LEGISLATIVE REPORT as of Thursday, May 4, 2023

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(photo by Eric W. Austin)

L.D. 1725, S.P. 689

An Act to Strengthen Legislative Oversight of Government Agencies and Programs by Providing the Government Oversight Committee Access to Confidential Records. (EMERGENCY) (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)

L.D. 1737, H.P. 1116

An Act to Provide up to $5,000 in Property Tax Relief to Veterans. (Presented by Representative HYMES of Waldo)

L.D. 1745, H.P. 1124

An Act to Support Public Health by Protecting Certain Activities Conducted Under Comprehensive Community Drug Checking Initiatives. (Presented by Representative LaROCHELLE of Augusta)

L.D. 1751, S.P. 696

An Act to Maximize Federal Funding in Support of Emergency Medical Services. (Presented by Senator CURRY of Waldo)

L.D. 1752, S.P. 697

Resolve, to Prepare Preapproved Building Types. (Presented by Senator POULIOT of Kennebec)

L.D. 1754, S.P. 700

Resolve, to Establish the Commission to Study the Delivery of Services to Children and Families. (EMERGENCY) (Presented by Senator CURRY of Waldo)

L.D. 1755, S.P. 701

An Act to Exempt All Youth Development Nonprofit Organizations from Sales Tax and the Service Provider Tax. (Presented by Senator CURRY of Waldo)

L.D. 1757, S.P. 703

An Act to Amend the Laws Governing the Reporting and Tracking of Adult Use Cannabis. (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)

Copies of the Bills may be obtained from the Document Room, First Floor, State House, Augusta, Maine 04333-0002 – Ph: 207-287-1408. Bill text, bill status and roll call information are available on the Internet at http://legislature.maine.gov/LawMakerWeb/search.asp. The Weekly Legislative Report is also available on the Internet at the House home page at http://legislature.maine.gov/house/house/ under the “Documents” tab.).

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Legislative bills submitted by area senators & representatives as of Friday, April 28, 2023

L.D. 1787, H.P. 1150

Resolve, Directing the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to Convene a Stakeholder Group Tasked with a Comprehensive Overhaul and Modernization of the State Subdivision Statutes. (Presented by Representative DUCHARME of Madison

L.D. 1818, S.P. 733

An Act Regarding Port Facilities Relating to Offshore Wind Power Projects. (Presented by Senator CURRY of Waldo)

L.D. 1819, S.P. 734

An Act to Create the Maine Medical Cannabis Advisory Commission and the Medical Cannabis Alternative Health Board. (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)

L.D. 1823, S.P. 739

An Act to Respect and Protect the Right to Food. (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)

L.D. 1824, S.P. 740

Resolve, to Establish the Commission to Study the Constitution of Maine. (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)

L.D. 1828, S.P. 74

An Act Regarding Enhanced 9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Points. (EMERGENCY) (Presented by Senator LaFOUNTAIN of Kennebec

L.D. 1832, H.P. 1164

An Act to Require Reimbursement of Fees for Treatment Rendered by Public and Private Ambulance Services. (EMERGENCY) (Presented by Representative CYRWAY of Albion)

L.D. 1842, H.P. 1174

Resolve, to Support Energy Upgrades at Maine Public Schools and Ensure That New School Construction Meets Current Energy Efficiency Standards. (Presented by Representative LaROCHELLE of Augusta)

L.D. 1847, S.P. 748

An Act to Modify the Visual Impact Standards for Offshore Wind Port Development. (Governor’s Bill) (Presented by Senator CURRY of Waldo)

(Copies of the Bills may be obtained from the Document Room, First Floor, State House, Augusta, Maine 04333-0002 – Ph: 207-287-1408. Bill text, bill status and roll call information are available on the Internet at http://legislature.maine.gov/LawMakerWeb/search.asp. The Weekly Legislative Report is also available on the Internet at the House home page at http://legislature.maine.gov/house/house/ under the “Documents” tab.)

Local residents earn award from WGU

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The following local residents have earned an Award of Excellence at Western Governors University, in Salt Lake City, Utah. The award is given to students who perform at a superior level in their coursework.

Whitney Poplawski, of Augusta, has earned an Award of Excellence at Western Governors University Leavitt School of Health.

Brenda Ryder, of Liberty, has earned an Award of Excellence at Western Governors University College of Business.

LEGISLATIVE REPORT as of Thursday, April 27, 2023

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(photo by Eric W. Austin)

Legislative bills submitted by area senators & representatives as of Thursday, April 27, 2023.

L.D. 1477, S.P. 597

RESOLUTION, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine to Align the Proceedings for Circulating Written Petitions for People’s Vetoes and Direct Initiatives with Federal Law. (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)

L.D. 1479, S.P. 599

Resolve, Directing the Public Utilities Commission to Convene a Stakeholder Group Regarding Liquefied Propane Gas Systems and the So-called Dig Safe Law. (Presented by Senator POULIOT of Kennebec)

L.D. 1482, S.P. 603

An Act to Impose a Moratorium on Open-pit Rock Quarry Excavation. (EMERGENCY) (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)

L.D. 1483, S.P. 604

An Act to Protect the Rights of Agricultural Workers. (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)

L.D. 1493, H.P. 948

An Act to Increase Affordable Housing by Expanding Tax Increment Financing. (Presented by Representative LaROCHELLE of Augusta)

L.D. 1499, H.P. 954

An Act Regarding Penalties for Early Retirement for Certain Members of the Maine Public Employees Retirement System. (Presented by Representative SHAGOURY of Hallowell)

L.D. 1536, S.P. 609

RESOLUTION, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine to Amend the Governor’s Power to Reprieve, Pardon and Commute Sentences and Remit Penalties. (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)

L.D. 1555, S.P. 619

An Act to Amend the Pine Tree Development Zone Program. (Presented by Senator CURRY of Waldo)

L.D. 1565, H.P. 1010

Resolve, to Establish a Pilot Program to Provide Grants to Expand Age Eligibility for Life Skills and Vocational Programs in Public Schools. (Presented by Representative MONTELL of Gardiner)

L.D. 1586, H.P. 1031

An Act to Enable Occupational License Portability and Prohibit Use of Good Character Qualifications in Occupational Licensing. (Presented by Representative SMITH of Palermo)

L.D. 1589, H.P. 1034

Resolve, Directing the Department of Education to Adopt Rules Prohibiting Teachers in Public Schools from Engaging in Political, Ideological and Religious Advocacy in the Classroom. (Presented by Representative SMITH of Palermo)

L.D. 1623, H.P. 1048

An Act to Prohibit All State Subsidies for Electric Vehicles. (Presented by Representative RUDNICKI of Fairfield)

L.D. 1630, S.P. 647

An Act Regarding Campaign Finance and Lobbying Disclosure and Enforcement of Income Source Reporting Requirements. (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)

L.D. 1671, H.P. 1069

An Act to Reduce the Income Tax to 4.5 Percent on the Lowest Tax Bracket and Remove Low-income Families from Taxation. (Presented by Representative DUCHARME of Madison)

L.D. 1717, H.P. 1108

An Act to Provide a Property Tax Exemption for All Veterans over 62 Years of Age. (Presented by Representative COLLAMORE of Pittsfield)

(Copies of the Bills may be obtained from the Document Room, First Floor, State House, Augusta, Maine 04333-0002 – Ph: 207-287-1408. Bill text, bill status and roll call information are available on the Internet at http://legislature.maine.gov/LawMakerWeb/search.asp.

The Weekly Legislative Report is also available on the Internet at the House home page at http://legislature.maine.gov/house/house/ under the “Documents” tab.)

EVENT: Scouts to honor legionnaires

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The Kennebec Valley District of Scouting will honor the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary, and Sons of the American Legion during a special breakfast to be held on Saturday, May 6, at 8:30 a.m., at American Legion Fitzgerald-Cummings Post #2, in Augusta, located at 7 Legion Drive.

“Each year, scouting honors a person or group for their amazing contributions to our lives,” said Kennebec Valley District Commissioner Eric Handley, of Sidney. “Last year, we recognized the important work done by the medical professionals and support staff at MaineGeneral Hospital. This year, we are recognizing the veterans of the American Legion and the entire Legion family for providing outstanding service to our communities since 1919. They answered when our nation asked for their help and when they returned home, they continued to serve as members of the Legion, Auxiliary, and Sons of the Legion.”

Join them for this breakfast to help say thank you to the American Legion family of groups for more than 100 years of patriotic service to our nation and state.

Space is limited to the first 100 attendees. Contact Chuck Mahaleris at cmahaleris@gmail.com to reserve your spot.

Avery Theriault receives legislative sentiment

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On Tuesday, April 11, Senator Matt Pouliot (R-Kennebec), center right, welcomed Avery Theriault, center left, a senior at Cony High School, in Augusta, to the State House to honor her with a Legislative Sentiment for receiving the 2023 Maine Principal Association Award. This award is given to a student who has great academic excellence, participates in community service and contributes to the school community. Avery attended the senate session along with her parents and grandparents. (contributed photo)

LEGISLATIVE REPORT as of Thursday, March 30, 2023

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(photo by Eric W. Austin)

Legislative bills submitted by area senators & representatives as of Thursday, March 30, 2023.

L.D. 1139, S.P. 466

An Act to Improve Ferry Service Reliability by Providing Scholarships at the Maine Maritime Academy. (Presented by Senator CURRY of Waldo)

L.D. 1149, S.P. 476

RESOLUTION, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine to Strengthen the Due Process Rights of Persons Accused by Requiring Notification of Those Rights. (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)

L.D. 1150, S.P. 477

Resolve, Requiring the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to Document, Disclose and Publish All Best Management Practices Regarding the Use of Noise Devices to Control Birds at Orchards. (EMERGENCY) (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)

L.D. 1157, H.P. 729

An Act to Stabilize Licensing Fees. (Presented by Representative RUDNICKI of Fairfield)

L.D. 1158, H.P. 730

An Act to Recognize the Critical Nature of Workforce Development Through Career and Technical Education by Establishing an Adjustment for Career and Technical Education Centers in the School Funding Formula. (Presented by Representative WHITE of Waterville)

L.D. 1173, H.P. 745

An Act Directing the Bureau of General Services to Ensure Adequate Air Quality in All State-owned and State-leased Buildings. (Presented by Representative MONTELL of Gardiner)

L.D. 1178, H.P. 750

Resolve, to Reduce Barriers to Recovery from Addiction by Expanding Eligibility for Targeted Case Management Services. (Presented by Representative MADIGAN of Waterville)

L.D. 1186, S.P. 482

Resolve, Directing the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to Develop a Hunting and Fishing Software Application. (Presented by Senator POULIOT of Kennebec)

L.D. 1210, H.P. 770

An Act to Establish a Maine Highway Capital Fund to Provide Consistent Funding for the Construction and Repair of Maine’s Roads and Bridges. (Presented by Representative DUCHARME of Madison)

L.D. 1228, H.P. 776

An Act to Prohibit Certain Higher Education Institutions from Requiring Vaccines Approved Under Emergency Use Authorization for Admission or Attendance. (EMERGENCY) (Presented by Representative SMITH of Palermo)

L.D. 1236, H.P. 784

An Act to Increase the Provision of Children’s Behavioral Health Services in Rural Areas and to Provide Support for Families of Children Receiving Services. (Presented by Representative MADIGAN of Waterville)

L.D. 1267, H.P. 815

An Act to Provide Alternative Methods of Payment to Health Care Providers. (Presented by Representative NUTTING of Oakland)

L.D. 1274, S.P. 511

An Act to Increase Land Access for Historically Disadvantaged Populations. (Presented by Senator HICKMAN of Kennebec)

L.D. 1280, S.P. 517

An Act to Invest in Maine’s Fire Service Training Facilities. (Presented by Senator CURRY of Waldo)

L.D. 1289, S.P. 526

An Act to Facilitate Property Redevelopment and Encourage Affordable Housing by Allowing the Conveyance of Unfinished Commercial Condominium Units. (Presented by Senator POULIOT of Kennebec)

L.D. 1291, S.P. 528

An Act to Establish a Grant Program to Provide for Statewide and Equitable Access to Experiential Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education. (Presented by Senator POULIOT of Kennebec)

L.D. 1315, S.P. 533

An Act to Require Instruction in Schools on Substance Abuse Prevention and Administration of Naloxone Hydrochloride. (Presented by Senator POULIOT of Kennebec)

L.D. 1323, H.P. 838

An Act to Amend the Opioid Education Requirements. (Presented by Representative NUTTING of Oakland)

L.D. 1341, H.P. 855

An Act to Modernize the Bureau of Motor Vehicles’ Mobile Services. (Presented by Representative WHITE of Waterville)

L.D. 1374, H.P. 888

An Act to Improve Driver Safety by Requiring the Completion of a Defensive Driving Course for Certain Violations. (Presented by Representative MONTELL of Gardiner)

L.D. 1375, H.P. 889

An Act to Provide Funding for a Chapel at the Maine Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in Augusta. (Presented by Representative LEMELIN of Chelsea)

L.D. 1386, S.P. 551

An Act to Require That a Completed Form for the Homestead Property Tax Exemption Be Provided to a Person Purchasing a Home. (Presented by Senator POULIOT of Kennebec)

L.D. 1390, S.P. 557

An Act to Provide Self-service Motor Vehicle Services in Rural and Other Areas. (Presented by Senator CURRY of Waldo)

L.D. 1393, S.P. 560

Resolve, to Establish the Commission to Examine Programs and Policies Regarding Natural Resources and Environmental Protection. (Presented by Senator RENY of Lincoln)

L.D. 1410, H.P. 906

An Act to Hold School Employees Civilly Liable for Failure to Notify Parents Regarding Medical Issues of Students Under 18 Years of Age. (Presented by Representative HYMES of Waldo)

L.D. 1428, H.P. 924

An Act to Ensure Treatment for MaineCare Recipients with Serious Mental Illness by Prohibiting the Requirements for Prior Authorization and Step Therapy for Medications. (EMERGENCY) (Presented by Representative MADIGAN of Waterville)

L.D. 1439, H.P. 935

An Act to Promote Family-centered Interventions for Substance Use Disorder Treatment. (Presented by Representative MADIGAN of Waterville)

L.D. 1440, H.P. 936

Resolve, to Increase the Availability of Community Children’s Behavioral Health Services by Providing Training and Career Opportunities for Behavioral Health Professionals. (Presented by Representative MADIGAN of Waterville)

L.D. 1442, H.P. 938

An Act to Recognize an Association of Early Childhood Educators as an Educational Advisory Organization. (Presented by Representative COLLAMORE of Pittsfield)

L.D. 1455, S.P. 573

An Act to Establish the Weighing Point Preclearance Program. (Presented by Senator FARRIN of Somerset)

L.D. 1460, S.P. 578

An Act to Amend the Laws Governing Certificates of Deposit. (Presented by Senator POULIOT of Kennebec)

L.D. 1462, S.P. 580

An Act to Provide Financial Incentives for Attorneys to Provide Indigent Legal Services. (Presented by Senator POULIOT of Kennebec)

(Copies of the Bills may be obtained from the Document Room, First Floor, State House, Augusta, Maine 04333-0002 – Ph: 207-287-1408. Bill text, bill status and roll call information are available on the Internet at http://legislature.maine.gov/LawMakerWeb/search.asp. The Weekly Legislative Report is also available on the Internet at the House home page at http://legislature.maine.gov/house/house/ under the “Documents” tab.)

Scouts hold merit badge college

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Scouts in the Genealogy Merit Badge with guest speaker Emily Schroeder who is an archivist with the Kennebec Historical Society. From left to right: Anthony Fortin, of Augusta Troop #603, Ricky Phillips, of Winthrop Troop #604, Manny Stevenson, of Augusta Troop #603, Devyn Deleomardis, and Nicholas Gower, both of Anson Troop #481, and Emily Schroeder, of the Kennebec Historical Society. (contributed photo)

The following release was written by Scouts Anthony Fortin, of Augusta Troop #603, and Stasha Wells, of Winslow Troop #433G. This was one of the requirements for their Journalism Merit Badge they took during the Merit Badge College.

Taking place at the Augusta First Church of the Nazarene, a merit badge college for the Boy Scouts was held by volunteer Scouting leaders of the Kennebec Valley District of Scouting. The event was held on two days, spanning across two months.

The first half of the merit badge college was held on February 25, and the second, on March 25. To make it all possible, adult Scout leaders volunteered their time into teaching classes, and regulating behavior. Julie Mc­Kenney, of Bel­grade, Kennebec Valley Dis­trict of Scouting Program Director, took the lead to get the event up and running again with Theresa Poirier, of Augusta.

McKenney gave out multiple ideas for merit badges and the ones that gained the most interest were Art, Aviation, Cooking, Journalism, Personal Fitness, Reading, Weather, Basketry, Law, Genealogy, American Heritage, and Scholarship along with some additional training being offered for adults. Overall, there are 138 Merit Badges available to Scouts. Nearly 50 scouts attended the various classes, with some coming from as far away as Falmouth, Anson and Gorham.

McKenny, when asked how she thought the event was going, replied, “I think the event is going well.” She added her thoughts after Covid-19, “It has taken us a year to get the event running.” The college had been offered annually before Covid-19 but had not been offered since until this year. She added, “We are getting back after Covid. It is a good turnout.”

Adult Cub Leaders were given the opportunity to take Cub Leader training led by District Training Chairman Walter Fails, of Farmington.

Stacey Wells, an assistant scoutmaster from Troop #433G, in Winslow, said she heard from the “Famous social media outlet called Facebook”. Wells also said this would be an opportunity for both youth and adults to grow. At the end of the February 25 session, McKenney had a message board for scouts to make suggestions on what merit badges they would like to see offered at the next Kennebec Valley District Merit Badge College. Stay tuned for next year’s offerings.

Julie McKenney, of Belgrade, and Theresa Poirier, of Augusta, organized the program with their team of Scouting volunteers. It took several months to plan and recruit the Merit Badge Counsellors. (contributed photo)

EVENTS: Award winning Maine reporter at Lithgow Public Library

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Amy Calder, author of Comfort is an Old Barn, will be at Lithgow Library to discuss her book on Saturday, May 6, at 10 a.m. in the Community Meeting Room
Amy Calder is an award-winning newspaper reporter and columnist who covers primarily Waterville city government, as well as everything from fires to accidents, murders and standoffs.

Amy Calder

She started her 35-year career at the Morning Sentinel in 1988 and for several years was bureau chief for the Somerset County Bureau, in Skowhegan, before moving to the Waterville office.

In addition to covering the news, she writes a weekly human interest column called Reporting Aside, which appears Saturdays in both the Sentinel and Kennebec Journal. The columns include sketches of the colorful characters and quirky animals she meets on the beat, as well as personal stories about growing up in Skowhegan.

Comfort is an Old Barn is a curated collection of those columns, published this year by Islandport Press.

As with all of Lithgow’s events, this event is free and open to the public.

 

 

Local residents earn award from WGU

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The following local residents have earned an Award of Excellence at Western Governors University, in Salt Lake City, Utah. The award is given to students who perform at a superior level in their coursework.

Whitney Poplawski, of Augusta, has earned an Award of Excellence at Western Governors University Leavitt School of Health.

Brenda Ryder, of Liberty, has earned an Award of Excellence at Western Governors University College of Business.

Scouts: Bear Den carnival held in Augusta

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Pack #684 Cubmaster Kevin Bricker looks on as Asher Decoteau tries his hand at the ski-ball game that Kevin built. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

The Bear Den Carnival took place on Monday, March 13, at the Fitzgerald-Cummings Post #2, American Legion Hall, complete with games and activities for kids old and young. The annual event was hosted by the youth of Cub Scout Pack #684’s Bear Den as part of their “Grin and Bear it” Elective Adventure. The Scouts had to plan the carnival, invite parents and youth from their pack and then run the program with the help of their parents. Scouts from Troop #631 were also invited to have fun and help with the event. Activities included a toilet paper toss, ski ball on a homemade table, log balance challenge, air hockey using tupperware and electric tape, corn hole, and more.

Cub Scouts Allison Doyle and Kevin Bibeau have a lively game of air hockey. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

Gage McFarland tries to skillfully balance the log on two pieces of rope and get it to the laundry basket. Harder than you would think. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)