By Rep. Parnell Terry 

The Legislature recently convened for the start of a new session, and this year, we will consider hundreds of bills before our expected adjournment date in mid-April.  

One issue I hear from constituents more than almost any other is that the rising cost of living has been putting a lot of pressure on Gorham family budgets. From the costs of housing and health care to energy and child care, it’s getting a lot more difficult for families to make ends meet and build their lives here.  

AUGUSTA – On Tuesday, Rep. Michelle Boyer, D-Cape Elizabeth, introduced a bill before the Legislature’s Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee, which would expand physician associates’ (PAs) scope of practice.

AUGUSTA – On Thursday, Rep. Holly Eaton, D-Deer Isle, nominated Travis Fifield, of Stonington, to the Department of Marine Resources Advisory Council during a nomination hearing before the Legislature’s Marine Resources Committee.

Contact: 

Brian Lee (Eaton) | 305-965-2744

AUGUSTA – Last week, Rep. Dan Shagoury, D-Hallowell, received the Dementia Policy Champion Award from the Maine Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. 

AUGUSTA – Rep. Holly B. Stover, D-Boothbay, introduced a bill on Tuesday to increase support for survivors of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation.  

LD 2168 would require individuals convicted of certain sex crimes to pay an additional fee. These funds would be directed to the state’s existing Victims’ Compensation Fund to help survivors of those crimes pay for counseling, lost wages and other related expenses.

AUGUSTA – Last week, the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee voted in favor of advancing LD 517, a measure sponsored by Rep. Amy Kuhn, D-Falmouth. As amended, the bill would enhance protections for Maine elections by requiring political campaigns and political action committees to provide a disclosure label for any image, audio or video that is made with or modified by artificial intelligence (AI). 

AUGUSTA – The Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee unanimously advanced legislation recently proposed by Rep. Anne Graham, D-North Yarmouth, to support public health initiatives and preserve youth-focused tobacco prevention efforts in Maine.  

AUGUSTA – Rep. Ellie Sato, D-Gorham, introduced legislation before the Judiciary Committee last week that would provide clarity for employees at Maine health care facilities, public libraries, schools and daycare centers that they cannot provide non-public information to federal immigration authorities like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The bill would also ensure that ICE cannot access the non-public spaces of public facilities without a valid judicial warrant. 

AUGUSTA – Yesterday, Rep. Michael Brennan, D-Portland, introduced a bill before the Legislature's Judiciary Committee that would help nonprofit organizations address the growing threat of hate crimes and acts of terrorism by increasing security measures. 

AUGUSTA – Rep. Gerry Runte, D-York, introduced two bills to address high energy costs in Maine last week before the Legislature’s Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee.