• Read more about Maine House enacts Perry bill to give nursing homes flexibility in managing bed capacity

AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives voted Thursday to enact a bill sponsored by Rep. Anne Perry, D-Calais, that would allow nursing homes more flexibility in managing occupancy at their facilities.

As amended, LD 938 would restore the ability for nursing homes to voluntarily reduce their number of licensed beds and then later increase the number of those beds to the prior level after obtaining state approval.

• Read more about Legislature gives final approval on Zager bill to improve renters' access to credit

AUGUSTA - The Maine House gave final approval this week on bipartisan legislation sponsored by Rep. Sam Zager, D-Portland, that would help low-income Mainers establish or improve credit through their rental payments.

• Read more about House enacts Malon bill to establish a green schools coordinator within the Department of Education

AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives voted unanimously Thursday to enact LD 612, sponsored by Rep. Marc Malon, D-Biddeford, that would establish a green schools coordinator position within the Maine Department of Education. The position would assist department staff in establishing school facility priorities and work with school administrative units to improve building weatherization and make modifications compatible with renewable energy resources.

• Read more about House gives initial approval to Gramlich bill to protect the rights of sexual assault survivors

AUGUSTA - The Maine House gave initial approval on Thursday to a bill from Rep. Lori K. Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, to protect the rights of sexual assault survivors. The measure was approved "under the hammer," or by unanimous consent.

• Read more about House gives final approval to Gramlich bill to protect Maine's endangered species from habitat loss

AUGUSTA - The Maine House gave final approval Thursday to a measure from Rep. Lori K. Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, that would protect endangered and threatened species from habitat loss. The bill was approved "under the hammer," or by unanimous consent.

• Read more about Governor signs White bill to require snow and ice removal from passenger vehicles

AUGUSTA - On Tuesday, Gov. Janet Mills signed legislation sponsored by Rep. Bruce White, D-Waterville, that will require motorists to take measures to prevent snow and ice from falling from their vehicles while operating on Maine roadways.

"With this new law, more Mainers will be safe traveling on our roads in the winter," said White. "It will help provide accountability for drivers and prevent unnecessary deaths, injuries and damage to vehicles."

• Read more about Legislators welcome Oceanside High School students to State House

Rep. Valli Geiger, D-Rockland, and Rep. Ann Matlack, D-St. George, welcomed Oceanside High School AP U.S. Government & Politics students to the State House on Thursday.

Contact:

Brian Lee [Geiger, Matlack], c. 305-965-2744

• Read more about Sargent to hold office hours

AUGUSTA - Rep. Holly Sargent, D-York, will hold office hours at the York Public Library on Saturday, June 17, from 11 a.m. 1 p.m. Appointments are not necessary.

These office hours provide constituents with an opportunity to hear updates from Augusta, ask questions about policymaking and share opinions on state matters. Office hours also serve as an opportunity for residents navigating state agencies to voice concerns.

Rep. Sargent is serving her first term in the Maine House and represents part of York.

Contact:

• Read more about Legislators honor Maine's Emergency Medical Services personnel during EMS Week

AUGUSTA - State lawmakers including Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, Speaker of the House Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, Sen. Chip Curry, D-Belfast, and Rep. Sue Salisbury, D-Westbrook, joined Maine Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel and Friends of EMS for Maine for the annual Maine EMS Week Celebration and Remembrance Ceremony at the State House on Thursday.

• Read more about Legislative committee votes to advance Madigan bill to increase behavioral health services in rural areas

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee voted Tuesday to advance a bill sponsored by Rep. Colleen Madigan, D-Waterville, that would increase the availability of childrens behavioral health services in rural parts of the state.

LD 1236 would require the Department of Health and Human Services to offer grants or incentives to children's behavioral health providers to expand programs into underserved areas.