The bill now requires second votes in both the House and Senate before it heads to Gov. Mills’ desk.
Maine Legislature
Committee advances new supplemental budget to full Legislature – without controversial changes
The proposal now faces votes in the full House and Senate. If it passes unchanged, Gov. Janet Mills’ spokesperson says she would not veto it.
Maine joins push to send electoral votes to national popular vote winner
Gov. Mills allowed the proposal, in which Maine joins 16 other states and the District of Columbia in changing how it allocates Electoral College votes, to become law without her signature.
Maine lawmakers face Wednesday deadline to finish work
Many key bills, including the supplemental budget, remain on the table. But lawmakers don’t appear poised to call for a special session to give themselves more time.
Maine is latest state to approve interstate compact for social worker licenses
The proposal is designed to make it easier for social workers to practice in new states.
Democratic legislative leaders reach agreement on supplemental budget fixes
The fixes would restore pension tax breaks for retirees, boost pay for ed techs and increase support for dairy farmers, Senate President Troy Jackson said.
Maine Senate narrowly supports expanded background checks, 72-hour waiting period
The Senate took up 5 bills that would put stricter gun laws in place and passed 4 of them.
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.
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.