AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives voted unanimously Wednesday to advance a measure sponsored by Rep. Allison Hepler, D-Woolwich, that would improve the rights and protections for individuals with acquired brain injuries.
Hepler's bill, LD 559, builds on legislation passed in the 125th Maine Legislature that defined "acquired brain injury" and directed the Maine Department of Health and Human Services to identify and ensure the rights of patients with acquired brain injuries. Since its passage, the Office of Maine Attorney General has said the law is insufficient in protecting the rights of people with acquired brain injuries.
LD 559 would ensure that people with acquired brain injuries receive the same rights as people with intellectual disabilities or autism by adding "acquired brain injury" to the existing statutes concerning rights for those individuals.
"I am grateful my colleagues from both sides of the aisle voted in support of this important legislation," said Hepler. "When I lost my husband to a traumatic brain injury, I became part of the brain injury community. My goal is to support the individuals and families who not only need these crucial protections, they deserve them."
The bill will face further votes in the Senate in the coming days.
Hepler is serving her second term in the Maine House and represents Arrowsic, Dresden, Georgetown, Phippsburg, Woolwich and part of Richmond. She serves on the Marine Resources Committee and the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Hepler], c. 812-1111