ME LD1968

Authorizes the Legislative Council to set meal allowances above the statutory $50 base and housing allowances above the $70 base for legislators attending sessions, with at least 6 members voting in favor at the beginning of a session

Caps any allowance increases set by the Legislative Council at the regular federal per diem rate for lodging, meals, and incidental expenses

Removes the fixed $50 meal allowance language for legislators who opt for the alternative reimbursement option (meal allowance plus actual mileage instead of combined meal/housing allowance)

Changes successor legislator salary calculation from a fixed weekly rate ($210 or $150 depending on year of vacancy) to a prorated amount based on what the successor would have earned if seated at the start of the biennium

Approved by the Governor on July 1, 2025 as Public Law Chapter 490