MDOL Rulemaking

12-702 Department of Labor, Paid Family and Medical Leave Program

Chapter 1, Rules Governing Paid Family and Medical

• The Maine Paid Family and Medical Leave program is proposing this rule to provide definitions and procedures for implementing the Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program, which was adopted in 2023. This new law, codified at 26 M.R.S. §§ 850-A through 850-R, will apply to most employees and employers in the State of Maine. PFML will provide up to 12 weeks of paid leave per benefit year for family, medical or safe leave, with such benefits beginning in mid-2026. Premium contributions will begin January 2025. To ensure proper implementation, this rule explains in detail the rights and responsibilities that will apply to employers, employees, self-employed individuals and tribal governments related to contributions and benefits. This rule also outlines application procedures, notice requirements and the process for employers to apply for a private plan substitution.
• Public Hearing: Monday, June 10, 2024 at 9:00 a.m., at the Maine Department of Labor, Frances Perkins Room, 45 Commerce Dr., Augusta, ME 04330
• Download the Proposed Rule: Chapter 1 rule (PDF)

Please Note: The public comment period for this proposed rule ended on July 8, 2024.

12-170 Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Standards - Chapter 9, Rules Governing Administrative Civil Money Penalties

• The Bureau of Labor Standards is proposing amendments to this Rule to simplify and increase the effectiveness of the administrative civil money penalties, to modify the appeal process to remove the possible perception of bias, and to ensure that Bureau resources are allocated in a more effective and accountable manner.
• Public Hearing: Monday, December 11th at 10:00am, at the Maine Department of Labor, Frances Perkins Conference Room, 45 Commerce Dr., Augusta, ME 04330. The public hearing will be held open for at least one hour
• Download the Proposed Rule:
  • Copy of Rule (PDF)

Please Note: The public comment period for this proposed rule is closed.

• Download the responses to Chapter 9 comments (PDF)
• The Chapter 9 rules are major substantive and require a legislative review. Visit the Maine Legislature Bill Tracking website to review the resolve.

12-179 Board of Occupational Safety and Health - Chapter 6, Regarding Occupational Injuries and Illnesses in the Public Sector

Chapter 6, Regarding Occupational Injuries and Illnesses in the Public Sector

• The purpose of this chapter is to update this rule to reflect changes to the incorporated by reference rules governing the recording of occupational injuries and illnesses as promulgated by the Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration at 29 CFR Part 1904, most recently amended on January 1, 2024
• Download the Proposed Rule:
• Chapter 6 Rule (PDF)

Please Note: The public comment period for this rule ends on May 17, 2024 at 5:00 pm.