AUGUSTA - Rep. Kevin O'Connell, D-Brewer, has been awarded the 2023 G. Clifton Eames Leadership Award from the Bangor Regional Leadership Institute (BRLI).

"To be awarded something named after Clif is an absolute honor," said O'Connell. "He set the bar for what it truly means to be a leader, and I will continue to work hard to be the leader that Brewer and our surrounding communities deserve."

AUGUSTA - Rep. Scott Landry, D-Farmington, introduced a measure Wednesday that would balance Maine's renewable energy development goals with efforts to conserve the state's valuable farmland, soils, and fish and wildlife habitat.

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services voted to advance legislation on Tuesday sponsored by Rep. Michael Brennan, D-Portland, which would provide ongoing funding for Elena's Way, a Portland-based transitional housing program that serves up to 40 people who are chronically homeless.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Mo Terry, D-Gorham, legislation Tuesday that would expand the Maine Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit (HTC) and establish a weatherization tax credit.

Maine's current HTC offers a 25% refundable credit for certified commercial rehabilitation projects. For projects that include affordable housing, there is an additional 5% tax credit. The program also offers a small project credit of $50,000 to $250,000 for qualified rehabilitation expenses.

AUGUSTA - The Maine House gave final approval Tuesday to a measure from Rep. Lori K. Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, that would name the Pink-edged Sulphur the state butterfly. The bill was approved "under the hammer," or by unanimous consent.

Gramlich introduced the bill after she was contacted by students Oscar Stanton and Tate Graham last fall. The two fifth-graders at Loranger Middle School wrote to suggest the Legislature name a state butterfly.

AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives voted Tuesday to enact legislation sponsored by Rep. Holly Stover, D-Boothbay, that would provide funding to integrate trained clinical staff into sexual assault support centers to ensure the highest quality of care.

An estimated one in five Mainers will experience sexual assault at some point in their lifetime, which can lead to serious psychological, physical and emotional trauma.

AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives voted Tuesday to enact legislation sponsored by Rep. Vicki Doudera, D-Camden, that would require expert witnesses in child custody cases to meet training standards and demonstrate knowledge of domestic abuse and child resilience, safety and security.

AUGUSTA - The Maine House voted unanimously Tuesday to enact legislation that would create a sales tax exemption for diapers. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Kelly Noonan Murphy, D-Scarborough.

Under the amended proposal, all diapers and diaper accessories, such as covers and pins, would receive the exemption.

AUGUSTA - The Maine House unanimously voted Tuesday to advance LD 522, An Act to Require That Motor Vehicles Be Clear of Snow When Operated on Public Ways. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Bruce White, D-Waterville.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Dan Sayre, D-Kennebunk, introduced a bill Monday before the Legislature's Environment and Natural Resources Committee that would study water as a resource in Maine.