AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Labor and Housing Committee voted Tuesday to advance a bill sponsored by Rep. Amy Roeder, D-Bangor, that would increase access to severance pay for Maine workers.

Current law requires notice to be given to employees, municipalities and the State regarding severance pay due to the closing, substantial shutdown or relocation of more than 100 miles of an industrial or commercial facility that employs 100 or more workers. Workers who are employed with the same employer for three or more years may be eligible for severance pay.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Kelly Murphy, D-Scarborough, presented LD 287, An Act to Support Parents by Providing a Sales Tax Exemption for Diapers, before the Legislature's Taxation Committee on Tuesday.

The bill would provide a sales tax exemption for disposable and reusable diapers for children beginning Jan 1, 2024.

AUGUSTA - A proposal from Rep. Maggie O'Neil, D-Saco, would celebrate Maines signature confection by creating Maine Needham Day.

The Legislature's State and Local Government Committee held a public hearing on the bill, LD 292, on Tuesday. The bill would designate the last Saturday in September each year as Maine Needham Day.

AUGUSTA - On Tuesday, Cumberland County Superior Court Justice Thomas McKeon ruled that a 2021 law removing the statute of limitations for civil claims of child sex abuse is constitutional.

Rep. Lori K. Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, who sponsored the bill that created the law, released the following statement:

AUGUSTA - House Majority Leader Mo Terry, D-Gorham, introduced LD 265, An Act to Provide Support Services for Military Members Transitioning to Civilian Life in Maine, before the Joint Standing Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs on Monday.

The bill would help fund organizations actively recruiting retiring military members and their families to Maine, and offering support as they transition to civilian life.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Scott Landry, D-Farmington, introduced a bill Thursday to help local fire departments limit firefighters' exposure to harmful chemicals.

"Firefighters are at a significantly increased risk for cancer because of the carcinogens they are encounter while on the job," said Landry. "It's time that we gave them the tools they need to minimize their exposure to toxic chemicals. Firefighters respond at all hours to protect our safety, and we should be doing all we can to keep them safe, too."

AUGUSTA - Rep. Dan Ankeles, D-Brunswick, introduced legislation Thursday to make it easier for Maine cities and towns to lower speed limits in areas with high bicycle and pedestrian traffic.

"Giving towns the opportunity to create a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists will reduce accidents and save lives," said Ankeles. "We need a faster, locally-focused way to adapt as more Maine families bike and walk in an increasing number of circumstances".

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Environment and Natural Resources Committee voted unanimously on Wednesday to advance a bill sponsored by Rep. Bill Bridgeo, D-Augusta, aimed at funding lake restoration projects.

As amended, LD 164 would provide $2.5 million over two years to the Department of Environmental Protections Lake Restoration and Protection Fund to help fund efforts that will either improve or maintain the water quality of lakes in the state.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Margaret Craven, D-Lewiston, introduced legislation Thursday to require a minimum weekly amount of outdoor recess for students in grades 6 to 8.

"Most middle school students are at school for over seven and a half hours," said Craven. "It is essential for them to have some freedom to do what they'd like to do, to get some fresh air, to have down time to reduce stress or organize their thoughts. Children find it difficult to stay seated for hours at a time, and going outdoors is a proven way to release pent-up energy and engage with their peers."

AUGUSTA - Rep. Amy Roeder, D-Bangor, introduced legislation Tuesday before the Legislature's Labor and Housing Committee that would increase access to severance pay for Maine workers.

Current law requires industrial and commercial facilities with more than 100 employees to provide severance pay due to the closing, substantial shutdown or relocation of 100 miles or more of their establishment. It also requires an employee to work with their employer for a minimum of three years to be eligible for this severance pay.