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.
maine legislature
Posted inMaine, 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.
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Posted inMaine, 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 inMaine, 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, Maine, 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 inMaine, 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 inMaine, 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, Maine, News, Politics
Maine House rebuffs plan to use performance as guide for utility rates
Several Democrats joined solid Republican opposition to reject legislation that proposes a first step in judging utilities’ performance when setting rates.
Posted inBusiness, Kennebec Journal, Maine, 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 inMaine, 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.