The original proposal sought to treat substance use as a public health issue and would have set up receiving centers to help people dealing with a crisis.
Rachel Ohm
Staff Writer
Rachel covers state government and politics for the Portland Press Herald. It’s her third beat at the paper after stints covering City Hall and education. Prior to her arrival at the Press Herald in the summer of 2019, Rachel worked at the Morning Sentinel in Waterville, covering Franklin and Somerset counties, and the Knoxville News Sentinel in Knoxville, Tennessee, covering higher education. She has a master’s degree in journalism from New York University and when she’s not writing and reporting enjoys running, cooking and traveling to new places.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Committee backs expanded background checks, waiting period for gun purchases
The Judiciary Committee also will soon take up a last-minute bill that would put in place ‘an improved crisis intervention order’ for restricting access to firearms when people are deemed to be a threat.
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Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Divided committee supports study of program to voluntarily waive gun rights
The Legislature’s Judiciary Committee tabled three other gun-related bills during a work session Thursday and will take them up again at a later date.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Maine House supports bill that would require landlords to disclose all costs
The proposal, now headed to a Senate vote, would require landlords to provide a written disclosure of all fees and costs before tenants sign a lease.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, Politics
Proposal would exempt agricultural pesticides from law banning forever chemicals
Proponents of the bill say farmers need more time to move to alternatives, but opponents say the current law is reasonable and raise concerns about PFAS contamination of food.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Gov. Mills opposes bills that would hide past marijuana offenses
Advocates say more people should be able to have convictions for low-level crimes such as marijuana possession sealed by the courts, but the proposals are opposed by Maine’s governor and others.
Posted inLocal & State, Maine Crime
Commission: Police should have seized Lewiston shooter’s guns months before tragedy
The interim report, which also faults the Army, calls a Sagadahoc County deputy’s failure to take Robert Card into custody in mid-September ‘an abdication of law enforcement’s responsibility.’
Posted inLocal & State, Politics, Portland Sea Dogs, Sports
Lawmakers hear overwhelming support for tax credit for Hadlock Field renovations
The proposal from Senate President Troy Jackson could provide up to $200,000 per year, or $2 million total, in tax credits for upgrades the team makes to the city-owned stadium.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Advocates rally at Maine State House for rent relief, shelter funding
The demonstration Wednesday came as lawmakers are negotiating budget proposals, including funding for a bill that would establish a pilot program for eviction prevention.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Lawmakers take up gun bills, focus on waiting periods, background checks
The Legislature’s Judiciary Committee holds a work session on a series of bills that include a proposal from Gov. Janet Mills to expand background checks and update the state’s yellow flag law.