District leaders are concerned about increasing behavioral issues in schools just a few years after the state raised the threshold to physically restrain or seclude students.
Maine Legislature
Maine’s new paid family leave law faces several efforts to hamstring program
The Legislature’s labor committee on Wednesday aired more than a dozen bills that would amend, delay or outright repeal the 2023 law.
Gov. Mills signs law to prepare Maine for severe weather fueled by climate change
The bill includes a grant program to help residents safeguard their homes, provides a one-time dose of funding for the Maine Emergency Management Agency and establishes a new state office intended to reduce storm damage and protect infrastructure.
Timeline: Gender identity in Maine’s Human Rights Act
The state antidiscrimination law has a 20-year history that long predates a nationwide debate over transgender athletes in sports.
Judge denies Laurel Libby’s request to immediately restore her right to vote in Maine House
The Auburn lawmaker, who was censured in February for a social media post about a transgender student, said she was disappointed with the decision but ‘the fight is far from over.’
Seppala Siberian nears finish line to be Maine’s state dog
The breed is descended from Togo, who a century ago led a team through the Alaskan wilderness to deliver diphtheria serum to the children of Nome. The dog later lived in Poland Spring.
Republican lawmakers want to repeal Maine’s 72-hour waiting period on firearms purchases
Proposals before the Legislature come after the waiting period narrowly passed last year in the wake of the Lewiston mass shooting, and as it faces a challenge in federal court.
Maine bill aims to send a message to Nebraska concerning electoral votes
A bill from Rep. Adam Lee would end Maine’s system of splitting electoral votes if Nebraska does the same, a move Lee said he hopes serves as a disincentive to partisan forces in both states.
Maine health care providers clash with pharmaceutical industry over discount drug program
A Maine bill would prevent pharmaceutical companies from restricting use of a federal discount program that save millions of dollars for hospitals and other providers.
Gov. Mills urges Maine people not to support budget veto effort
Democrats said the petition drive could force a government shutdown even if voters end up rejecting it in a referendum, but Republicans said that could be averted if Democrats agree to negotiate a new budget.