AUGUSTA — Gov. Janet Mills has vetoed a bill that seeks to implement the state’s automotive right to repair law approved by voters in 20-23.
The veto letter released by her office on Wednesday indicates Mills, a Democrat in her final year in office who is running for the U.S. Senate, is concerned that the bill would hurt independent auto repair shops.
“I have heard from hundreds of independent repair shop owners asking that I veto this bill, based on significant concerns about the bill’s language that would restrict independent shops from performing even routine maintenance on modern vehicles,” Mills wrote. “I am sympathetic to their concerns.”
Mills noted that there is another bill pending before lawmakers that will “clarify and improve” the citizen initiative approved by 84% of voters.
The initiative sought to require car manufacturers to make vehicle diagnostics accessible to third-party repair shops.
The veto will go to the Legislature next week for consideration.
The right to repair bill is just one of 61 bills that have been on Mills’ desk since the Legislature adjourned in June. According to her office, she will let 52 of those bills become law without her signature and that lawmakers will recall seven bills from her desk for additional work.
Among the bills that are now law are a measure to create a new program to dispose of firefighting foam that contains PFAS and one that creates a stabilization fund related to electric billing practices.
Previously, Mills announced her decision to let two other bills become law without her signature. One requires all firearms, including those made with 3D printers, to include serial numbers.
The other prohibits Maine law enforcement from cooperating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents unless the investigation is related to a criminal investigation.
Mills has yet to decide on perhaps the most controversial bill that’s still pending — LD 1164, which gives Maine tribes the exclusive right to obtain a license for internet gaming.
On Dec. 17, the state’s Gambling Control Board voted 5-0 to urge Mills to veto the bill, saying it will hurt brick and mortar casinos in Oxford and Bangor.
“Cutting out Oxford and Hollywood Casinos entirely from offering iGaming is ill-advised and creates a monopoly that is harmful to consumers and the Maine workers employed by Oxford and Hollywood Casinos,” the board wrote.
But during a public hearing on the bill in March 2025, Chief Pos Bassett of the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Sipayik told lawmakers the tribes need additional revenues to deal with problems related to climate change.
“LD 1164 will generate revenues that will help us save enough money to do things like move our wastewater treatment plant and survive what’s to come from rising sea levels,” he said. “It will also deliver much needed money into the state budget and help address key critical issues like substance use and veteran homelessness.”
Mills will announce her decision on the bill in the coming days, according to her office.