• Read more about Stover introduces legislation to improve Maine's response to sexual violence

AUGUSTA - Rep. Holly Stover, D-Boothbay, presented two pieces of legislation Monday at a public hearing before the Legislature's Health and Human Services (HHS) Committee that would provide funding for Maines sexual assault support centers and prevent the sexual exploitation of children.

Together, these measures would improve Maine's behavioral health programs for survivors and implement proactive steps to prevent sexual violence and exploitation.

• Read more about Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee Advances a Continuing Services Budget

AUGUSTA - On Friday, the Legislature's Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee approved a continuing services budget. The vote was unanimous among present members. The budget measure - LD 424, "An Act Making Certain Appropriations and Allocations and Changing Certain Provisions of the Law Necessary to the Proper Operations of State Government" goes before the Legislature for a vote next week.

• Read more about Committee approves Murphy bill to increase access to electric breast pumps under MaineCare

AUGUSTA - A majority of the Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee voted last Thursday to move forward LD 603, An Act to Make Electric Breast Pumps More Accessible by Providing for MaineCare Reimbursement. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Kelly Noonan Murphy, D-Scarborough.

The bill would allow eligible MaineCare recipients to obtain electric breast pumps or supplies without prior authorization or limitations when prescribed or recommended by a physician.

• Read more about Crafts introduces bill that would expand the state's Social Worker Education Loan Repayment Program

AUGUSTA - Rep. Lydia Crafts, D-Newcastle, introduced legislation Friday that would provide additional student debt relief for social workers to help grow the profession and improve mental health services in Maine.

• Read more about Roeder introduces legislation to ease financial burden on prospective renters

AUGUSTA - Rep. Amy Roeder, D-Bangor, introduced legislation Thursday that intends to allow a prospective tenant to use a streamlined screening service report during the rental application process in an effort to limit the rental application fees paid by applicants.

• Read more about Milliken to hold constituent office hours in Castine

AUGUSTA - Rep. Nina Milliken, D-Blue Hill, will host constituent office hours in Castine on Saturday, April 1 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Compass Rose Books, located at 3 Main Street.

The office hours will provide residents with an opportunity to hear updates from Augusta, ask questions about policymaking and share opinions on state matters. Office hours also serve as an opportunity for residents navigating state agencies to voice their concerns.

• Read more about Kessler introduces bill to increase notice period to terminate tenancy-at-will agreements

AUGUSTA - Rep. Chris Kessler, D-South Portland, presented LD 804, An Act to Increase the Time Period for Notice to Terminate a Tenancy at Will, before the Legislature's Judiciary Committee on Thursday.

• Read more about Kessler introduces bill to prohibit tenant application fees

AUGUSTA - Rep. Chris Kessler, D-South Portland, presented LD 691, An Act to Reduce Barriers to Housing by Prohibiting Tenant Application Fees, before the Legislature's Judiciary Committee on Thursday.

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

AUGUSTA - Rep. Jessica Fay, D-Raymond, introduced legislation Thursday before the Legislature's Labor and Housing Committee 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 House Democrats introduce legislation to support Maine's natural resource-based economy

AUGUSTA - For decades, natural resources have been vital to Maine's economy and identity. To protect the state's natural resources and the industries and communities that rely on them, House Democrats have recently introduced several pieces of legislation that foster rural economic development opportunities, expand access to agricultural education in public schools and support our heritage industries.