Maine State Chamber Statement on Outcome of LD1822 Data Privacy Bill

AUGUSTA, Maine (April 10, 2026) - Absent a national policy, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce has consistently called for a balanced, uniform approach to data privacy-one that provides consumers with clear protections and input on how their data is used, while ensuring Maine employers remain competitive in an increasingly digital economy. Despite legislation brought forward that would have aligned Maine with seventeen other states' data privacy laws, the Legislature instead advanced a far more restrictive bill--LD 1822: An Act to Enact the Maine Online Data Privacy Act-which would have made Maine an outlier by significantly limiting businesses' ability to grow their customer base through cost-effective digital marketing, now a cornerstone of modern advertising.

In a rare and powerful show of unity, nearly 400 Maine businesses representing tourism, hospitality, retail, arts, and sports spoke out in opposition to LD 1822, raising concerns about the real-world impact the proposal would have on their operations and the broader economy. These businesses were joined by the Maine State Chamber of Commerce, HospitalityMaine, Maine Tourism Association, Retail Association of Maine, and regional chambers across the state.

The Maine State Chamber of Commerce thanks the bipartisan group of legislators who listened to the employers and employees in their districts, took the time to understand how Maine businesses reach new customers, and ultimately stood with the business community in opposing LD 1822. Their decision protects the ability of businesses to innovate, grow, and compete-not just here in Maine, but in the global economy.

The Maine State Chamber remains committed to working with legislators and partners to advance a balanced data privacy law in the future.