AUGUSTA (AP) — State law enforcement officials said Monday that a bill that would ban BB guns and non-firing replica firearms in schools is necessary to protect students from potential tragedies, but opponents contend it is too broad and would do little to improve school safety. Supporters of the measure say police officers could easily […]
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Motivated by death of paving worker, Dexter man aims to save lives with ‘Ricky’s Mandate’
DEXTER — A Dexter man with 15 years of experience in the asphalt industry is working to get state lawmakers to adopt legislation he believes will save lives. Joel Costonis said recently that he came up with the concept of “Ricky’s Mandate” in response to the May 7 death of Richard E. Thibodeau Jr., who […]
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After losing 5 loved ones to cancer, Maine lawmaker turns tragedy to legislative action
AUGUSTA — On Friday, a state commission to study cancer in Maine held its second of four scheduled meetings to gather information for a report that could include legislative proposals to fight the disease. A nearly five-hour meeting may not sound like a career highlight, but for one lawmaker on the commission, it’s a victory […]
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Group plans to collect signatures for bear-baiting referendum
PORTLAND — A coalition that wants another statewide vote aimed at banning the use of bait, traps and dogs to hunt bears says it’s launching a petition drive in Maine. Mainers for Fair Bear Hunting announced Tuesday that it plans to gather 80,000 signatures of Maine voters, exceeding the 57,277 signatures needed to qualify for […]
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Maine ethics law aims to stop ‘revolving door’
AUGUSTA — Maine’s “F” grade in government integrity issued last year by a national group has led to a number of reforms in the state’s ethics rules this year, including a bipartisan transparency bill proposed by Gov. Paul LePage that he signed into law last week. The reforms also include two bills signed by the […]