Maine Lawmakers Debate New Online Data Privacy Rules

Proposed bill LD 1822 would change how companies collect and use personal data, dividing lawmakers on competing approaches.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Maine lawmakers are debating a proposed data privacy law, LD 1822, that would significantly change how companies collect, track, and sell personal online information. The legislation has two competing approaches - one from Rep. Amy Kuhn (D) that takes a stricter stance to minimize data collection, and another from Rep. Rachel Henderson (R) that would allow consumers to opt in or out of data collection. Businesses like the Maine Mariners hockey team are concerned Kuhn's version could make targeted advertising more difficult and expensive, while privacy advocates support Kuhn's plan to automatically protect consumer data.

Why it matters

As AI and online data usage become more prevalent, this debate highlights the tension between consumer privacy and business needs. The outcome of LD 1822 could set an important precedent for how states approach data privacy regulations, with implications for both individuals and companies operating in the digital space.

The details

LD 1822 proposes creating a new Maine data privacy law. Rep. Kuhn's version would limit data collection to only what is "reasonably necessary" for a service, with heightened protections for sensitive data. Rep. Henderson's version would allow consumers to opt in or out of data collection through a clear button on websites. Businesses like the Maine Mariners are concerned Kuhn's approach could make targeted advertising more difficult and costly, while privacy advocates support her plan to automatically protect consumer data without requiring digital literacy.

  • LD 1822 passed through the Maine House in February 2026 in a 73-65 vote.
  • The bill is anticipated to be voted on in the Maine Senate next week.

The players

Rep. Amy Kuhn

The Democratic state representative from Falmouth who is the sponsor of LD 1822 and supports a stricter approach to data privacy regulation.

Rep. Rachel Henderson

The Republican state representative from Rumford who supports an opt-in/opt-out approach to data collection in LD 1822.

Adam Goldberg

The CEO of the Maine Mariners minor league hockey team, who is concerned Kuhn's version of LD 1822 could make targeted advertising more difficult and expensive.

Mary Kane

The president and CEO of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, who wrote a letter stating Maryland businesses have faced negative impacts from a similar data privacy law.

Aaron Frey

The Attorney General of Maine, who has voiced support for Kuhn's proposal in LD 1822.

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What they’re saying

“When we are looking to attract new fans, we look for specific segments. But under one proposed version of LD 1822, Goldberg worries access to certain online data could shrink—making that targeting harder and more expensive.”

— Adam Goldberg, CEO, Maine Mariners

“Their personal data will only be collected if it's reasonably necessary to the service that they're requesting. And their most sensitive data is even at a higher level.”

— Rep. Amy Kuhn

“It's just not a good approach to governing, to tell a consumer, 'We know better than you on what to do with your information, so we're going to completely remove consent altogether.'”

— Rep. Rachel Henderson

“We assure you that Maryland businesses have consistently noted the negative impact of MODPA.”

— Mary Kane, President and CEO, Maryland Chamber of Commerce

“What we can do to protect Mainers as this rapidly evolving technology is deployed is to get our most personal information out of the marketplace.”

— Rep. Amy Kuhn

What’s next

The Maine Senate is expected to vote on LD 1822 next week, after the bill passed the House in February. A coalition of Maine businesses is gathering at the State House on Monday to protest Rep. Kuhn's proposal.

The takeaway

This debate over LD 1822 highlights the complex balance between consumer privacy and business needs in the digital age. The outcome could set an important precedent for how states approach data privacy regulations, with implications for both individuals and companies operating online.