Sens. Jeff Timberlake, R-Androscoggin, and Brad Farrin, R-Somerset, say a ‘series of failures’ by the department appear to have led to the slayings of a father and son found dead in their Chelsea home in June.
Maine State Legislature
Did the Maine Legislature ban small plastic shampoo bottles in hotels? | Fact brief
Lawmakers considered a bill to ban the small plastic bottles found at hotels by 2032 with the intent of reducing plastic waste in tourism-heavy Maine.
New Maine laws will change electricity billing, formalize energy goals
Among a slate of energy laws passed this session are ones that will change the state’s contentious net energy billing program and create a new Department of Energy Resources.
Portland charter school would serve multilingual, disabled students — if lawmakers don’t intervene
The Legislature’s education committee has unanimously approved lowering Maine’s cap on the number of charter schools. It could spell trouble for a new middle and high school specializing in vulnerable populations.
15 state attorneys general condemn Rep. Libby’s censure as ‘attack on Legislature’ in letter
The group, led by West Virginia Attorney General John McCuskey, charges that the Auburn Republican’s censure impedes the Legislature’s ability to function and represent Mainers.
Maine lawmakers consider raising taxes on home sales over $1M
A bill would increase the real estate transfer tax on some of the state’s most expensive properties to fund affordable housing initiatives. But it would also give some tax relief to first-time home buyers.
Mobile homeowners back bill to help them fight sales to investors
Maine lawmakers are weighing several bills designed to protect mobile homeowners, including one that would give residents the right of first refusal if their park comes up for sale.
Maine lawmakers consider bill to make banking easier for the cannabis industry
Since cannabis is still illegal under federal law, the lucrative industry has struggled with limited access to loans and other bank services.
Mainers are howling about coyote hunting proposal
A legislative committee in Augusta got an earful from both sides about a bill that would limit coyote hunting.
Increased stipends for child care workers saved by Maine lawmakers, at least for now
The Health and Human Services committee voted Wednesday to take Gov. Janet Mills’ proposed cuts to a child care supplement program out of the state’s 2-year budget.