7, 2000

Failed

Yes:

253,920

No:
387,872
N/A No debate. Committee File:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.
Yes
2000 LD 2594, IB 5

An Act Regarding Forest Practices
ONTP Do you favor requiring landowners to obtain a permit for all clear-cuts and defining cutting levels for lands subject to the Tree Growth Tax Law? Nov. 7, 2000

Failed

Yes:

181,643

No:
459,239
N/A No debate. Committee File:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.
Yes
2000 LD 2602, IB 6

An Act to Repeal the Sales Tax on Snack Food Except Candy and Confections
Enacted with amendment:

H-1014
N/A N/A PL 1999, c. 698 Senate, April 4, 2000
p. S-2029-S-2031
Committee File:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.
Yes
2003 LD 1370, IB 1

An Act To Enact the Maine Tribal Gaming Act
ONTP Do you want to allow a casino to be run by the Passamaquoddy Tribe and Penobscot Nation if part of the revenue is used for state education and municipal revenue sharing? Nov. 4, 2003

Failed

Yes:

170,500

No:
346,583
N/A House, May 29, 2003
p. H-852-H-858

Senate, May 30, 2003
p. S-893-S-895
Committee File:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.
Yes
2003 LD 1371, IB 2

An Act To Allow Slot Machines at Commercial Horse Racing Tracks
ONTP Do you want to allow slot machines at Certain Commercial Horse Racing Tracks if Part of the Proceeds are Used to Lower Prescription Drug Costs for the Elderly and Disabled, and for Scholarships to the State Universities and Technical Colleges? Nov. 4, 2003

Passed

Yes:

272,394

No:
242,490
IB 2003, c. 1 No debate. Committee File:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.
Yes
2003 LD 1372, IB 3

An Act To Enact the School Finance Act of 2003






LD 1629 (Competing Measure)

Resolution, Proposing a Competing Measure under the Constitution of Maine To Create Municipal Budget Caps, Reduce the Cost of Local Government through Increased State Education Funding and Provide Property Tax Relief
Indefinitely postponed
(LD 1372, IB 3)







Enacted with amendments as CMR 2003, c. 1 (LD 1629):

H-601
H-608
S-350
S-351







Sent to referendum as Question 1A with competing measure CMR 2003, c. 1, LD 1629 as Question 1B
Do you want the state to pay 55% of the cost of public education, which includes all special education costs, for the purpose of shifting costs from the property tax to state resources?


Do you want to lower property taxes and avoid the need for a significant increase in state taxes by phasing in a 55% state contribution to the cost of public education and by providing expanded property tax relief?
Nov. 4, 2003

LD 1372 passed

In favor of LD 1372:

185,392

In favor of LD 1629:
171,782

Opposed to both measures: 133,349

LD 1372 carried over to
Jun. 8, 2004 election

Yes:  99,764
No:   81,347
IB 2003, c. 2 House, June 13, 2003
p. H-1018-H-1019

House, August 21, 2003
p. H-1042-H-1048

House, August 21, 2003
p. H-1049-H-1050

House, August 22, 2003
p. H-1058-H-1062

Senate, August 22, 2003
p. S-1057-S-1061

Senate, April 29, 2004
p. S-1771
Committee File:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.
Yes









Yes
2004 LD 1893, IB 4

An Act To Impose Limits on Real and Personal Property Taxes
ONTP Do you want to limit property taxes to 1% of the assessed value of the property? Nov. 2, 2004

Failed

Yes:

271,636

No:
458,369
N/A House, April 16, 2004
p. H-1747-H-1748

Senate, April 16, 2004
p. S-1675-S-1676

House, April 28, 2004
p. H-1766-H-1769

House, April 29, 2004
p. H-1787-H-1792
Committee File:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

Yes
2004 LD 1938, IB 5

An Act Prohibiting Certain Bear Hunting Practices
ONTP Do you want to make it a crime to hunt bears with bait, traps or dogs, except to protect property, public safety or for research? Nov. 2, 2004

Failed

Yes:

344,322

No:
389,455
N/A House, April 1, 2004
p. H-1507
Committee File:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.
Yes
2006 LD 2075, IB 1

An Act To Create the Taxpayer Bill of Rights
ONTP Do you want to limit increases in state and local government spending to the rate of inflation plus population growth and to require voter approval for all tax and fee increases? Nov. 7, 2006

Failed

Yes:

247,175

No:
288,971
N/A Senate, May 23, 2006
p. S-2092-S-2096

Committee File:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.
Yes
2007 LD 805, IB 1

An Act To Authorize a Tribal Commercial Track and Slot Machines in Washington County
Enacted with amendment:

S-37

Vetoed

Veto sustained
Do you want to allow a Maine tribe to run a harness racing track with slot machines and high-stakes beano games in Washington County? Nov. 6, 2007

Failed

Yes:

130,164

No:
142,458
N/A House, April 10, 2007
p. H-344-H-355

House, April 11, 2007
p. S-446-S-450

House, April 26, 2007
p. H-406-H-407

House, April 26, 2007
p. H-413
Committee File:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.
Yes
2007 LD 1856, IB 2

An Act To Allow a Tax Credit for College Loan Repayments
Enacted with amendment:

H-414
N/A N/A PL 2007, c. 469 Senate, June 6, 2007
p. S-910

House, June 19, 2007
p. H-863-H-865

Senate, June 20, 2007
p. S-1191
Committee File:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.
Yes
2008 LD 2261, IB 3

An Act To Allow a Casino in Oxford County
ONTP Do you want to allow a certain Maine company to have the only casino in Maine, to be located in Oxford County, if part of the revenue is used to fund specific state programs? Nov. 4, 2008

Failed

Yes:

333,685

No:
389,251
N/A No debate. Report:  Win, Lose or Draw: Gambling in Maine Volume I: Main Text: a Report From the Governor's Advisory Committee on Gambling (Apr. 1997)

Report:  Win, Lose or Draw: Gambling in Maine Volume II: Appendix B: Gambling Information From Other States: a Report From the Governor's Advisory Committee on Gambling (Apr. 1997)

Committee File:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.
Yes
2009 LD 974, IB 1

An Act To Decrease the Automobile Excise Tax and Promote Energy Efficiency
ONTP Do you want to cut the rate of the municipal excise tax by an average of 55% on motor vehicles less than six years old and exempt hybrid and other alternative-energy and highly fuel-efficient motor vehicles from sales tax and three years of excise tax?   Nov. 3, 2009

Failed

Yes:

145,610

No:
416,714
N/A No debate. Committee File:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.
Yes
2009 LD 975, IB 2

An Act To Establish the Maine Medical Marijuana Act
ONTP Do you want to change the medical marijuana laws to allow treatment of more medical conditions and to create a regulated system of distribution?  Nov. 3, 2009

Passed

Yes:

332,038

No:
232,024
IB 2009, c. 1 No debate. Report:  Report of the Maine Medical Marijuana Task Force to Governor John E. Baldacci (Jan. 27, 2010)

Committee File:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.
Yes
2009 LD 976, IB 3

An Act To Provide Tax Relief
ONTP Do you want to change the existing formulas that limit state and local government spending and require voter approval by referendum for spending over those limits and for increases in state taxes? Nov. 3, 2009

Failed

Yes:

223,059

No:
336,144
N/A Senate, June 10, 2009
p. S-1067-S-1068
Committee File:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.
Yes
2009 LD 977, IB 4

An Act To Repeal the School District Consolidation Laws
Died between houses Do you want to repeal the 2007 law on school district consolidation and restore the laws previously in effect? Nov. 3, 2009

Failed

Yes:

228,952

No:
416,617
N/A House, June 3, 2009
p. H-774-H-777

Senate, June 4, 2009
p. S-983-S-984

House, June 12, 2009
p. H-921-H-922

Committee File:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.
Yes
2010 LD 1808, IB 5

An Act To Allow a Casino in Oxford County
Indefinitely postponed Do you want to allow a casino with table games and slot machines at a single site in Oxford County, subject to local approval, with part of the profits going to specific state, local and tribal programs? Nov. 2, 2010

Passed

Yes:

284,934

No:
280,211
IB 2009, c. 2 House, March 31, 2010
p. H-1326-H-1330

House, April 2, 2010
p. H-1355-H-1356

Senate, April 5, 2010
p. S-1737-S-1739
Committee File:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.
Yes
2011 LD 985, IB 1

An Act Regarding Establishing a Slot Machine Facility
Died between houses Do you want to allow a casino with table games and slot machines in Lewiston, with part of the profits going to support specific state and local programs? Nov. 8, 2011

Failed

Yes:

143,127

No:
248,467
N/A House, June 6, 2011
p. H-760, H-763

Senate, June 9, 2011
p. S-1218

Senate, June 9, 2011
p. S-1222-S-1223

Senate, June 14, 2011
p. S-1341-S-1343
Committee File:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.
Yes
2011 LD 1203, IB 2

An Act To Amend the Laws Governing the Deadline and Conditions for Municipal Approval of a Second Racino and To Allow a Tribal Racino in Washington County
Enactment failed Do you want to allow a slot machine facility at a harness racing track in Biddeford or another community within 25 miles of Scarborough Downs, subject to local approval, and at a harness racing track in Washington County, with part of the profits from these facilities going to support specific state and local programs? Nov. 8, 2011

Failed

Yes:

176,718

No:
215,115
N/A House, June 6, 2011
p. H-754-H-765

Senate, June 9, 2011
p. S-1213-S-1222

House, June 10, 2011
p. H-917-H-919

Senate, June 28, 2011
p. S-1453-S-1456
Committee File:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.
Yes
2012 LD 1860, IB 3

An Act To Allow Marriage Licenses for Same-sex Couples and Protect Religious Freedom
Indefinitely postponed Do you want to allow the State of Maine to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples? Nov. 6, 2012

Passed

Yes:

372,887

No:
334,723
IB 2011, c. 1 No debate. N/A Yes
2014 LD 1845, IB 1

An Act To Prohibit the Use of Dogs, Bait or Traps When Hunting Bears Except under Certain Circumstances
Indefinitely postponed Do you want to ban the use of bait, dogs or traps in bear hunting except to protect property, public safety, or for research? Nov. 4, 2014

Failed

Yes:

281,717

No:
323,007
N/A House, March 25, 2014
p. H-1667-H-1668
News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian. Yes
2015 LD 806, IB 1

An Act To Strengthen the Maine Clean Election Act, Improve Disclosure and Make Other Changes to the Campaign Finance Laws
Indefinitely postponed Do you want to change Maine law to allow publicly financed state candidates to qualify for additional funds under certain limits and rules in the Maine Clean Election Act, to improve the disclosure of who pays for political ads, and to increase penalties for violations of campaign finance law? Nov. 3, 2015

Passed

Yes:

119,992

No:
98,343
IB 2015, c. 1 No debate. N/A Yes
2016 LD 1557, IB 2

An Act To Establish Ranked-choice Voting
Indefinitely postponed Do you want to allow voters to rank their choices of candidates in elections for U.S. Senate, Congress, Governor, State Senate, and State Representative, and to have ballots counted at the state level in multiple rounds in which last-place candidates are eliminated until a candidate wins by majority? Nov. 8, 2016

Passed

Yes:
388,273

No:
356,621
IB 2015, c. 3 House, January 19, 2016
p. H-1238
News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian. Yes
2016 LD 1660, IB 3

An Act To Establish the Fund To Advance Public Kindergarten to Grade 12 Education
Indefinitely postponed Do you want to add a 3% tax on individual Maine taxable income above $200,000 to create a state fund that would provide direct support for student learning in kindergarten through 12th grade public education? Nov. 8, 2016

Passed

Yes:
383,428

No:
373,848
IB 2015, c. 4 No debate. N/A Yes
2016 LD 1661, IB 4

An Act To Raise the Minimum Wage
Died on adjournment Do you want to raise the minimum hourly wage of $7.50 to $9 in 2017, with annual $1 increases up to $12 in 2020, and annual cost-of-living increases thereafter; and do you want to raise the direct wage for service workers who receive tips from half the minimum wage to $5 in 2017, with annual $1 increases until it reaches the adjusted minimum wage? Nov. 8, 2016

Passed

Yes:
420,892

No:
337,486
IB 2015, c. 2 House, March 17, 2016
p. H-1390-H-1397
News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian. Yes
2016 LD 1662, IB 5

An Act To Require Background Checks for Gun Sales
Indefinitely postponed Do you want to require background checks prior to the sale or transfer of firearms between individuals not licensed as firearms dealers, with failure to do so punishable by law, and with some exceptions for family members, hunting, self-defense, lawful competitions, and shooting range activity? Nov. 8, 2016

Failed

Yes:
366,770

No:
394,157
N/A No debate. News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian. Yes
2016 LD 1701, IB 6

An Act To Legalize Marijuana
Indefinitely postponed Do you want to allow the possession and use of marijuana under state law by persons who are at least 21 years of age, and allow the cultivation, manufacture, distribution, testing, and sale of marijuana and marijuana products subject to state regulation, taxation and local ordinance? Nov. 8, 2016

Passed

Yes:
381,647

No:
377,574
IB 2015, c. 5 No debate. News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian. Yes
2017 LD 719, IB 1

An Act To Allow Slot Machines or a Casino in York County
Indefinitely postponed Do you want to allow a certain company to operate table games and/or slot machines in York County, subject to state and local approval, with part of the profits going to the specific programs described in the initiative? Nov. 7, 2017

Failed

Yes:
57,538

No:
286,847
N/A No debate. Committee File:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.
Yes
2017 LD 1039, IB 2

An Act To Enhance Access to Affordable Health Care
Died between houses Do you want Maine to expand Medicaid to provide healthcare coverage for qualified adults under age 65 with incomes at or below 138% of the federal poverty level, which in 2017 means $16,643 for a single person and $22,412 for a family of two? Nov. 7, 2017

Passed

Yes:
203,080

No:
141,436
IB 2017, c. 1 No debate. N/A Yes
2018 LD 1864, IB 3

An Act To Establish Universal Home Care for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities
Died between houses Do you want to create the Universal Home Care Program to provide home-based assistance to people with disabilities and senior citizens, regardless of income, funded by a new 3.8% tax on individuals and families with Maine wage and adjusted gross income above the amount subject to Social Security taxes, which is $128,400 in 2018? Nov. 6, 2018

Failed

Yes:
235,679

No:
398,819
N/A House, March 29, 2018
p. H-1483-H-1492

House, April 3, 2018
p. H-1526-H-1527

Senate, April 13, 2018
p. S-1945-S-1948
News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian. Yes
2021 LD 1295, IB 1

An Act To Require Legislative Approval of Certain Transmission Lines, Require Legislative Approval of Certain Transmission Lines and Facilities and Other Projects on Public Reserved Lands and Prohibit the Construction of Certain Transmission Lines in the Upper Kennebec Region
ONTP Do you want to ban the construction of high-impact electric transmission lines in the Upper Kennebec Region and to require the Legislature to approve all other such projects anywhere in Maine, both retroactively to 2020, and to require the Legislature, retroactively to 2014, to approve by a two-thirds vote such projects using public land? Nov. 2, 2021

Passed

Yes:
243,943

No:
168,143
IB 2021, c. 1 No debate. Committee File:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

 

Yes
2023 LD 1610, IB 1

An Act to Prohibit Campaign Spending by Foreign Governments and Promote an Anticorruption Amendment to the United States Constitution
ONTP Do you want to ban foreign governments and entities that they own, control, or influence from making campaign contributions or financing communications for or against candidates or ballot questions? Nov. 7, 2023

Passed

Yes:
348,781

No:
55,226
IB 2023, c. 2 Pending Committee File:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

 

Pending
2023 LD 1611, IB 2

An Act to Create the Pine Tree Power Company, a Nonprofit, Customer-owned Utility
ONTP Do you want to create a new power company governed by an elected board to acquire and operate existing for-profit electricity transmission and distribution facilities in Maine? Nov. 7, 2023

Failed

Yes:
122,961

No:
283,401
N/A Pending Committee File:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

 

Pending
2023 LD 1677, IB 3

An Act Regarding Automotive Right to Repair
Sent to referendum Do you want to require vehicle manufacturers to standardize on-board diagnostic systems and provide remote access to those systems and mechanical data to owners and independent repair facilities? Nov. 7, 2023

Passed

Yes:
341,574

No:
63,208
IB 2023, c. 3 Pending Committee File:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

 

Pending
2023 LD 1772, IB 4

An Act to Require Voter Approval of Certain Borrowing by Government-controlled Entities and Utilities and to Provide Voters More Information Regarding That Borrowing
ONTP Do you want to bar some quasi-governmental entities and all consumer-owned electric utilities from taking on more than $1 billion in debt unless they get statewide voter approval? Nov. 7, 2023

Passed

Yes:
260,670

No:
137,478
IB 2023, c. 1 Pending Committee File:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

News Clips:  Please contact a Reference Librarian.

 

Pending