AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee voted Monday to advance LD 1523, sponsored by Rep. Morgan Rielly, D-Westbrook, which would establish a Qualifying Condition Review Board to review other than honorable veteran discharges based on gender identity, sexual orientation, post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and military sexual trauma.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Morgan Rielly, D-Westbrook, introduced LD 427 Monday before the Legislature's Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee, which proposes a bond of $25 million for research, development and commercialization in Maine's marine technology and aquaculture sectors to help expand employment and preserve existing jobs.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Gerry Runte, D-York, and Rep. Dan Hobbs, D-Wells, will hold office hours at the Wells Public Library, located at 1434 Post Rd., on Saturday, April 29, from 10 a.m. noon. Appointments are not necessary.

These office hours provide constituents 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 concerns.

AUGUSTA - In a public hearing before the Legislature's Judiciary Committee on Monday, Rep. Lois Galgay Reckitt, D-South Portland, introduced legislation to amend the Maine Constitution to prohibit discrimination based on sex, race, color, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, physical or mental disability, ancestry or national origin.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Colleen Madigan, D-Waterville, introduced legislation Friday before the Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee that would improve training and professional development for child protective caseworkers.

AUGUSTA - Last week, the Maine House of Representatives voted unanimously to advance a measure from Rep. Margaret Craven, D-Lewiston, that would expand public access to naloxone hydrochloride, also known by the brand name Narcan.

"Passing this bill is going to save lives," said Craven. "Making Narcan publicly accessible greatly increases the chances for someone to help a person experiencing an overdose and thus give them the chance to seek recovery."

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Committee on State and Local Government voted unanimously Thursday to advance LD 1260, sponsored by Rep. Morgan Rielly, D-Westbrook.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Anne Graham, D-North Yarmouth, welcomes constituents to attend her office hours on Saturday, April 29, at Pineland Farms Cafe from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

This is a monthly opportunity for members of the public to sit down with Graham and hear updates from Augusta, ask questions about policymaking and share opinions on state matters. Graham will hold constituent office hours on the last Saturday of every month.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Melanie Sachs, D-Freeport, introduced legislation last week that would establish a task force to study the formation of a statewide commission on disabilities.

LD 1339 was inspired by Rep. Sachs' work with the Freeport Accessibility Task Force, a dedicated group of volunteers committed to increasing access and opportunities for those with different abilities in their community.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Karen Montell, D-Gardiner, introduced legislation this week that would require the completion of a defensive driving course for certain traffic infractions.