AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Education and Cultural Affairs Committee voted Tuesday to advance LD 1183, sponsored by Rep. Sue Salisbury, D-Westbrook, which would establish the School Meal Equipment and Program Improvement Fund to be administered by the Maine Department of Education (DOE).

AUGUSTA - Rep. Mo Terry, D-Gorham, introduced legislation Tuesday before the Legislature's Taxation Committee that would replace the property tax stabilization program created in the 130th Legislature with a tiered senior resident homestead exemption.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Grayson Lookner, D-Portland, introduced LD 1086 Monday before the Legislature's Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, which would define "solitary confinement" in Maine law.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Colleen Madigan, D-Waterville, introduced legislation Friday before the Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee that would prohibit the use of prior authorization and step therapy for MaineCare recipients with serious mental health conditions.

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."