AUGUSTA – Yesterday, Gov. Janet Mills signed legislation sponsored by Rep. Kristi Mathieson, D-Kittery, that will protect the stability of Maine’s paid family and medical leave (PFML) program by prohibiting the creation of private group trusts.
As amended, LD 2018 does not expand or restrict benefits. The bill clarifies that employers with approved private plans are allowed to share administrative burdens like legal and accounting services. It prohibits private plans from pooling their insurance risk, such as through the creation of group trusts.
“This bill is about protecting the integrity, stability and promise of Maine’s paid family and medical leave program at the exact moment workers are beginning to rely on it,” said Mathieson. “It will protect the system the Legislature intentionally created and ensure the Department of Labor can implement the law effectively and on schedule.”
Allowing the creation of private group trusts would have potentially fractured the statewide risk pool, undermining PFML’s financial stability, increasing long‑term costs for workers and employers, and making benefits less reliable. LD 2018 keeps the program stable, protecting Maine workers and preserving the solvency of the fund.
Applications for benefits through the PFML program opened on March 30, and benefits will become available starting May 1.
Mathieson is serving her third term in the Maine House representing Kittery and is House chair of the Legislature’s Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee.
Brian Lee (Mathieson) | 305-965-2744
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