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.

Rep. Tavis Hasenfus, D-Readfield, welcomed the Winthrop High School field hockey team to the State House Thursday.

The team was recognized by the entire House and Senate for winning the 2022 Class C State Championship, their second state title in two years.

Contact:

Brian Lee [Hasenfus], 305-965-2744

AUGUSTA - Rep. Allison Hepler, D-Woolwich, introduced legislation this week before the Legislature's Environment and Natural Resources Committee that would modernize Maines beverage container redemption laws, also known as the "Bottle Bill."

AUGUSTA - Rep. Holly Eaton, D-Deer Isle, has been appointed to serve on the Department of Marine Resources Zone C Lobster Management Policy Council by Speaker of the House Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, and Senate President Troy Jackson, D-Allagash.

Zone C encompasses the towns of Surry, Blue Hill, Brooklin, Sedgwick, Sargentville, Brooksville, Little Deer Isle, Deer Isle, Cape Rosier, Eagle Island, Stonington, Isle Au Haut, North Haven, Vinalhaven, Matinicus and Criehaven.

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Education and Cultural Affairs Committee voted Thursday to advance an amended version of LD 1520, a measure from Rep. Cheryl Golek, D-Harpswell, that would direct the Maine Department of Education and the Maine Department of Health and Human Services to study the feasibility of placing child care facilities in schools. The vote was 6-4 in favor with three members absent.

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Taxation Committee voted Thursday to advance a measure from Rep. Mo Terry, D-Gorham, to improve economic security for Maine children by establishing a state refundable child tax credit, expanding the tax credits available for parents and other households with dependents.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Chris Kessler, D-South Portland, presented a measure last week before the Legislature's Judiciary Committee aimed at protecting Maine renters by limiting the fees that are frequently imposed on tenants upon signing a lease.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Ron Russell, D-Verona Island, welcomed Bucksport High School student groups to the State House on Thursday.

The BHS robotics team was recognized by the Legislature for placing third at the world championship. The team was one of 619 finalists to earn championship spots, competing against 3,300 teams from 23 countries around the world.

The BHS jazz combo groups were recognized for finishing second and third at the Maine Music Educators Association Instrumental Jazz Festival and taking three of five individual musician awards.

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AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee voted Wednesday to advance legislation sponsored by Rep. Allison Hepler, D-Woolwich, to expand protections for Maine loons and other waterfowl by prohibiting the sale and use of certain painted lead fishing tackle, which can be fatal for these species.

AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives voted unanimously Thursday to advance LD 612, sponsored by Rep. Marc Malon, D-Biddeford, that would establish a green schools coordinator position within the 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.