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.

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.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Sue Salisbury, D-Westbrook, was selected from over 120 nominees as one of 20 Outstanding Women of 2022. Coast 93.1 and Hannaford offer this recognition to women in Maine who go above and beyond the call of duty to make a difference in their communities. As a small business owner, chair of the Westbrook school committee and state representative, Salisbury is an active member of her community in a multitude of ways.

Is there a chance you've forgotten about an old bank account? Maybe you moved and never got your utility deposit back? If so, you may be on the states unclaimed property list.

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee voted Thursday to advance a proposal by Rep. Lori Gramlich, D-Old Orchard Beach, to strengthen law enforcement education and training standards in Maine. The vote was 7-3 with three members absent.

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business (IDEA) Committee voted unanimously on Tuesday to advance a bill sponsored by Rep. Jessica Fay, D-Raymond, aimed at strengthening Maine's veterinary workforce.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Seth Berry, D-Bowdoinham, and Rep. Nicole Grohoski, D-Ellsworth, issued the following statements in response to an announcement from the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) on Thursday.

Rep. Denise Tepler, D-Topsham, convened the Maine House of Representatives as Speaker Pro Tem on Wednesday. All members who are serving their final term are offered the opportunity to preside over the House chamber. Tepler is in her fourth term representing the town of Topsham in the Maine House. She serves as the House chair of the Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee.

Contact:

Jackie Merrill [Tepler] c. 812-1111

AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives gave initial approval Wednesday to a resolution proposing a constitutional amendment to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on the sex of an individual.

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Marine Resources Committee voted on Tuesday to advance a bill by Rep. Holly Stover, D-Boothbay, aimed at supporting Maine's lobster fishing industry following recent federal regulatory changes.