AUGUSTA — The House gave initial approval Tuesday to a bill seeking to increase the number of Androscoggin County commissioners.

An amended version of the bill calls for a voter referendum to approve an increase in the board from three to five members. The catch, which was not in the original bill, is that the existing commission would have to approve the referendum before it goes to a vote.

The bill was submitted by Rep. Scott Lansley, R-Sabattus, in response to the recent squabble between the commission and the Sheriff’s Department over the hiring of a new deputy.

The bill will next go to the Senate for initial approval, then back to both chambers for enactment.

Domestic violence laws go to Baldacci

AUGUSTA – Two pieces of legislation seeking to strengthen domestic violence laws were sent to the governor’s desk Tuesday.

Rep. Deborah Simpson, D-Auburn, sponsored one resolve directing the Criminal Justice Academy to implement training in identifying the predominant aggressor in domestic violence calls. Simpson said previously that this would prevent the victim from being mistaken for the aggressor and being arrested.

Senate President Beth Edmonds, D-Freeport, sponsored a bill defining domestic violence as a crime, before it was woven into other offenses.

A third bill to create funding for an intervention program for affected families is sitting in the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee.

Right to know training required

AUGUSTA – A bill requiring elected officials to take a training course in public information received final approval by both chambers of the Legislature Tuesday.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Deborah Simpson, D-Auburn, contained recommendations of the Right to Know Advisory Committee. It will take effect in July 2008.

Elected officials must take the course within 90 days of taking office and the course must be approved by the committee.

The amended version of the bill that was passed omitted a clause in the original bill that would have required the Department of the Attorney General to establish a public records ombudsman position.

Senate rejects ban on student voting

AUGUSTA – The Senate killed a bill Monday that would have barred Maine students from using a college dormitory address to register to vote, instead encouraging them to vote absentee in their hometowns.

The bill was voted down with 19 of 35 members opposing it. Last week the House rejected it with 90 of 139 voting members against it.

“These students pay tuition, taxes, and live and work in communities throughout Maine,” Sen. Lisa Marrache, D-Waterville, said in a statement. “They deserve a voice in these matters, just like all other Maine people have.”