AUGUSTA - Rep. Jim Boyle, D-Gorham, was sworn into office on Tuesday by Gov. Janet Mills after winning a special election on January 11, 2022. Boyle now serves House District 27, the seat previously held by Rep. Kyle Bailey, who resigned in October.

"It's great to be back in the State House," said Boyle. "I am thankful to the people of Gorham and Scarborough for going to the polls in freezing temperatures last Tuesday and giving me the honor of representing them in the Maine House of Representatives. I look forward to getting to work."

AUGUSTA - Rep. Tiffany Roberts, D-South Berwick, presented LD 1804, An Act To Provide Consistency in the Laws Regarding Domestic Partners, before the Legislature's Judiciary Committee on Friday.

Currently, state laws contain more than 15 different definitions of domestic partnership. The bill will establish a standardized definition as included in the Maine Uniform Probate Code and replace the assortment of definitions presently used in state laws.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Nicole Grohoski, D-Ellsworth, will host her first virtual "Conversation with Constituents" event of the new year on Tuesday, January 25 from 5 to 6 p.m.

This monthly event is an opportunity for Ellsworth and Trenton community members to share ideas, ask questions and learn more about Maine's legislative process. Community members are welcome to join for some or all of the event.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Denise Tepler, D-Topsham, recently received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Department of Defense for her dedication to improving the quality of life of the service members and families residing in Maine.

The certificate expressed gratitude for Tepler's leadership on public policy changes, most notably for her sponsorship of LD 863. This bill, signed by Governor Janet Mills in June 2021, allowed Maine to join the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PsyPACT), addressing licensing issues affecting service members and their families.

AUGUSTA - On Wednesday, Speaker Ryan Fecteau of Biddeford introduced legislation for Maine to establish a labor and community education center. " An Act To Promote Labor Education through the University of Maine System" was presented before the Legislature's Education and Cultural Affairs Committee.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Teresa S. Pierce, D-Falmouth, introduced a measure Wednesday that would safeguard Maine's elections against ballot and voting equipment interference.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Tiffany Roberts, D-South Berwick, presented LD 1793, An Act To Support Statewide Economic Recovery through Strategic Investments, before the Committee On Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business on Tuesday.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Tiffany Roberts, D-South Berwick, presented LD 1800, An Act To Amend the Laws Governing the Small Enterprise Growth Program, before the Committee on Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business on Tuesday.

AUGUSTA - House Majority Leader Michelle Dunphy, D-Old Town, introduced LD 1780, An Act To Allow Unorganized Territory School Staff to Receive Annualized Pay, before the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs on Tuesday.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Lois Galgay Reckitt, D-South Portland, introduced legislation Tuesday to amend the Maine Constitution to explicitly prohibit discrimination based on the sex of an individual. The proposal, LD 344, is part of a 50-year effort Galgay Reckitt has been involved in to get states to ratify the federal Equal Rights Amendment.