AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Joint Standing Committee on Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business gave bipartisan approval to LD 1694, An Act To Create the Maine Redevelopment Land Bank Authority, on Thursday. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Melanie Sachs, D-Freeport, establishes land banks in an effort to convert vacant, abandoned and tax delinquent properties into productive use. The committee voted 10-1, with two members absent, in support of the legislation.

AUGUSTA - Assistant House Majority Leader Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, introduced a measure Tuesday that would provide the treatment, housing and support necessary to help Mainers struggling with mental health conditions and substance use disorders stay out of the criminal justice system and emergency rooms.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.