The Sept. 9-15 mission will begin in Hong Kong and include a visit to Shanghai and surrounding areas.

The bill would allow state workers to store concealed weapons in a locked vehicle on state property, a right granted to private sector workers last year.

The revelation that the state paid medical claims for as many as 19,000 ineligible patients is the latest controversy for a program that’s been dominating debate at the State House for months.

Nearly a year ago, Gov. Paul LePage ordered the removal of a 36-foot mural from government property. Now a judge will decide whether the governor had the authority to do so.

High-profile members of both parties are expected to try to beat the March 15 deadline.

With signatures validated, a legalization bill will go to to the Legislature, which is likely to let Maine voters decide the issue.