House advances Berry bill to create Pine Tree Power, replace CMP and Versant in bipartisan vote
AUGUSTA - The Maine House advanced a historic bill Tuesday sponsored by Rep. Seth Berry, D-Bowdoinham, to replace Central Maine Power and Versant with the Pine Tree Power Company, a consumer-owned electric utility.
The vote on LD 1708 was 76-64, earning support from Republican, Independent and Democratic lawmakers.
House advances Morales bill to end pretextual traffic stops
AUGUSTA - A bill by Rep. Victoria Morales, D-South Portland, to end the law enforcement practice known as "pretextual traffic stops" earned initial approval Tuesday in the Maine House. The vote was 72-67.
Doudera bill to ban sale of cosmetics tested on animals signed into law
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AUGUSTA - A measure to ban the sale of cosmetics tested on animals, LD 1551, sponsored by Rep. Vicki Doudera, D-Camden, was signed into law last week by Gov. Janet Mills. The measure states that a manufacturer may not sell or offer to sell a cosmetic product that was developed or manufactured using animal testing on or after November 1, 2021.
Doudera bill banning harmful pesticide signed into law
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AUGUSTA - A measure to ban the use of chlorpyrifos, LD 316, sponsored by Rep. Vicki Doudera, D-Camden, was signed into law last week by Gov. Janet Mills.
House and Senate pass Fay bill to address long-term care workforce issues
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AUGUSTA - In initial votes, a bill sponsored by Rep. Jessica Fay, D-Raymond, to improve the pay of long-term care workers was unanimously supported by both the Maine House and Senate on Monday.
Legislature advances bipartisan bill to codify longstanding Windham tradition
AUGUSTA - The Maine Legislature unanimously advanced a bipartisan measure Monday sponsored by Rep. Mark Bryant, D-Windham, to codify a longstanding Windham tradition of the town providing winter maintenance of designated private ways. The measure was co-sponsored by Rep. Patrick Corey, R-Windham, and Sen. Bill Diamond, D-Windham.
Legislature approves McCrea bill to legalize tiny homes
AUGUSTA - The Legislature gave unanimous approval last week to a measure from Rep. Dave McCrea, D-Fort Fairfield, that would require municipalities to legally recognize tiny homes as a primary dwelling.
Senate approves bill from Sen. Vitelli and Speaker Fecteau to improve Maine's unemployment insurance program
AUGUSTA - On Monday, the Senate approved a bill from Sen. Eloise Vitelli, D-Arrowsic, and Speaker Ryan Fecteau, D-Biddeford, to update and improve Maine's unemployment insurance system. An amended version of LD 1564, "An Act To Amend the Laws Governing Unemployment Compensation," received bipartisan support in a vote of 22-12.
House passes Collings bill setting a minimum wage for school support staff
AUGUSTA - The Maine House passed a bill Monday from Rep. Ben Collings, D-Portland, that sets a statewide minimum wage for school support staff. The final House action came after initial 73-71 and 20-14 votes in the House and Senate, respectively.