AUGUSTA (AP) – An election-year fight was brewing Wednesday in the State House over a Democratic-backed resolution asking for changes in the federal Patriot Act.

The resolution, which awaited legislative debate, asks President Bush and Congress to ensure that the war against terrorism “not be waged at the expense of essential civil rights and liberties of citizens.”

The nonbinding resolution also urges the federal government to continue to exercise its jurisdiction over immigration matters and not impose any of those duties upon the states and their political subdivisions.

Among the resolution’s supporters are the Maine Civil Liberties Union, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the AFL-CIO, the Maine Peace and Justice Coalition and National Lawyers Guild.

Maine Republican leaders are calling for a renewing of the Patriot Act, which they say has played a vital role in protecting the homeland.

“The continued election year politicking by the Democrat Party to score political points is tiring,” said Peter Cianchette, Maine chairman of the Bush-Cheney re-election campaign.

—

Governor to sign bill on dispensing of ‘morning after’ pill

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) – Gov. John Baldacci will sign a bill next week allowing pharmacists to dispense “morning after” contraceptives, supporters of the legislation said Wednesday.

Maine will become the sixth state to pass such a law, which supporters say will decrease the number of unintended pregnancies. The measure to be signed Monday will require pharmacists to receive special training before dispensing the pills.

It would allow the pills to be dispensed without the usual doctor’s prescription.

The Family Planning Association says Washington, the first state to introduce emergency contraception, has had a 30 percent reduction in abortion rates and an annual saving of $22 million in Medicaid costs due to the law.

—

House endorses local control over adult establishments

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) – A bill to regulate adult book stores and other X-rated businesses in Maine was endorsed by the House on Wednesday, but still faces further legislative votes.

The measure would allow towns and cities to enact adult entertainment ordinances that regulate the operation of sexually oriented businesses, such as adult video, novelty and book stores, adult movies and arcades, and businesses featuring strippers or erotic dancers and escort agencies.

In its original form, the bill included stronger language that banned adult entertainment businesses within a specified radius of churches, schools, public parks and residential zones.

—

Bill lets businesses photocopy drivers’ licenses

Eds: LD 1802

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) – A proposal to make it easier for Mainers to engage in financial transactions moved a step closer to final passage on Wednesday.

The House gave final approval to a bill that would authorize businesses to photocopy drivers’ licenses without having to get written approval by the secretary of state, which is now required.

Photocopies would be allowed if they are made solely for identification purposes needed in financial transactions, for verification that a commercial driver’s license has been issued, or for motor vehicle loaner and demonstration purposes.

The bill also restricts further use of the photocopy. It was sent to the Senate for a final vote before it can be sent to the governor.

—

Pounds of change collected to patch hole in state budget

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) – Nearly 100 pounds of pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters collected by children to help restore mental health services threatened by a budget gap were presented Wednesday to Gov. John Baldacci by Democratic lawmakers.

The cut in services could result from a $128 million hole in the fiscal 2005 budget.

Baldacci’s proposal cuts 15 types of MaineCare services and retains 38 others. The Appropriations Committee is reviewing the budget revision.

Rep. Ben Dudley, D-Portland, said the contribution came from families and children associated with Woodford’s Family Services in Portland who receive services that would be affected.

Rep. Hannah Pingree, D-North Haven, also delivered the coins.

AP-ES-03-17-04 1747EST