The state may begin distributing $60 million in relief funding this summer.
Maine Legislature
Lawmakers split on response to reports of increased juvenile crimes
The House rejects a bill that would allow police to resume temporary detentions of juveniles for less serious crimes, with Democrats calling for more services to support at-risk youth.
House, Senate agree to let voters decide about new state flag
Gov. Janet Mills hasn’t yet weighed in on a bill that would ask voters this fall whether they want to replace the current state flag with one based on the design used until 1909 that is comprised of a pine tree and blue star.
Maine’s high court rules lawmakers may still enact citizen referendums
The decision likely only affects one question, which lawmakers say enjoys widespread support in the Legislature and across the state: Banning foreign spending on state referendum campaigns.
House narrowly votes to restore Maine’s original flag
The bill’s prospects remain uncertain as a half dozen Democrats joined Republicans to oppose the bill, which passed by a 2-vote margin with 20 members absent.
Lawmakers work on bill to let Wabanaki tribes benefit from federal laws
The bill would grant the Wabanaki tribes in Maine to federal laws that benefit the nation’s 570 other federally recognized tribes.
Highway fund raises new tensions over state budget negotiations
A continuing services budget passed by Democrats in March did not include highway funding, which is used to fund operations for the Maine Department of Transportation, Bureau of Motor Vehicles and part of the Maine State Police.
Parents of special needs children place hopes in bill that would pay them as caregivers
The bill, by Rep. Jessica Fay, was voted unanimously out of committee
Maine moves closer to ending criminal charges for prostitution
While the bill sponsored by Rep. Lois Galgay Reckitt, D-South Portland, would remove criminal charges for sex workers, customers would still be prosecuted, which is a sticking point for some engaged in consensual sex work.
Lawmakers recommend replacing popular senior property tax program
The Taxation Committee votes to expand benefits for low-income seniors under 2 existing programs, a move Democrats say will lead to more assistance to seniors who need help the most.