AUGUSTA – Gov. Paul LePage has vetoed a bill that would require the installation of locked boxes on state ferries to allow for transportation of medical samples.

Democrats in the State Senate supported the proposal because of changes in the Maine State Ferry Service that they said made it difficult to ship samples from islands.

Supporters of the bill say it would allow island residents to send samples to mainland hospitals and medical facilities without taking a time-consuming ferry ride.

Sen. Dave Miramant, a Camden Democrat, says the bill has strong support among island residents and should still become law. Lawmakers will vote on a possible override on April 29.

Representatives for LePage’s office did not immediately return requests for comment about the veto.


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