• Read more about Crockett appointed to Citizen Trade Policy Commission

AUGUSTA - Rep. Edward Crockett, D-Portland, has been appointed to serve on the Citizen Trade Policy Commission.

The 22-member commission is focused on assessing the impacts of international trade policies on Maine's state and local laws, business environment and working conditions. Established during the Second Special Session of the 121st Legislature, the commission includes: six legislators, an Attorney General designee, five nonvoting agency officials and 10 public members representing business, labor, health, government and environmental interests.

• Read more about Legislative panel votes to advance Talbot Ross's racial impact statement proposal

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's State and Local Government Committee voted Wednesday to advance a measure by Assistant House Majority Leader Rachel Talbot Ross that would give lawmakers a new tool to combat racial disparities in Maine's laws. The vote was 8-5.

• Read more about Grohoski reintroduces bill to improve health of Maine's bee population by reducing pesticide use

AUGUSTA - Rep. Nicole Grohoski, D-Ellsworth, presented LD 155, Resolve, Directing the Board of Pesticides Control To Prohibit the Use of Certain Neonicotinoids for Outdoor Residential Use, to the Legislature's Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee on Thursday.

• Read more about Maine lawmakers introduce bipartisan bill to ban foreign campaign contributions and expenditures

AUGUSTA, MAINE - Rep. Kyle Bailey, D-Gorham, has introduced bipartisan legislation to ban foreign campaign contributions in Maine elections.

Currently, it is legal in Maine for foreign governments, corporations and billionaires to spend unlimited sums of money in support of, or in opposition to, state and local referenda. LD 479 would prohibit foreign spending to produce and disseminate communications about state and local ballot referenda.

• Read more about Kessler proposes equal footing for Maine on Canadian "Atlantic Loop" energy plan

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee held a public hearing Thursday on a proposal that would push for Maine to enter into early talks with Canadas Atlantic provinces regarding a proposed renewable energy project that would span five provinces and potentially cross through Maine.

• Read more about Martin Introduces Snowmobile Bill, Supported by President Jackson

AUGUSTA - Rep. Roland "Danny" Martin, D-Sinclair, presented his bill, LD 280, An Act To Increase Funding for Snowmobile Trails and Capital Equipment Grants, to the Legislature's Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife on Wednesday.

• Read more about Rep. Millett introduces bill to ensure cancer coverage for female firefighters

AUGUSTA - Rep. Rebecca Millett, D-Cape Elizabeth, has introduced a bill that would ensure female firefighters receive cancer coverage for reproductive system cancers. Currently, prostate and testicular cancers are covered under the Workers Compensation Act of 1992, while female reproductive system cancers are not. There will be a public hearing on L.D. 213, An Act To Require Coverage for Female Firefighters Facing Reproductive System Cancer, on Wednesday, Feb. 17.

• Read more about Bill to require emergency insulin refills be dispensed in at least 30-day supply receives positive vote

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee unanimously agreed Thursday to a measure from Rep. Denise Tepler, D-Topsham, to ensure emergency access to insulin. The bill, LD 60, would require that emergency insulin refills be dispensed in at least a 30-day supply.

• Read more about Grohoski, McCrea appointed to New England and Eastern Canada Legislative Commission

AUGUSTA - Rep. Nicole Grohoski, D-Ellsworth, and Rep. David McCrea, D-Fort Fairfield, have been appointed to serve on the New England and Eastern Canada Legislative Commission, along with Sen. Mark Lawrence, D-Eliot, and Sen. Marianne Moore, R-Washington.

The commission was established in 1986 to facilitate a relationship and strengthen regional cooperation between the Maine Legislature and legislative bodies in nearby states and Canadian provinces.

• Read more about Berry statement on CMP withdrawing solar upgrade claims

AUGUSTA - Rep. Seth Berry, D-Bowdoinham, House chair of the Legislature's Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee, issued the following statement in response to Central Maine Powers withdrawal of claims regarding solar projects and capacity upgrades:

"Did CMP find a solution to the problem they created? Or were they caught making up numbers and told to stop?