If approved, the legislation would move Maine toward using party primaries instead of caucuses for signaling voters’ preferences.
Kevin Miller
Kevin Miller joined the staff of the Portland Press Herald in 2012 and has worked as a journalist in Maine since 2005. He currently covers state politics, the Maine Legislature and environmental/natural resources issues. A policy wonk, Kevin previously wrote about Congress and federal issues as the Press Herald’s Washington, DC correspondent. Before settling in Maine, he covered state government, higher education and environmental issues for newspapers in Virginia and Maryland. In his spare time, Kevin enjoys hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking, cross-country skiing or doing pretty much anything else outdoors. He lives in Newcastle with his wife, Carissa, and their dog.
Posted inHealth, Local & State, News, Politics
Assisted suicide bill moves closer to passage with 1-vote margin in Maine House
With the bill poised for Senate approval, Gov. Mills could have the final say on whether Maine joins 7 other states that allow a terminally ill patient to request a lethal dose of medication.
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Posted inHealth, Local & State, News, Politics
Maine Senate advances bill to allow assisted suicide for terminally ill patients
Thursday’s 19-16 vote to approve the measure followed a similarly close vote in the House this week.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Mills, tribes take step toward ending years-long dispute over sustenance fishing
A bill would create a ‘sustenance fishing’ designation aimed at reducing pollution levels on waterways that are important to Maine’s 4 tribes.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Bill signing makes Maine 17th state to ban ‘conversion therapy’ for minors
The new law will prohibit counselors, therapists and other licensed professionals in Maine from attempting to change the sexual orientation or gender identity of minors.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Divided panel backs gun background checks for private sales
While the 7-5 vote indicates the bill has an uncertain fate in the full Legislature, there is growing optimism about a compromise ‘red flag’ bill crafted by a bipartisan group.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News, Politics
Committee’s split shows details will be key to legalizing sports betting
Debates are likely on the floor of the Legislature over a bill to allow online wagering, set a 2-tiered tax rate and allow on-premises betting at 11 locations.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics, Schools and Education
Lawmakers seek to track, reduce schools’ use of restraint and seclusion
A recent report by the nonprofit Disability Rights Maine found that use of physical restraint or seclusion jumped 60% in 4 years in Maine schools.
Posted inHealth, Local & State, News, Politics, Schools and Education
Senate vote sends bill to end vaccine exemptions to governor’s desk
A recent measles case in Maine was cited by both supporters and opponents of the measure to end all non-medical exemptions to school-required vaccinations.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, Politics
Fate of bill to require greenhouse gas study of CMP project in question
Although the bill received initial approval, it will need more lawmakers on final passage to impact the regulatory review of CMP’s controversial transmission line proposal.