• Read more about Committee advances Fay bill to support veterinarians and prohibit noncompete agreements

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Labor and Housing Committee voted Wednesday to advance legislation sponsored by Rep. Jessica Fay, D-Raymond, that would prohibit an employer from requiring or permitting a veterinarian to enter into a noncompete agreement unless they have an ownership interest in the practice. The bill would also prohibit a court from enforcing a noncompete agreement that was signed prior to the date the bill would become law.

• Read more about Eaton introduces bill to support rural teacher workforce

AUGUSTA - Rep. Holly Eaton, D-Deer Isle, introduced legislation Monday to support rural teachers and expand the teacher workforce in rural areas.

• Read more about Committee advances Rana bill to establish peer respite centers for adults with mental health challenges

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee voted with unanimous support, of those present, to advance 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 Madigan introduces bill to increase availability of children's behavioral health services

AUGUSTA - Rep. Colleen Madigan, D-Waterville, introduced legislation last week before the Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee that aims to expand the availability of children's behavioral health services in the state.

• Read more about House Democrats appointed to serve the Maine Climate Council

AUGUSTA - Speaker of the House Rachel Talbot Ross appointed seven House Democrats to serve on the Maine Climate Council, including on its subcommittees and working groups. The Maine Climate Council was established by Gov.

• Read more about Supica introduces bill to provide sober housing for rural mothers

AUGUSTA - Rep. Laura Supica, D-Bangor, introduced LD 1116 Tuesday before the Legislature's Labor and Housing Committee, which would require MaineHousing to contract for the construction of at least 15 certified recovery housing units throughout Maine.

The recovery homes would provide rural Maine mothers recovering from substance use disorder a safe and secure option for seeking treatment that would serve the entire family, not just the individual suffering from addiction.

• Read more about House advances Rielly bill to fund the Maine Climate Corps

AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives voted to advance LD 142, sponsored by Rep. Morgan Rielly, D-Westbrook, which would provide $3.7 million in funding over the next three years to support four Maine Climate Corps program leadership positions and 50 program fellows.

• Read more about Committee advances Salisbury bill to create a school meal equipment improvement fund

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Education and Cultural Affairs Committee voted Tuesday to advance LD 1183, sponsored by Rep. Sue Salisbury, D-Westbrook, which would establish the School Meal Equipment and Program Improvement Fund to be administered by the Maine Department of Education (DOE).

• Read more about Terry introduces bill to help older Mainers stay in their homes

AUGUSTA - Rep. Mo Terry, D-Gorham, introduced legislation Tuesday before the Legislature's Taxation Committee that would replace the property tax stabilization program created in the 130th Legislature with a tiered senior resident homestead exemption.

• Read more about Lookner introduces bill to define solitary confinement

AUGUSTA - Rep. Grayson Lookner, D-Portland, introduced LD 1086 Monday before the Legislature's Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, which would define "solitary confinement" in Maine law.