Gov. John Baldacci will address the Legislature during an evening session Tuesday.

The State of the State was delayed longer than usual because the governor wanted to be able to include accurate information about the federal stimulus money headed to Maine, according to a release from his office.

The Bangor Democrat will focus largely on economic and energy related issues, a spokesman said.

What’s a life cost?

You’re in the Maine wilderness, you’re lost and scared. Can you afford to get help?

A bill proposed by Rep. Tom Saviello, U-Wilton, would charge anyone found in a state search and rescue operation for the costs incurred, unless they had purchased a $20 “Maine Rescue” card ahead of time.

State law allows the commissioner of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to charge people rescued for the costs involved if the agency chooses to, but does not mandate it.

A public hearing for the likely controversial bill is scheduled for Tuesday before the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee.

Let’s talk energy

House Speaker Hannah Pingree, D-North Haven, looks to make her legislative mark on Maine’s energy future by sponsoring a bill with that title.

Pingree’s bill would consolidate energy conservation programs, establishing an “Efficiency Maine Trust.” The trust would plan and administer electric and natural gas efficiency programs, control federal funds for weatherization and money earned from Maine’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. It would also impose a fee on barrels of home heating oil, kerosene or unit of propane transported into the state.

The Joint Standing Committee on Maine’s Energy Future is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the bill on Wednesday.

Those pesky beavers

Sen. John Nutting’s bill that would grant municipal officials the right to shoot troublesome beavers will be taken up on Tuesday for a work session by the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee.

The Leeds Democrat aims to reduce how much towns have to pay in road maintenance and beaver removal.

Representatives of the Maine Trappers Association and the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife spoke against the legislation during a public hearing last week.

Careful on that bike!

Several bills dealing with motorcycle safety are scheduled for public hearings before the Transportation Committee on Friday.

One, sponsored by Emily Cain, D-Orono, would require motorcyclists under the age of 18 to wear a helmet. Current law only requires those under the age of 15 to do so.

A similar bill, sponsored by Paulette Beaudoin, D-Biddeford, would require all motorcyclists to wear helmets.

The last bill scheduled for the day, sponsored by Patsy Crockett, D-Augusta, would require the Department of Transportation to put up road signs where rumble strips are located to enhance motorcycle safety.

– Rebekah Metzler

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