Bill Summary – FastDemocracy

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 this legislation is to convene a
group of leaders and experts in heritage industries and mental health and wellness care and
wellness programs to improve access to mental health and wellness and wellness care for
those involved in agriculture, fisheries, forestry and logging and their families; now,
therefore, be it
    Sec. 1. Working group established. Resolved: That the Working Group to
Prioritize Wellness and Mental Health Resources for Heritage Industries, referred to in this
resolve as "the working group," is established.
    Sec. 2. Working group membership. Resolved: That the working group
consists of 11 members as follows:
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   1.   The Commissioner of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, or the
commissioner's designee, who serves as a cochair of the working group;
    2. The Commissioner of Marine Resources, or the commissioner's designee, who
serves as a cochair of the working group;
   3. The Commissioner of Health and Human Services, or the commissioner's designee,
who serves as a cochair of the working group;
   4. One member representing the University of Maine Cooperative Extension,
appointed by the cochairs of the working group;
     5. One member representing the State's agriculture industry, appointed by the cochairs
of the working group;
    6. One member representing the State's fishing industry, appointed by the cochairs of
the working group;
    7. One member representing the State's logging sector, appointed by the cochairs of
the working group;
   8. One member representing a statewide mental health services provider organization,
appointed by the cochairs of the working group;
    9. One member representing an occupational health and safety organization, appointed
by the cochairs of the working group;
    10. One member with expertise in rural health or public health services, appointed by
the cochairs of the working group; and
    11. One member representing a statewide organization that delivers community
services, appointed by the cochairs of the working group.
    Sec. 3. Duties. Resolved: That the working group shall:
    1. Review existing mental health, primary care and wellness resources available to
individuals in the State's heritage industries, including agriculture, fishing, forestry and
logging;
    2. Consider the specific challenges for individuals with serious brain disorders and
traumatic brain injuries working in heritage industries;
    3. Identify gaps in the provision of services and barriers to accessing existing
resources;
    4. Identify issues facing migrant workers;
    5. Examine successful models from other states and jurisdictions;
    6. Develop recommendations for establishing sustainable funding mechanisms and
service delivery models; and
    7. Explore opportunities for public education to reduce stigma around mental health
issues and increase awareness of mental health services.
    Sec. 4. Report. Resolved: That, no later than December 1, 2026, the working group
shall submit a report that includes its findings and recommendations based on its review
under section 3, including suggested legislation, for presentation to the joint standing
committees of the Legislature having jurisdiction over agriculture, conservation and
                                   Page 2 - 132LR2836(03)
forestry matters, marine resources matters and health and human services matters. The
joint standing committees may each submit legislation based on the findings and
recommendations in the report to the 133rd Legislature in 2027.
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