AUGUSTA - A measure that would increase reimbursement rates for substance use disorder treatments received initial approval Thursday from the Maine House of Representatives.

LD 1135, sponsored by Rep. Holly Stover, D-Boothbay, would address the need for increased access to treatment for substance use disorder through a 25% increase in reimbursement rates. The legislation would specifically increase reimbursement rates in Section 65 for substance use disorder outpatient services.

AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives gave initial approval Wednesday to a bill sponsored by Rep. Laurie Osher, D-Orono, that would amend the membership requirements of the Board of Pesticides Control (BPC) to better equip the board to serve its stated mandate and the interests of Mainers more broadly.

AUGUSTA - A bill sponsored by Rep. Jessica Fay, D-Raymond, to provide funding for wildlife rehabilitators was unanimously approved by the Maine House of Representatives Wednesday.

AUGUSTA - LD 625, a bill to prevent and address sexual trauma among Maine National Guard service members, sponsored by Rep. Morgan Rielly, D-Westbrook, was signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Janet Mills.

AUGUSTA - The Maine House gave its initial approval to a bill Wednesday that would decriminalize possession of hypodermic syringes, improving public health and ensuring more Mainers with substance use disorder can access treatment rather than enter the criminal justice system. The vote on the measure, sponsored by Rep. Genevieve McDonald, D-Stonington, was unanimous.

AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives gave initial approval Wednesday to a bill that would establish a checkoff box on Mainers' tax returns to support hunger prevention.

LD 1046, sponsored by Rep. Mo Terry, D-Gorham, would create a checkoff provision on Maine income tax forms to give taxpayers the option of contributing to the emergency food assistance program administered by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF).

AUGUSTA - The Maine Senate approved LD 1010, a bipartisan bill sponsored by Rep. Morgan Rielly, D-Westbrook, to establish the Maine Service Fellows Wednesday. The legislation would create a state-based program for young Mainers interested in participating in public health and housing service opportunities in rural and underserved communities.

AUGUSTA - The House voted to advance a dental care bill from House Speaker Ryan Fecteau of Biddeford Wednesday evening. 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. LD 996, An Act To Improve Dental Health Access for Maine Children and Adults with Low Incomes received support from public health experts and economists as a smart investment.

AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives gave its initial approval Wednesday to a measure sponsored by Rep. Rebecca Millett, D-Cape Elizabeth, that would strengthen individualized education programs (IEPs) for students.

AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives voted unanimously Wednesday to advance a measure sponsored by Rep. Allison Hepler, D-Woolwich, that would improve the rights and protections for individuals with acquired brain injuries.