• 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

• Read more about Roberts introduces legislation to license residential contractors

AUGUSTA - Rep. Tiffany Roberts, D-South Berwick, introduced legislation Tuesday before the Legislature's Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business Committee that would protect Maine consumers by licensing residential contractors.

Maine already licenses plumbers, electricians, engineers, code enforcement officers and more but residential contractors have no licensing requirements.

• Read more about Salisbury speaks at ceremony honoring Maine Emergency Medical Services

On Thursday, Rep. Sue Salisbury, D-Westbrook, spoke at the annual Maine Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week Celebration and Remembrance Ceremony about her commitment to supporting Maine EMS and the essential services they provide to communities across the state.

Salisbury is the House chair of the Legislature's Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety. In 2022, she served on the Blue Ribbon Commission to Study Emergency Medical Services in the State.

Contact:

• Read more about Rielly introduces bill to provide financial relief to Maine's volunteer service members

AUGUSTA - Rep. Morgan Rielly, D-Westbrook, introduced legislation on Wednesday before the Legislature's Joint Standing Committee on Taxation to provide financial relief to volunteer service members.

LD 1573 would allow for the education awards received by members of AmeriCorps, the Maine Service Fellows and the Maine Climate Corps, which can be used to repay eligible student loans, to be tax exempt.

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

AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives voted Tuesday to advance 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.