The debate in Augusta over health standards for PFAS is occurring against a backdrop of a growing contamination hotspot in central Maine.
Maine Legislature
Lawmaker wants new state department to protect Maine kids
Sen. Bill Diamond of Windham makes his proposal in response to children’s deaths that exposed weaknesses in Maine’s system for protecting children from abuse and neglect.
Police say bill to eliminate intelligence unit would make Maine less safe
But critics say the more than $1 million used to fund the Maine Information and Analysis Center would be better used for other programs.
Legislation would allow unenrolled voters to cast ballots in Maine party primaries
The bill is one of several that would increase voter participation in primaries or streamline the balloting process by rescheduling the newly created presidential primary from March to June.
Maine lawmaker criticized for racist email
Rep. Michael Lemelin, R-Chelsea, referred to COVID-19 as the ‘China virus’ in an email to an Asian-American resident, and downplayed the disease’s seriousness.
How a 2019 Maine law spurred $100 million in solar investment
Lawmakers are reviewing the net energy billing policy, hoping to find the sweet spot that both encourages renewable energy and offers the greatest benefit to electricity customers.
Finance commissioner details breakdowns, rising cost of state’s payroll software system
The Legislature’s Government Oversight Committee is considering whether to open an investigation into a technology upgrade that has cost the state more than $34 million to date and is years behind schedule.
Bill would audit Maine election results as a way to promote voter confidence
The legislation is supported by Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, who says Maine should join 34 other states and increase transparency in elections.
Bill would allow online voter registration in Maine by 2023
Presently, Maine voters can request an application to register online but can’t fully register electronically, unlike in 38 other states.
More films could be made in Maine under new proposal
Promoters of a bill now before the Legislature say the state needs to offer more financial incentives aimed at attracting a steady stream of moderately priced movie and TV productions to compete with other states and create jobs.