The House narrowly approved the bill Thursday, but the significant margin by which the Senate voted it down makes its passage very unlikely.
Maine State Legislature
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Maine House OKs bill to hike vehicle inspection fees
The legislation would increase the fee from $12.50 to $20 in most parts of the state to pay for a modernized electronic system that police believe will reduce fraud. The bill still requires additional votes.
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Posted inHealth, Local & State, News, Politics
Maine steps up use of yellow flag law to seize weapons from those in crisis
The law went into effect in 2020, but it wasn’t widely used until the state signed a contract to make the necessary medical opinions available via telehealth.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Senate advances bill to partially decriminalize prostitution
Gov. Janet Mills has yet to announce a stance on the bill that would eliminate the crime of engaging in prostitution but maintain penalties for those who solicit sex workers.
Posted inLocal & State
State extends use of Saco hotel as transitional housing for asylum seekers
In its first year, the hotel has housed 440 people at a cost of $5.1 million. The state is hoping to keep it open through the end of next year.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Legislature considers changing Maine license plate design from chickadee to 1901 flag
Bill LD 1965, ‘An Act to Authorize the Secretary of State to Provide a New General Issue of License Plates,’ will give Maine’s primary license plate a new look if approved.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Lawmakers consider bill to remove criminal statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse
The measure would remove time limits to prosecute childhood sexual abuse cases, but wouldn’t apply retroactively. Opponents say the proposal interferes with important safeguards for the accused.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Proposal to create lodging for lawmakers criticized as self-serving amid housing crisis
Sponsored by a Portland state representative, the bill aims to save money while providing legislators with a place to stay while doing the public’s business in Augusta.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Towns challenge new Maine law meant to ease housing crisis
Legislation that promotes accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, statewide is set to take effect July 1. Municipalities say that’s not enough time to comply.
Posted inLewiston-Auburn, Local & State
Bill would hide home addresses of congressional candidates
Maine lawmakers consider measure to keep residential addresses off campaign paperwork for contenders for U.S. House and U.S. Senate.