Maine Senate Bill LD1865

Maine 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/1/25
• Refer: 5/1/25
• Refer: 5/22/25

Caption

Resolve, to Create a Tax Incentive Pilot Project to Encourage Businesses to Adopt a 4-day Workweek

Impact

LD1865 outlines that participating employers must have at least 15 employees and will receive tax credits for their involvement in the pilot project. The bill mandates that employees participating in the project will experience a meaningful reduction in hours without a loss of pay, benefits, or employment status. Regular access to data regarding the wellbeing and work-life balance of the employees will be provided to the Department of Labor, which will analyze the efficacy of the workweek transition.

Summary

Legislative Document 1865 aims to establish a Four-day Workweek Pilot Project in Maine to encourage businesses to adopt a shorter workweek. This resolve is designed to incentivize and support employers in transitioning their employees to a four-day workweek while studying the potential benefits for both the employers and their employees. The Department of Labor will oversee the implementation and evaluation of the pilot, which will commence no later than January 1, 2027, and will run for a fixed duration of between two to four years.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding LD1865 appears to be cautiously optimistic. Proponents argue that the bill represents a strategic shift towards better work-life balance and may lead to increased productivity and employee satisfaction. However, there are concerns from some quarters regarding the administrative burden on employers and whether the pilot project will yield conclusive evidence of its benefits.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding LD1865 include discussions about the implications for small businesses that may struggle with a compressed workweek. Critics also raise questions about how effectively the pilot project will gather and utilize data to support its findings. Conversely, supporters emphasize the importance of adapting modern workplace practices to improve employee wellbeing and retention.