The bill, sponsored by Sen. Mattie Daughtry, D-Brunswick, and Rep. Kristen Cloutier, D-Lewiston, will have a public hearing on Thursday.
Maine Legislature
Lawmakers hear competing offshore wind proposals
One bill lays out a detailed state path to promote floating offshore wind that will help Maine meet its climate goals and create jobs, while the other seeks to use the state’s power to keep the industry out of the Gulf of Maine where fishermen earn their living.
Maine parties spar over spending, tax cuts as budget talks heat up
Republicans say continuing to increase state spending as many families struggle to meet basic needs is ‘not a good sell’ for Democrats.
Maine committee supports flavored tobacco ban
Supporters say the ban will keep teens from becoming addicted to nicotine, while foes say adults should be able to purchase the products. The House and Senate will vote on the bill in the coming weeks.
Brunswick senator’s bill would require personal finance classes for high schoolers
Maine would become the 20th state to require a standalone financial literacy course to graduate high school.
Lawmakers clash over gun bills, but make little progress on legislation
The fate of several gun safety bills remain in limbo after split committee votes, with legislators on both sides of the aisle accusing the opposition of being intransigent.
Backers of paid family leave in Maine have high hopes for new bill’s prospects
Details of the legislation were released Tuesday and a public hearing is slated for May 25.
Effort to restore parole in Maine appears unlikely after committee vote
The bill was rejected 6-5 by the Legislature’s Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee and faces ongoing opposition from Gov. Janet Mills, a former prosecutor.
Patients, advocates clash with hospitals over bill to restrict facility fees in medical bills
The fees are often included to cover operating costs and pay for uncompensated services, hospital officials say, but they can leave patients on the hook for hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Gov. Mills unveils new spending plan to address housing shortage, homelessness and other needs
The governor said her nearly $900 million change package, which does not propose any tax relief or reform, addresses ‘pressing needs,’ such as homelessness, food insecurity and the lack of affordable housing.