me-2026-P220: 18-554 C.M.R. Ch. 5, Grant Award Process for Lead By Example Program

Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Bureau of General Services CHAPTER NUMBER AND RULE TITLE: 18-554 C.M.R. Ch. 5, Grant Award Process for Lead By Example Program TYPE OF RULE: Routine Technical PROPOSAL FILING NUMBER: 2026-P220 BRIEF SUMMARY This Chapter establishes the procedures governing the Lead by Example Program administered by the Bureau of General Services (BGS), including procedures for the sale, retirement, and purchase of renewable energy credits; the administration, allocation, and distribution of proceeds from the sale of renewable energy credits; and the reimbursement of renewable and clean energy tax credits, including federal Internal Revenue Service elective pay reimbursements. It also establishes the process for selecting state agency grant recipients to receive funds administered by BGS for renewable energy systems; building efficiency and electrification projects; the purchase of electric vehicles; the construction of electric vehicle charging stations; and initiatives supporting the maintenance, upgrades, and upkeep of renewable energy systems. DETAILED SUMMARY: This rule establishes procedures for the purchase and sale of renewable energy credits (RECs) by the Bureau of General Services. It explains how BGS will allocate the proceeds from REC sales and federal Internal Revenue Service (IRS) elective pay reimbursements. It also establishes the process for selecting state agency grant recipients who will receive funds managed by BGS to support projects such as energy efficiency and electrification improvements to buildings, renewable energy systems, electric vehicle (EV) purchases, installation of EV charging stations, and maintenance and upgrade of renewable energy systems. Grants will be awarded to state agencies through a competitive application process on a rolling basis as funding becomes available. PUBLIC HEARING: N/A COMMENT DEADLINE: October 30, 2026 CONTACT PERSON FOR THIS FILING: Brian Keezer 77 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333-0077 (207) 624-7371 brian.keezer@maine.gov CONTACT PERSON FOR SMALL BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT: FINANCIAL IMPACT ON MUNICIPALITIES OR COUNTIES: None STATUTORY AUTHORITY FOR THIS RULE: 5 M.R.S. § 1742(20-B); 1742-H; 1764-A; 1830 SUBSTANTIVE STATE OR FEDERAL LAW BEING IMPLEMENTED: 5 M.R.S. §§ 1742(20-B) and 1742-H AGENCY WEBSITE: Home | Bureau of General Services EMAIL ADDRESS FOR OVERALL AGENCY RULEMAKING LIAISON: Anya.Trundy@maine.gov AGENCY NAME: Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Family Independence CHAPTER NUMBER AND RULE TITLE: 10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 301, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Rules [Sections1, 999-1, and 999-3; SNAP Rule #248P – FFY 2027 Budgeting Figures and FPLs] TYPE OF RULE: Routine Technical PROPOSAL FILING NUMBER: 2026-P221 BRIEF SUMMARY: Federal rules 7 C.F.R. §§ 273.9(a)(3), 273.10(e)(4), and 273.11(r)(2)(ii) require that income and asset allowances, standard shelter deductions, and minimum and maximum benefit limits, be updated each year, effective October 1st. The United States Department of Agriculture (U.S.D.A.) - Food and Nutrition Administration (F.N.A.) provides updated income and asset allowances, standard deductions, and minimum and maximum benefit standards to states and territories, annually. Maine proposed new standard utility allowances based on increases in the Consumer Price Index and as approved by F.N.A. The Department proposes to make these changes effective October 1, 2026. Retroactive rulemaking is permissible under 22 M.R.S. § 42(8)(A) as this update is necessary to comply with federal requirements, provides a benefit to SNAP recipients and does not adversely impact applicants, participants, beneficiaries, or providers.In addition, consistent with 22 M.R.S. § 3110(5) and 10-144 C.M.R. Ch. 303 the proposed rule would update Section 1 to provide applicant and recipient information regarding potential referrals to Approved Entities through an Information Exchange. Further, the proposed rule would make changes to correct typographical errors, update outdated references, improve readability and provide clarifying language for readers, Participants, and Department staff, including Section 999-1 updates the Questionable Information definition and Section 999-3 – Chart 7, Standard Deduction, corrects FFY 2026 for a Household Size of 4 to $223 from $233. PUBLIC HEARING: No public hearing is scheduled. COMMENT DEADLINE: Monday, November 2, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Written public comments may be submitted via the link at: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/about/rulemaking CONTACT PERSON FOR THIS FILING: Michael E. Downs, Program Director — SNAP Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Family Independence, 109 Capitol St., Augusta, ME 04333-0011 (207) 592-4850 (207) 287-3455 TTY Users Call 711 (Maine Relay) CONTACT PERSON FOR SMALL BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT: N/A FINANCIAL IMPACT ON MUNICIPALITIES OR COUNTIES: No financial impact is anticipated for municipalities or counties. STATUTORY AUTHORITY FOR THIS RULE: 22 M.R.S. §§ 42(1) and 8(A), and 3104 SUBSTANTIVE STATE OR FEDERAL LAW BEING IMPLEMENTED: N/A AGENCY WEBSITE: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi EMAIL ADDRESS FOR OVERALL AGENCY RULEMAKING LIAISON: Emily.A.Cathcart@maine.gov AGENCY NAME: Maine Commission on Public Defense Services CHAPTER NUMBERS AND RULE TITLES: 94-649 C.M.R. Ch. 301, Fee Schedule and Administrative Procedures for Payment of Counsel [to be repealed] 94-649 C.M.R. Ch. 7, Fee Schedule and Administrative Procedures for Payment of Counsel [new rule] TYPES OF RULES: Routine Technical PROPOSAL FILING NUMBERS: 2026-P222 (Ch. 301), 2026-P223 (Ch. 7) BRIEF SUMMARY: This Chapter establishes an hourly rate, fee schedule, and administrative procedures for payment of Counsel. The Chapter also establishes rules for the payment of expenses that are eligible for reimbursement by the Commission. Finally, this Chapter requires that all vouchers for attorney fees and reimbursable expenses must be submitted using PDS’ Electronic Case Management System. PUBLIC HEARING: Monday, October 26, 2026 at 3:00PM hybrid via Zoom and in-person at 77 Sewell Street, 3rd floor, Suite 300, Augusta. COMMENT DEADLINE: Tuesday, November 10, 2026 at 5:00PM CONTACT PERSON FOR THIS FILING: Darcy R. Fisher Mailing address: 154 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333 Phone: 207-287-3263 darcy.fisher@maine.gov CONTACT PERSON FOR SMALL BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT (if different): FINANCIAL IMPACT ON MUNICIPALITIES OR COUNTIES (if any): STATUTORY AUTHORITY FOR THIS RULE: 4 M.R.S. §§ 1804(2)(F), (2)(G), (3)(A), (3)(B), (3)(D), & (4)(D) SUBSTANTIVE STATE OR FEDERAL LAW BEING IMPLEMENTED (if different): AGENCY WEBSITE: https://www.maine.gov/pds/ EMAIL ADDRESS FOR OVERALL AGENCY RULEMAKING LIAISON: darcy.fisher@maine.gov AGENCY NAME: Maine Commission on Public Defense Services CHAPTER NUMBERS AND RULE TITLES: 94-649 C.M.R. Ch. 201, Appeals of the Decision of the Executive Director 94-649 C.M.R. Ch. 6, Appeals of the Decision of the Executive Director TYPES OF RULES: Routine Technical PROPOSAL FILING NUMBERS: 2026-P162 (Ch. 301), 2026-P163 (Ch. 6) (Second Notice) BRIEF SUMMARY: Chapter 201 is the existing rule, which will be repealed and replaced by Chapter 6. This Chapter (Chapter 201, to be Chapter 6) establishes the process for an appeal from a decision of the Executive Director to the Commissioners of the Commission on Public Defense Services pursuant to 4 M.R.S. § 1804(3)(J). The proposed Chapter 6 maintains much of the substantive procedure contained in Chapter 201. Changes in Chapter 6 primarily clarify the roles of various individuals involved with appeals, establish or alter timelines and deadlines, modify the language regarding the admissibility of evidence, and add a deference standard. PUBLIC HEARING: Previously held, at which point a substantive change was made and the Commission voted to accept additional written comments for a new 30-day period. COMMENT DEADLINE: Monday, November 2, 2026 at 5:00PM CONTACT PERSON FOR THIS FILING: Darcy R. Fisher 154 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333 207-287-3263 darcy.fisher@maine.gov CONTACT PERSON FOR SMALL BUSINESS IMPACT STATEMENT (if different): FINANCIAL IMPACT ON MUNICIPALITIES OR COUNTIES (if any): STATUTORY AUTHORITY FOR THIS RULE: 4 M.R.S. § 1804(3)(J). SUBSTANTIVE STATE OR FEDERAL LAW BEING IMPLEMENTED (if different): AGENCY WEBSITE: https://www.maine.gov/pds/ EMAIL ADDRESS FOR OVERALL AGENCY RULEMAKING LIAISON: darcy.fisher@maine.gov