ME LD2144

Establishes an 11-member Working Group to Prioritize Wellness and Mental Health Resources for Heritage Industries, co-chaired by the Commissioners of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry; Marine Resources; and Health and Human Services

Targets mental health support for workers in agriculture, fishing, forestry, and logging industries, where a July 2025 survey found 61% of respondents identified need for increased public education and industry-specific mental health services

Directs the working group to review existing mental health resources, identify service gaps and access barriers, examine successful models from other states, and develop recommendations for sustainable funding and service delivery

Report with findings and suggested legislation due to legislative committees by December 1, 2026, with committees authorized to submit legislation to the 133rd Legislature in 2027

Cites 2021 data showing working-age suicide rates approximately 33% higher than two decades ago, with agriculture, forestry, logging, and fishing among occupation groups with elevated suicide rates