Lawmakers are considering a handful of bills that would increase the state reimbursement to 90%.
Maine State House
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Debate over access to police discipline records reaches State House
The Legislature’s Judiciary Committee Monday listened to arguments over a bill that would expand public access to the disciplinary records of public employees, including police.
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Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Lawmakers consider proposals to stop changing clocks twice a year
The Legislature is weighing 3 bills: One would have the state make Eastern Standard Time permanent, a second would do the same for Eastern Daylight Time, and a third would study the impacts of no longer changing the clocks.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Lawmakers consider raising salaries of sexual assault victim advocates
Sen. Jill Duson, D-Portland, said the bill would allow the state to raise what it pays victim advocates from $32,000 to $45,000 a year.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Maine lawmakers consider $11.7 million in emergency funding for civil legal aid programs
Advocates say Maine’s civil legal aid providers are ‘numerous’ but ‘severely underfunded.’
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Lawmakers hit the brakes on requiring snow and ice removal from cars and trucks
The bill would no longer require Mainers to clear the snow and ice from their vehicles, instead only imposing a fine if their uncleared cars lead to a crash or injury.
Posted inLocal & State
Maine lawmakers consider expanding Supreme Judicial Court’s ability to review sentences
L.D. 363 would allow anyone convicted of a crime to appeal their sentence to the Maine Sentencing Review Panel.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Group recommends the state reestablish parole and other early prison release options
The Commission to Examine Reestablishing Parole in Maine recommended state lawmakers also consider reviving a state-funded institute from the 1970s that regularly reviewed and revised Maine’s sentencing laws.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Judiciary Committee supports Maine Supreme Court nominee
Lawmakers on the Judiciary Committee voted 10-2 to recommend Superior Justice Wayne Douglas’ nomination to the Maine Supreme Judicial Court.
Posted inKennebec Journal, Local & State
Photos: Maine Legislature opens 131st session
Lawmakers met Wednesday, the first day of the new legislative session. Swearing-in Day at the Maine State Capitol is usually an exercise in pomp and circumstance, with new lawmakers getting to know each other, the process and the building and rookies and veterans alike on the hunt for good committee assignments. But between Rep. Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, becoming the first Black speaker of the House of Representatives and a looming vote on Mills’ proposed $474 million emergency winter energy relief plan, this first day of a new Legislature felt different.
Photos by Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal