AUGUSTA - Rep. Chris Kessler, D-South Portland, has been appointed by Speaker of the House Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, to the Maine Climate Council.

AUGUSTA - A majority of the Legislature's Education and Cultural Affairs Committee voted for legislation from Rep. Lydia Crafts, D-Newcastle, that would help Maine address its youth mental health crisis.

As amended, LD 829 would take three important steps toward improving behavioral health support in public schools.

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Education and Cultural Affairs Committee voted Tuesday to advance a measure from Rep. Anne-Marie Mastraccio, D-Sanford, that would examine the feasibility of introducing a new degree program at the University of Maine at Augusta to help bolster Maine's dental care workforce.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Kathy Shaw, D-Auburn, introduced a bill Wednesday before the Legislature's Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee to support Maine schools in establishing outdoor experiential education programs.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Maggie O'Neil, D-Saco, introduced a measure on Tuesday to make historic investments in Maine's public transit system.

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Transportation Committee voted on Wednesday to move forward LD 62, An Act to Require Antipinch Sensors on School Bus Doors, sponsored by Rep. Cheryl Golek, D-Harpswell. The vote was unanimous of those present, 9-0 in favor with four members absent.

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Environment and Natural Resources Committee voted unanimously Thursday to advance a measure from Rep. Lori K. Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, that would protect endangered and threatened species from habitat loss.

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.

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

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.