• Read more about Sen. Daughtry, Rep. Cloutier to unveil legislation to implement a statewide paid family and medical leave program

AUGUSTA - Sen. Mattie Daughtry, D-Brunswick, and Rep. Kristen Cloutier, D-Lewiston, will hold a press conference on Thursday, May 25 to unveil legislation that would implement a statewide paid family and medical leave benefits program in Maine. The press conference will begin at 12 p.m. in the courtyard between the State House and the Cross Building.

• Read more about Bell introduces bill to authorize recreational use of local rail corridor

AUGUSTA - Rep. Art Bell, D-Yarmouth, introduced legislation last week at a public hearing before the Legislature's Transportation Committee that would authorize recreational use of the Berlin Subdivision Rail Corridor that runs from Portland to Auburn.

• Read more about House advances Jauch bill to increase child care access

AUGUSTA - The Maine House voted Tuesday to advance legislation sponsored by Rep. Rebecca Jauch, D-Topsham, that would create a stakeholder group to identify ways to improve child care availability in Maine.

• Read more about House advances Runte bill to study electric school bus vehicle-to-grid pilot project

AUGUSTA - The Maine House voted Tuesday to advance legislation sponsored by Rep. Gerry Runte, D-York, that would direct Efficiency Maine to study the feasibility of a vehicle-to-grid electric school bus pilot project at the Wells-Ogunquit Community School District.

• Read more about Wells choir sings national anthem before the Maine House

Rep. Daniel J. Hobbs, D-Wells, welcomed the Wells Atlantic Harmonies Select Choir to the State House on Tuesday. The choir performed the national anthem in the chamber of the House of Representatives at the start of the day's session.

Contact:

Brian Lee [Hobbs] c. 305-965-2744

• Read more about Committee unanimously advances Salisbury bill to support Maine veterans

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Labor and Housing Committee unanimously voted Wednesday to advance a measure from Rep. Sue Salisbury, D-Westbrook, to support Maine veterans of the Lebanese Civil War and the U.S. military operations in Grenada during the 1980s.

• Read more about O'Neil introduces legislation to protect Mainers health data, other personal information

AUGUSTA - Rep. Maggie O'Neil, D-Saco, introduced proposals on Monday that would protect Mainers privacy by restricting the ways that personal health data and other information is shared and accessed.

The first, LD 1902, would prohibit tech companies from selling users' sensitive health data, require them to obtain consent to collect health data and take steps to keep collected data secure, among other safeguards.

• Read more about House advances Crafts bill to expand the state's Social Worker Education Loan Repayment Program

AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives voted unanimously last week to advance legislation sponsored by Rep. Lydia Crafts, D-Newcastle, that would provide additional student debt relief for social workers to help grow the profession and improve mental health services in Maine.

• Read more about Legislature advances Doudera bill to provide the option of natural organic reduction for human remains

AUGUSTA - The Maine Senate voted Thursday to advance legislation sponsored by Rep. Vicki Doudera, D-Camden, that would provide Maine residents with the option of natural organic reduction for human remains.

• Read more about Legislature advances Rana bill to collect sexual orientation and gender identity data in health care settings

AUGUSTA - The Maine House and Senate this week advanced LD 956, sponsored by Rep. Ambureen Rana, D-Bangor, which would require health care facilities to collect patient data related to sexual orientation and gender identity. While health care facilities would be required to incorporate sexual orientation and gender identity questions on their intake forms, patients are not required to answer them.