• Read more about Speaker Fecteau unveils legislation to reform zoning regulations to address Maine's affordable housing crisis

WELLS, SACO AND BRUNSWICK - Today, Speaker Ryan Fecteau of Biddeford hosted a tour and press conference to unveil a new bill to address Maine's affordable housing crisis. LD 2003 "An Act to Implement the Recommendations of the Commission To Increase Housing Opportunities in Maine by Studying Zoning and Land Use Restrictions" was released this week and is expected to have a public hearing before Maines Labor and Housing Committee.

• Read more about Committee advances Roeder vacation pay bill

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Labor and Housing Committee voted unanimously, of those present, to advance a bill sponsored by Rep. Amy Roeder, D-Bangor, that would ensure employees receive vacation pay upon cessation of their employment.

The legislation, LD 225, was amended to exempt public employees and employers with 10 or fewer employees. Currently, unused vacation time is required to be paid upon cessation of employment only if an employer's policy states this explicitly.

• Read more about McCreight introduces bill to protect patients' access to health care

AUGUSTA - Rep. Jay McCreight, D-Harpswell, presented LD 1899, An Act To Ensure Safe Entry and Access for People Seeking Health Care and Other Constitutional Rights, before the Legislature's Judiciary Committee on Tuesday.

• Read more about Cuddy introduces bill to support a strong renewable energy workforce

AUGUSTA - Rep. Scott Cuddy, D-Winterport, introduced a bill before the Legislature's Labor and Housing Committee Monday that seeks to develop a strong workforce in Maine's renewable energy industry.

• Read more about Maine House advances Blume bill to create a climate change education pilot program

AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives gave initial approval Wednesday to a resolution proposing a climate change education pilot program in Maine public schools. The measure is sponsored by Rep. Lydia Blume, D-York.

• Read more about Maine House advances Evans bill to improve access to affordable health care

AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives gave initial approval Wednesday to a resolution that would help expand access to affordable health care in Maine. The measure is sponsored by Rep. Richard Evans, D-Dover Foxcroft.

• Read more about Maine House advances measure to address invasive aquatic species

AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives gave initial approval Wednesday to a bill sponsored by Rep. Tavis Hasenfus, D-Readfield, to advance efforts to control invasive aquatic species. LD 1826 would require the Interagency Task Force on Invasive Aquatic Plants and Nuisance Species to report back to the Legislature and relevant departments their findings and recommendations, including suggested legislation related to controlling the introduction of invasive aquatic plants and nuisance species in Maine.

• Read more about Madigan introduces bill to institute workload limits for caseworkers

AUGUSTA - Rep. Colleen Madigan, D-Waterville, introduced legislation on Tuesday before the Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee that would prevent exhaustion and burnout among caseworkers within the Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) and protect the children they serve.

• Read more about Legislative committee advances Madigan bill to require health care companies to cover fertility treatment

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee voted last Thursday to advance a bill sponsored by Rep. Colleen Madigan, D-Waterville, aimed at requiring health care providers to cover fertility treatment.

LD 1539 would require carriers offering health care plans in Maine to provide coverage for fertility diagnostic care and fertility treatment if the enrollee is already a fertility patient.

• Read more about Meyer introduces bill to bolster prevention efforts against child abuse and neglect

AUGUSTA - Rep. Michele Meyer, D-Eliot, introduced a bill before the Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee on Tuesday that seeks to restore Maine's once successful child welfare system. The proposal comes in response to 2021 being the worst year on record for children's deaths involving abuse and neglect in households with prior involvement with child protective services.