The proposal needs two-thirds support in both the House of Representatives and Senate in order to be sent to voters in November.
Maine Legislature
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.
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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
Passenger train service through Auburn and Lewiston halted by legislators
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.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News, Politics
Maine Democrats advance digital privacy bill opposed by businesses
The measure would enact strict limits on when a company can collect, store and analyze consumer information, while creating exemptions for nonprofits, educational institutions and hospitals.
Posted inMaine, News
Maine Legislature passes shoreland zoning bill giving municipalities ability to enforce and remediate violations
The legislation gives enforcement authority on new permits, restoration of shoreland and allows municipalities and Land Use Planning Commission the right to place a lien on property with unresolved violations.
Posted inHealth, Maine, Politics
After intense lobbying, Maine Senate backs bill to set minimum nurse staffing in hospitals
The legislation would set required ratios in an effort to improve working conditions and ease a nursing shortage. Opponents say the measure would reduce access to care.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, Politics
Labor advocates, farmers call for changes to proposed minimum wage for farmworkers
Some want a lower minimum wage for young farmworkers, while others advocate preserving the right to sue an agricultural employer for failing to pay minimum wage.
Posted inMaine, Maine Crime, Politics
Maine House advances bill to end 3 strikes law for thefts
Republicans warned that removing a possible felony charge for a 3rd conviction would embolden organized retail crime, while Democrats say the policy is outdated, and that most theft crimes don’t warrant a felony conviction.