The legislation gives enforcement authority on new permits, restoration of shoreland and allows municipalities and Land Use Planning Commission the right to place a lien on property with unresolved violations.
maine legislature
Posted inHealth, Maine, Politics
After intense lobbying, Maine Senate backs bill to set minimum nurse staffing in hospitals
The legislation would set required ratios in an effort to improve working conditions and ease a nursing shortage. Opponents say the measure would reduce access to care.
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Posted inBusiness, Maine, Politics
Labor advocates, farmers call for changes to proposed minimum wage for farmworkers
Some want a lower minimum wage for young farmworkers, while others advocate preserving the right to sue an agricultural employer for failing to pay minimum wage.
Posted inMaine, Maine Crime, Politics
Maine House advances bill to end 3 strikes law for thefts
Republicans warned that removing a possible felony charge for a 3rd conviction would embolden organized retail crime, while Democrats say the policy is outdated, and that most theft crimes don’t warrant a felony conviction.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics
In Maine Legislature, momentum builds to rein in use of vague placeholder bills
Lawmakers are vowing to adopt new rules to provide more transparency for bills that are submitted with only a vague title and no explanation of intent.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, Politics
Committee endorses amended changes to cannabis industry regulations
The amended bill, sponsored by Sen. Craig Hickman, D-Winthrop, eliminates some of the more controversial elements in the original measure.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News, Politics
Proposal to give lawmakers final say over Maine’s electric vehicle standards sails through committee
The committee unanimously approved a bill declaring electric vehicle rules to be the responsibility of lawmakers and not the Board of Environmental Protection, an appointed citizen board that rejected EV rules the previous day.
Posted inMaine, Politics
Bill to shield providers of abortions and gender-affirming care advances after partisan clash
The measure backed by Democrats passed out of committee on an 8-4 party-line vote and now heads to floor votes in the Legislature.
Posted inMaine, 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 inMaine
Mills signs law to create 2 more public defenders offices
The new law will create offices to serve three rural counties that lack enough volunteer lawyers to represent people who can’t afford counsel.