AUGUSTA - A bill sponsored by Rep. Jessica Fay, D-Raymond, to make auto insurance companies use appropriate comparisons when determining payouts became law last week.

AUGUSTA - On Wednesday, the Legislature’s Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee voted to fund a bill from House Speaker Ryan Fecteau of Biddeford. The bill shifts Maine’s reliance on emergency-only dental coverage to a preventative dental care model to improve health outcomes and save the state money over time.

AUGUSTA - Today, the Legislature’s Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee reached a unanimous, bipartisan agreement on the budget. The proposal will go before the full Legislature on Wednesday, June 30 for a vote.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Seth Berry's bill to ban misleading winter electricity disconnection threats as part of the collections process was signed into law Thursday.

AUGUSTA - A measure to require law enforcement agencies to adopt policies regarding the execution of unannounced search warrants, LD 1043, sponsored by Rep. David McCrea, D-Fort Fairfield, was signed into law this week by Gov. Janet Mills.

AUGUSTA - A measure by Rep. Allison Hepler, D-Woolwich, to improve the rights and protections for individuals with acquired brain injuries became law this week.

Hepler's bill, LD 559, would ensure that people with "acquired brain injuries" receive the same rights as people with intellectual disabilities or autism by adding "acquired brain injury" to the existing statutes concerning rights for those individuals.

AUGUSTA - A measure to require tenant representation on nonprofit housing corporation boards of directors, LD 1606, sponsored by Rep. Nicole Grohoski, D-Ellsworth, was signed into law Monday by Gov. Janet Mills.

AUGUSTA - A measure to allow for controlled, indoor entry areas inside marijuana retail stores, sponsored by Rep. Joe Perry, D-Bangor, was signed into law Monday by Gov. Janet Mills.

"The bill provides a commonsense approach that allows marijuana businesses to have a controlled space directly inside their store where the identification of a purchaser can be verified while awaiting entry," said Perry. "Customers will no longer need to wait on sidewalks and in parking lots during severe weather, and businesses are able to maintain their safety and security."

AUGUSTA - Gov. Janet Mill's signed Maine's two-year state transportation budget into law last week, allocating roughly $1.8 billion in state and federal funds to the state's transportation needs. Earlier in the month, the budget received unanimous, bipartisan approval from both the House and the Senate.

AUGUSTA - A measure to help achieve greenhouse gas emissions reduction levels in decisions made by the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and prioritize equity and environmental justice among state agencies, LD 1682, sponsored by Rep. Vicki Doudera, D-Camden, was signed into law last week by Gov. Janet Mills.