AUGUSTA (AP) – Wedding bells may soon have a costlier ring in Maine.

After a brief debate, the House of Representatives gave its final approval Tuesday to a bill to increase marriage license fees from $20 to $30. The increase was requested by city and town officials, said Rep. Chris Barstow, chairman of the State and Local Government Committee, which reviewed the bill and urged its passage.

Barstow, D-Gorham, said marriage fees haven’t gone up in several years and the increase will help municipalities keep up with the cost of processing paperwork. Supporters also said all of the money collected will remain in the towns’ possession, easing pressure on property taxes.

The bill faces a final Senate vote before it can be sent to Gov. John Baldacci for his signature.

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AUGUSTA (AP) – A sex discrimination complaint by a female state fire investigator who was denied a promotion to assistant fire marshal may be headed to court.

The Maine Human Rights Commission on Monday ruled 3-1 in favor of Sgt. Jennifer Mills of Windsor, a 33-year veteran with the fire marshal’s office. Mills currently serves as fire investigations supervisor.

As a result of the ruling, the commission will try to get the two sides to come to an agreement. If that fails, the decision opens the door to a possible discrimination lawsuit against the Public Safety Department.

The state fire marshal’s Office denies that there was any discrimination.

In 1986, the Human Rights Commission found that Mills was denied a promotion to fire investigator. Mills said she had been denied that promotion four times, but was promoted as a result of a conciliation agreement with the fire marshal’s office, which is part of the Public Safety Department.

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