Maine legislation · 132nd Legislature
Maine LD2144: Resolve, to Establish the Working Group to Prioritize Wellness and Mental Health Resources for Heritage Industries
Status: Signed into law, March 23, 2026
What the bill says
From the engrossed text:
APPROVED CHAPTER MARCH 23, 2026 147 BY GOVERNOR RESOLVES STATE OF MAINE _____ IN THE YEAR OF OUR LORD TWO THOUSAND TWENTY-SIX _____ S.P. 862 - L.D. 2144 Resolve, to Establish the Working Group to Prioritize Wellness and Mental Health Resources for Heritage Industries Preamble. Whereas, struggles with mental health and wellness are common within Maine's heritage industries, with many individuals and family members reporting high levels of stress, burnout, depression and anxiety; and Whereas, a July 2025 survey conducted by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension and partners revealed 61% of respondents from the agriculture, aquaculture and wild harvest fisheries industries identified the need for increased public education to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health issues and access to industry-specific and culturally competent supportive services; and Whereas, Vermont, Colorado, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and other states have recognized this critical need and implemented solutions; and Whereas, Maine held its first Maine Land and Sea Farmer Wellness Forum in September 2025, at which over 200 people were in attendance; and Whereas, the 2021 suicide rate among persons of working age in the United States is approximately 33% higher than it was 2 decades ago, with the agriculture, forestry, logging and fishing industries remaining among occupation groups with higher suicide rates; and Whereas, the purpose of the working group under …
Sponsors
- Henry Ingwersen (D, 32) · primary sponsor
- Russell Black (R, 5)
- Stacy Brenner (D, 30)
- Allison Hepler (D, 49)
- Craig Hickman (D, 14)
- Marianne Moore (R, 6)
- William Pluecker (I, 44)
- Cameron Reny (D, 13)
- Tiffany Strout (R, 11)
- Denise Tepler (D, 24)
Latest actions
- : FINALLY PASSED, in concurrence.
- : FINALLY PASSED.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
- : CONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Resolve was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-531).In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
- : COMMITTEE ON BILLS IN THE SECOND READING REPORTS NO FURTHER VERBAL AMENDMENTS NECESSARY. REPORT ACCEPTED.READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-531)Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence.
- : Report READ and ACCEPTED. Bill READ ONCE. Committee Amendment "A" (S-531) READ and ADOPTED. ASSIGNED FOR SECOND READING NEXT LEGISLATIVE DAY.
- : The Resolve was REFERRED to the Committee on HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES.In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
- : Committee on HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES suggested and ordered printed REFERENCE to the Committee on HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence
Subjects: HERITAGE INDUSTRY RESOURCES, Legislature, DELIVERY, Senate, Other, MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Common questions
- What is LD2144?
- LD2144 is a bill in the Maine Legislature (132nd Legislature): Resolve, to Establish the Working Group to Prioritize Wellness and Mental Health Resources for Heritage Industries.
- What is the status of LD2144?
- Signed into law as of March 23, 2026. Latest action: FINALLY PASSED, in concurrence. (March 19, 2026).
- Who sponsored LD2144?
- Henry Ingwersen (D, 32), with 9 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for LD2144?
- On the Maine Legislature website: https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=2144&snum=132
Source: official Maine record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.