AUGUSTA - The Maine House gave unanimous initial approval Wednesday to a bill from Rep. Sean Paulhus, D-Bath, that would provide extra support to food banks in the event of an emergency.

AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives gave unanimous initial approval Wednesday to a bill that would provide state funding to Maine's Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP), a program that rewards volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel for their service with contributions to a retirement program.

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee voted to advance a historic bill Tuesday to replace Central Maine Power (CMP) and Versant with the Pine Tree Power Company, a consumer-owned electric utility dedicated to providing Mainers with lower cost, locally controlled, more reliable, cleaner electricity.

AUGUSTA - A proposal from Rep. Rebecca Millett, D-Cape Elizabeth, to support students who experienced significant education interruptions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic was signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Janet Mills.

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Joint Standing Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety voted Tuesday to advance LD 1044, a measure to protect the rights of people who are transgender and incarcerated.

AUGUSTA - A proposal from Rep. Poppy Arford, D-Brunswick, to ensure Mainers who lose their health insurance have the information they need to transition to new coverage was signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Janet Mills.

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Joint Standing Committee on Taxation voted to advance a bill Wednesday sponsored by Rep. Tiffany Roberts, D-South Berwick, to incentivize businesses to donate to organizations working to address hunger in Maine.

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Taxation Committee voted unanimously on Tuesday to advance a bipartisan bill sponsored by Rep. Allison Hepler, D-Woolwich, that would certify up to five eligible attorneys to claim the Access to Justice Income Tax Credit.

AUGUSTA - Legislation to support and improve municipal recycling programs and decrease property taxes, LD 1541, advanced out of the Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources with bipartisan support on Monday.

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee voted unanimously on Friday to advance a bipartisan bill sponsored by Rep. Kristen Cloutier, D-Lewiston, that would establish the Family Caregiver Grant Pilot Program. If passed into law, the proposed legislation will give certified family caregivers the opportunity to receive $2,000.