• Read more about Rana introduces bill to improve sexual orientation and gender identity data collection in health care settings

AUGUSTA - Rep. Ambureen Rana, D-Bangor, introduced legislation Tuesday that would require health care facilities to collect patient data related to sexual orientation and gender identity.

"Sexual orientation and gender identity are fundamental parts of who we are, and sharing this information in health care settings helps build trust with providers," said Rana. "When providers are trusted, their services are utilized and more people get the care they need."

• Read more about Rielly bill to protect Maine's working waterfront receives committee support

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry voted unanimously to advance legislation sponsored by Rep. Morgan Rielly, D-Westbrook, that would expand the language of working waterfront covenants to include nonprofit corporations and charitable trusts that are authorized to hold conservation easements.

• Read more about Gramlich proposal to strengthen coastal sand dune restoration efforts advances

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Environment and Natural Resources Committee voted Wednesday to advance a measure by Rep. Lori K. Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, that will strengthen efforts to restore sand dunes on Maine beaches. The vote was unanimous among those present.

• Read more about Cloutier introduces bill to expand health care workforce

AUGUSTA - Rep. Kristen Cloutier, D-Lewiston, introduced legislation Tuesday that would expand Maine's health care workforce by studying ways to integrate foreign-trained physicians into Maine's health care system.

• Read more about Perry presents measure to create a small communities tourism grant fund

AUGUSTA - Rep. Anne Perry, D-Calais, introduced LD 807, An Act to Create the Small Communities Tourism Fund, before the Joint Standing Committee on Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business on Tuesday. The measure would establish a fund within the Department of Economic and Community Development's Office of Tourism that would offer grants to small communities seeking to develop and promote events and natural resource-based tourism opportunities.

• Read more about LaRochelle introduces legislation to expand Child Care Subsidy Program access

AUGUSTA - Rep. Raegan LaRochelle, D-Augusta, presented a measure on Tuesday to help more Maine families afford child care by expanding access to the Child Care Subsidy Program, which provides assistance to eligible parents who are working, in school, in a job training program or who are retired and the legal guardian of a child.

• Read more about Sayre introduces bill to fund diabetes education program

AUGUSTA - Rep. Dan Sayre, D-Kennebunk, introduced a bill Wednesday before the Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee that would provide funding for a diabetes education program in York County.

• Read more about O'Neil introduces Pine Tree Amendment to protect Mainers right to a clean, healthy environment

AUGUSTA - Rep. Maggie O'Neil, D-Saco, introduced a measure on Wednesday that would enshrine in Maine's constitution the right to a clean and healthy environment.

If approved by lawmakers, LD 928 would send the proposed amendment to Maine voters in November.

• Read more about Maine House advances Meyer measure to expand HOPE Program

AUGUSTA - The Maine House voted Tuesday to advance a measure sponsored by Rep. Michele Meyer, D-Eliot, that would help parents access workforce training and education. The vote was 81-58.

• Read more about Millett bill seeks to ensure school lockdown drills protect Maine students

AUGUSTA - A bill from Rep. Rebecca Millett, D-Cape Elizabeth, would require the development of best practices to guide Maine schools when carrying out school lockdown drills.

At a public hearing on Tuesday, Millett told members of the Legislature's Education and Cultural Affairs Committee that drills should protect students both physically and emotionally.