The Senate took up 5 bills that would put stricter gun laws in place and passed 4 of them.
Politics
Political news and information from the Sun Journal.
Trump gives support to embattled Speaker Mike Johnson at pivotal Mar-a-Lago meet
Donald Trump flashed some criticism over efforts to oust the speaker calling it ‘unfortunate,’ saying there are ‘much bigger problems’ right now.
Gov. Mills signs bill to ban unauthorized paramilitary activity
The law allows the attorney general’s office to file for a court injunction to stop the activity and penalize anyone breaking the law with a Class D crime, which is punishable by fines of $500 to $1,000 and up to a year in jail.
Senate moves to exempt sole store targeted by bill to ban tobacco sales near schools
A Senate version of a bill to ban tobacco sales within 300 feet of a school would allow existing, licensed stores to keep tobacco sales.
U.S. House speaker negotiating with White House to advance Ukraine aid
Mike Johnson is set to travel to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club to meet with him and has been consulting him in recent weeks on the Ukraine funding to gain his support – or at least prevent him from openly opposing the package.
Bill to allow lawsuits against gun manufacturers narrowly advances to the Senate
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Rebecca Millett, D-Cape Elizabeth, cleared the House of Representatives last night by a 4-vote margin, with at least 6 Democrats joining Republicans in opposition.
Maine lawmakers endorse higher tax brackets for wealthier residents
Both the House and Senate this week passed a bill that lowers state income taxes for low- and middle-wage earners.
Japanese Prime Minister addresses Congress amid skepticism about U.S. role abroad
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told lawmakers he detected ‘an undercurrecnt of self-doubt’ among Americans about the U.S. role in the world.
Bill to change special education for Maine’s youngest children advances in House, Senate
The bill still needs to pass a second round of votes in both chambers and be approved for funding by the Legislature’s appropriations committee before going to Gov. Janet Mills.
Governor, House speaker call on Senate president to reconvene budget committee
Gov. Janet Mills also has asked Senate President Troy Jackson to hold a floor vote on a $60 million proposal to rebuild storm-damaged coastal infrastructure.