AUGUSTA - Last week, Gov. Janet Mills signed into law LD 1523, sponsored by Rep. Morgan Rielly, D-Westbrook, which will establish a Qualifying Condition Review Board to review other than honorable veteran discharges based on gender identity, sexual orientation, post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and military sexual trauma.
AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives voted Tuesday to advance a bill sponsored by Rep. Art Bell, D-Yarmouth, that would phase out the use of fluorescent light bulbs in Maine over the next several years.
As amended, LD 1814 would prohibit the sale or distribution of mercury-added light bulbs beginning on Jan. 1, 2026.
AUGUSTA - On Thursday, the Maine House voted to give initial approval to LD 1964, An Act to Implement the Recommendations of the Commission to Develop a Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefits Program, sponsored by Sen. Mattie Daughtry, D-Brunswick, and Rep. Kristen Cloutier, D-Lewiston. The bill passed on a 79-65 vote following a 22-12 vote in the Senate on Wednesday
AUGUSTA - On Tuesday, the Legislature enacted legislation sponsored by Rep. Amy Roeder, D-Bangor, which would allow employees to request flexible work schedules without retaliation from their employers.
AUGUSTA - The Maine Legislature voted Tuesday to advance a proposal from Rep. Rebecca Millett, D-Cape Elizabeth, to address the state's worsening housing crisis. The measure earned initial approval "under the hammer," or by unanimous consent, in both the House and Senate.
LD 1540 would create the Stable Home Fund, a state program to provide low-income families with temporary rental assistance paid directly to their landlords.
AUGUSTA - On Tuesday, Gov. Janet Mills signed LD 958, sponsored by Rep. Allison Hepler, D-Woolwich, that will expand protections for Maine loons and other waterfowl by prohibiting the sale and use of certain painted lead fishing tackle, which can be fatal for these species.
AUGUSTA - A measure from Rep. Jim Boyle, D-Gorham, to require developers of energy storage facilities to establish a decommissioning plan was signed into law by Gov. Janet Mills on Friday.
AUGUSTA - On Tuesday, Gov. Janet Mills signed legislation sponsored by Rep. Anne Graham, D-North Yarmouth, that will protect children and individuals with intellectual disabilities receiving behavioral health services.
AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives on Tuesday advanced legislation sponsored by Rep. Grayson Lookner, D-Portland, that would require any vessel that meets the definition of megayacht to pay an impact fee of $10 per foot of length over 150 feet each day, up to 30 consecutive days, when docking in Maine. The funds generated will be invested into Maine's working waterfront and historic coastal communities.
AUGUSTA - The Maine Legislature voted this week to enact a measure from Rep. Cheryl Golek, D-Harpswell, that would improve access to energy efficiency programs for low- and moderate-income Mainers living in manufactured homes.
