• 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.

• Read more about Legislature advances measure to improve school bus safety

AUGUSTA - The Maine Legislature voted this week to advance LD 62, An Act to Require Antipinch Sensors on School Bus Doors, sponsored by Rep. Cheryl Golek, D-Harpswell.

As amended, the bill would require antipinch sensors to be installed in all new school buses starting in 2025.

• Read more about Legislature advances measure to require Maine law enforcement to carry Narcan

AUGUSTA - The Maine Legislature voted this week to advance LD 1036, An Act to Require All Uniformed Patrol Officers to Carry Naloxone Hydrochloride when on Duty. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Nina Milliken, D-Blue Hill.

• Read more about Legislature advances Zager bill to study cross-laminated timber

AUGUSTA - The Maine House and Senate voted last week to advance a measure sponsored by Rep. Sam Zager, D-Portland, with bipartisan support that would study the use of cross-laminated timber (CLT), also known as manufactured wood.

• Read more about Hepler appointed to Lobster Zone Council

AUGUSTA - Rep. Allison Hepler, D-Woolwich, has been appointed to serve on the Department of Marine Resources Zone E Lobster Management Policy Council by Speaker of the House Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, and Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash.

"I am proud to be a part of preserving this sustainable and economically viable fishery that is the heart of our coastal communities," said Hepler. "I appreciate the opportunity to contribute to this iconic heritage industry and to work alongside lobstermen in our community as a part of the Lobster Zone Council."

• Read more about Maine House enacts Rana bill to collect sexual orientation and gender identity data in health care settings

AUGUSTA - On Tuesday, the Maine House of Representatives enacted 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.

• Read more about Maine House enacts Rana bill to establish peer respite centers for adults with mental health challenges

AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives voted Tuesday to enact LD 540, sponsored by Rep. Ambureen Rana, D-Bangor, which would direct the Maine Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Behavioral Health to develop a request for proposal for two adult peer respite centers.

• Read more about Committee advances Rana bill to support recovery community centers

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Joint Standing Committee on Taxation voted unanimously last week to advance LD 1714, sponsored by Rep. Ambureen Rana, D-Bangor, which would create the Recovery Community Centers Fund within the Maine Department of Health and Human Services.

• Read more about House enacts Hepler bill to support individuals with traumatic brain injury

AUGUSTA - The Maine House voted Tuesday to enact legislation sponsored by Rep. Allison Hepler, D-Woolwich, aimed at better supporting Mainers with traumatic brain injury.

LD 539 would expand the options available at Maine's neurorehabilitation clinics to include counseling for substance use disorder, making the services provided more comprehensive.

• Read more about Local legislators celebrate Cobbossee Watershed District

Rep. Tavis Hasenfus, D-Readfield, and Senator Craig Hickman, D-Winthrop, present a legislative sentiment in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Cobbossee Watershed District. Since 1973, the Cobbossee Watershed District's mission has been to protect, improve and manage the lakes, ponds and streams of the 217-square-mile Cobbossee Watershed.

Contact:

Brian Lee [Hasenfus], 305-965-2744
Lisa Haberzettl [Hickman], 207-251-3548

Left to Right: Sen. Hickman, Wendy Dennis, Matt Farragher, Bill Monagle and Rep. Hasenfus