MDOL Rulemaking

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

• The purpose of this chapter is 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.
• This Rule is being reposted with changes to certain sections after considering comments from the initial public comment period that ended July 8, 2024 to further ensure proper implementation of the PFML program. To better understand the revisions in the second proposed Rule please be advised of the following:
  • Provisions in the rule that are italicized and are in blue indicates new language;
  • Provisions that are in red and the text is strikethrough indicates the language is no longer in the proposed rule;
  • Provisions that are in black indicates that the language has not been amended.
• Public Hearing: Tuesday, September 17, 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: We encourage the public to only comment on provisions of the proposed Rule that have been amended.

Please Note: The public comment period for this proposed rule has ended.

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 ended on May 17, 2024 at 5:00 pm.

12-179 Board of Occupational Safety and Health - Chapter 2, Occupational Safety and Health Standards for General Industry Employment in the Public Sector

Chapter 2, Occupational Safety and Health Standards for General Industry Employment in the Public Sector

• The purpose of this change is to update the current Hazard Communication Standard to protect workers by improving the amount and quality of information on labels and safety data sheets. This will allow workers and first responders to react more quickly in an emergency situation.
  
• Download the Proposed Rule:
• Chapter 2 Rule (PDF)

Please Note: The public comment period for this rule has ended.

12-179 Board of Occupational Safety and Health - Chapter 11, Occupational Safety and Health Standards for Worker Walkaround Representative Designation

Chapter 11, Occupational Safety and Health Standards for Worker Walkaround Representative Designation

• The purpose of this Chapter is to clarify who may participate in walkaround inspections as an “employee representative,” and, at a minimum, conform to Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration 29 CFR Part 1903.8 revised as of May 31, 2024, requirements.
• Download the Proposed Rule:
• Chapter 11 Rule (Word)

Please Note: The public comment period for this rule has ended.