Supporters say the measure would protect election integrity and prevent deception of voters, but some lawmakers raised free speech concerns.
Maine Legislature
Posted inLocal & State, Maine Crime, News, Politics
National group advises Maine to invest in community services to reduce juvenile incarcerations
Preliminary findings by the Center for Children’s Law and Policy show that 53% of detained youths were held because the state lacked alternative places to house them safely.
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Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Democrats renew push for broadband expansion with $15 million proposal
Lawmakers rejected a borrowing plan for broadband investment last year, but a new bill would tap into the state’s General Fund to support a plan developed by the ConnectME Authority.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Bill pending in Maine to make producers pay for disposal of packaging
Maine is drafting a first-in-the-nation law to shift the cost of disposing of packaging materials from consumers to private companies.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
House upholds veto of bill to let candidates put their nicknames on ballot
Rep. ‘Billy Bob’ Faulkingham, the bill’s sponsor, says many voters in his district wouldn’t recognize his given name.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Bill aims to avert large fines in Maine’s hands-free cellphone law
In addition to clarifying that the fine for a first offense is $50, not $170, the bill would make it illegal to use a handheld cellphone while driving through a parking lot.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Maine lawmakers urged to tackle mental health crisis in the state’s jails
A bill before the Legislature aims to ease the strain on the corrections system, including county jails, which increasingly house people with mental health issues who face criminal charges.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Maine will double its rebate on certain heat pumps for homeowners
Rebates from the Efficiency Maine trust will increase from $500 to $1,000 for the first heat pump installed in a home if it meets the criteria for high performance and efficiency.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Mills to point out her priorities in State of the State adress Jan. 21
Maine’s governor will highlight the achievements of her administration in 2019 and is expected to talk about the challenges facing the state and goals for 2020.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News, Politics
Mills vetoes bill to legalize sports betting in Maine
The bill, 1 of 3 the governor vetoed, was among 40 she had held since the close of the session in June. She allowed 24 to become law without her signature, and 13 others were recalled for changes by the Legislature.