Divisions nearly thwarted Democrats’ efforts to pass the landmark legislation.
Maine Legislature
Legislative session drags on; costs pile up
The end date for lawmakers to wrap up work was supposed to be June 21. That has now been extended beyond the July 4 holiday this week.
Compassionate law or bad precedent? Children’s advocates, defense attorneys at odds over changes to rules of evidence in child sexual assault cases
A law passed recently by the Legislature will allow prosecutors to present as direct evidence at trial recorded interviews of alleged child victims of sex crimes instead of putting them on the witness stand.
Gov. Mills vetoes bill that would extend more federal laws and benefits to Maine tribes
Supporters of the bill, which passed overwhelmingly in the House and Senate, are trying to shore up support to overturn the veto.
Families, business owners weigh implications of paid family leave, now likely to become Maine law
Patty Kidder said her family went bankrupt in the 1990s, and that it wouldn’t have happened if they had had access to paid leave. Other Mainers have different reactions.
How will Maine’s paid family leave affect me and my employer?
Gov. Janet Mills has said she will sign the law, which would be fully implemented by 2026.
Gov. Mills: I will sign paid family leave into law
With the governor pledging her support, Maine will become the 13th state to have a mandatory paid family and medical leave program.
Budget deal would replace popular senior property tax program
The property tax stabilization program would end and 2 existing programs would be expanded to provide more targeted relief to lower-income seniors under a proposal passed by a legislative committee.
Mills says she’ll sign budget deal that includes money for paid family leave, child care
The governor’s support ensures that Maine will become the 13th state to implement mandatory paid leave to workers who need time off to care for family members or themselves.
Bill giving teens access to gender-affirming care moves forward
The Senate’s approval Tuesday follows the House vote in favor on Monday.