AUGUSTA – A new law sponsored by Rep. Anne Graham, D-North Yarmouth, to expand behavioral healthcare access went into effect this week. 

Behavioral health services, including mental healthcare, substance use disorder services, crisis stabilization and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline will now be more accessible for Mainers – particularly in rural areas – through LD 721, which provides funding for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics. 

AUGUSTA – A new law sponsored by Rep. Drew Gattine, D-Westbrook, to help prevent domestic violence by funding certified intervention programs is now in effect. 

LD 666 provides $500,000 in one-time funding for Maine’s Certified Domestic Violence Intervention Programs (CDVIPs), which are court-ordered and proven to be effective. However, many programs throughout Maine have been at risk of shutting down due to lack of funding.

AUGUSTA – A new law sponsored by Rep. Drew Gattine, D-Westbrook, to provide funding for Maine’s emergency shelters, which help individuals and families experiencing homelessness, is now in effect.

LD 2124 contributes one-time state funds to keep shelters open and reduce costs for municipalities. The primary funding source for emergency shelters has not increased since 2016, despite rising costs for staffing, food, utilities, insurance and security.

AUGUSTA – A law sponsored by Rep. Stephan Bunker, D-Farmington, that will strengthen Maine’s emergency response system by extending the probationary period for public safety dispatchers went into effect yesterday.

LD 2090 permits dispatch centers to establish a probationary period for public safety dispatchers of up to one year in order to provide sufficient time for new dispatchers to learn the position, as well as increase retention rates among dispatchers.

AUGUSTA – Legislation sponsored by Rep. Traci Gere, D-Kennebunkport, to increase housing opportunities, support aspiring homeowners and strengthen local code enforcement is now law.

The three new laws are part of ongoing efforts to address Maine’s housing shortage and ensure more Mainers can find safe, stable and affordable homes. 

AUGUSTA – A new law sponsored by Assistant House Majority Leader Lori K. Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, that creates a state advocate for children takes effect Wednesday. 

LD 1893 establishes an independent Office of the Child Advocate in state government. Once operational, the office will receive and investigate complaints, share information with the public, and advise the governor and state lawmakers on how to improve services and protections for children. 

AUGUSTA – Four key bills sponsored by Rep. Ambureen Rana, D-Bangor, will go into effect today.

LD 703 provides one-time funding of $200,000 for a healthcare gap year program that incentivizes recent college graduates to work in critical positions, particularly in underserved and rural communities. 

AUGUSTA – A bill to provide funding for the redevelopment of the former Island Nursing Home, now known as HomePort, into affordable senior housing, sponsored by Rep. Holly Eaton, D-Deer Isle, went into effect on July 29. 

“I am grateful to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for supporting our community through the funding in this bill,” said Eaton. “Senior housing in Hancock County is so desperately needed, and this money will go a long way to support this project.”

AUGUSTA – Legislation sponsored by Rep. Kilton Webb, D-Durham, that will create a clean, renewable energy construction project database to help better identify current energy trends will go into effect today. 

AUGUSTA – A bill sponsored by Rep. Julie McCabe, D-Lewiston, that will help prevent cybersecurity attacks on Maine hospitals and ensure continuity of patient care when future cyberattacks occur, goes into effect today.