A bill passed by both the House of Representatives and Senate would change the referendum date from this fall to November 2026 and establish a commission to assist the secretary of state in approving the design of the flag.
maine legislature
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Constitutional right to abortion falls short of needed support in first vote by Maine Senate
A majority of senators voted in favor of L.D. 780 and it faces more votes, but the bill failed to meet the two-thirds majority that would ultimately be needed to send the measure to voters.
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Posted inLocal & State, Maine Crime, Politics
Maine lawmakers support sealing past marijuana convictions – but not automatically
The proposal would allow convictions for marijuana cultivation and possession crimes committed prior to legalization to be eligible for sealing by a judge.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Schools and Education
What it will take for Maine schools to serve more kids with disabilities
A bill pending in the Legislature would require schools to educate and provide services for 3- and 4-year-olds. Some districts are showing the way.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Committee endorses $30 million bond to support Maine trails
The proposal needs two-thirds support in both the House of Representatives and Senate in order to be sent to voters in November.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, Politics
Committee advances proposal to raise minimum wage for Maine farmworkers
The Committee on Labor and Housing passed an amended version of Gov. Janet Mills’ bill to raise the minimum wage for farmworkers to $14.15 per hour, the same rate as that for other workers.
Posted inLocal & State, Maine Crime, Politics
Maine lawmakers scrap bill to decriminalize drug possession; opt for study instead
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.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
House narrowly approves bill to send fewer youths to troubled prison
The proposal would allow the state to assess the needs of young people accused of crimes and provide them with services so they can remain in the community, rather than be sent to Long Creek Youth Development Center.
Posted inBusiness, Kennebec Journal, Local & State, Morning Sentinel, News
Passenger train service through central Maine halted by representatives in Augusta
The bill would look at the feasibility of running a passenger rail between Portland and Bangor, with stops in Lewiston, Auburn, Waterville and just west of Augusta.
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.