The House killed the bill without discussion Monday after Gov. Janet Mills threatened to veto it and the Senate voted to table it indefinitely.
maine politics
Maine lawmakers approve ban on pesticides containing PFAS by 2030
The legislation, which has divided the state’s farming community, was passed by the Senate on Monday after gaining approval in the House last week.
Bill to ban sludge recycling and spreading divides farmers
While some farmers support a ban on sludge spreading to protect Maine farms from forever chemicals, a group that includes farmers and wastewater treatment operators want a ‘science based approach’ to monitoring PFAS levels to avoid increased fertilizer and sewer costs.
Senate approves bill to limit ‘dark store’ tax challenges
The bill would give municipalities a way to fight off big-box retailers’ efforts to reduce their municipal tax burden.
Senate approves college debt relief for first-time homebuyers
Many could have up to $40,000 in student loan debt forgiven through a Maine State Housing Authority program.
Gov. Mills proposes payments of $850 to qualifying Mainers as she revises budget
The total amount of direct relief to individual Mainers would be increased by $100 from the governor’s previous plan.
Launching re-election bid, Gov. Mills says there’s more to do
Janet Mills, the state’s first female governor, could face former Gov. Paul LePage in what’s expected to be an expensive general election between well-known candidates with a history of conflict.
Mask mandate dropped at State House
In tying the requirement to local transmission rates, legislative leaders could reinstate the mask mandate if Kennebec County goes red again.
Gov. Mills’ plan to rein in power companies faces two-pronged opposition
Many opponents either said the bill is a cynical ploy to maintain the status quo, or government overreach to address problems that don’t exist.
Equal rights amendment to Maine Constitution hits Republican opposition in House
The 80-57 vote in favor of the proposal falls short of the two-thirds majority required to put the issue to voters, with another vote coming later in this session.