Republicans and a Democrat worried about how the bill would be used by prosecutors and its potential impact on self-defense courses.
maine legislature
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Plan to create Office of New Americans advances to Maine House, Senate
The bill, approved by a legislative committee, would create a 2-person office to help immigrants better integrate into the state.
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Posted inLocal & State, News
Lawmakers receive active shooter training after Lewiston shooting, State House threats
The first-of-its kind training will be supplemented by increased security in the Burton Cross Office building next to the State House and a new mobile phone app to send alerts about threats in the Capitol complex.
Posted inLocal & State
Feds deny request to accelerate work permits for Maine asylum seekers
The state asked for a waiver of the federal six-month waiting period to let asylum seekers go to work, but no such provision exists in federal law.
Posted inLocal & State
Party-line committee vote spells trouble for proposed constitutional right to abortion
The bill now goes to the Senate, where at least two Republicans would need to join with Democrats to get the two-thirds threshold needed for the constitutional amendment.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Maine Republicans oppose background checks for private gun sales
The governor’s office said Republicans mischaracterized the background check proposal and incorrectly stoked fear that it would lead to a registry of firearm owners.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Mills administration to study how state pay stacks up against private sector wages
The administration says it has increased wages 24% in the past 5 years, but union leaders say the pay gap has continued to grow.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Maine governor seeks to navigate treacherous terrain of gun reform
Gov. Janet Mills’ proposal to require background checks for some private firearm sales gives new momentum to an idea that has been defeated multiple times. But political analysts say proponents still will have to overcome Maine’s tradition of hunting and gun ownership.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Opponents criticize bill to ban paramilitary training in Maine as hate groups rise
If the legislation is approved, Maine would join 26 other states that have responded to an increase in organized domestic extremism with laws banning unauthorized paramilitary training.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Lawmakers considering proposal for state board to permit affordable housing
The bill from Rep. Traci Gere, D-Kennebunkport, would give developers proposing affordable housing in areas identified for growth an alternative pathway to having their projects approved.