AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives gave final approval on Tuesday to a measure sponsored by Rep. Valli Geiger, D-Rockland, that would establish a statewide sexual assault forensic examination kit tracking system.

Many states have already established a tracking system, while others have passed laws that require every rape kit to be tested. Maine is currently the only state in the nation that has not passed any recommended reforms.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Anne Graham, D-North Yarmouth, welcomed her brother, Edward H. Palmer Sr. to the State House on Tuesday and presented him with a legislative sentiment.

A longtime leader in the Greater Portland hospitality industry and a 2019 inductee of the Maine Hospitality Hall of Fame, Palmer was named the South Portland Business Leader of the Year for 2023.

AUGUSTA - Today, the House of Representatives voted on a measure that would enshrine reproductive autonomy in the Maine Constitution. The bill earned a majority 76-68 vote but failed to garner the two-thirds support it would need in a future enactment vote to send the amendment to Maine voters for final approval.

In response to the vote, Assistant House Majority Leader Kristen Cloutier, D-Lewiston, issued the following statement:

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Joint Select Committee on Housing has voted to advance legislation sponsored by Rep. Melanie Sachs, D-Freeport, that would encourage smart housing development in Maine by updating the state's growth management program law.

AUGUSTA - On Saturday, April 6, members of the Legislature's Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee gave initial approval for funding that will help address the alarming financial shortfall facing low-barrier shelters across Maine like the Hope House Health and Living Center in Bangor, a community nonprofit that serves unhoused Mainers.

AUGUSTA - The Maine House of Representatives gave initial approval on Wednesday to a measure sponsored by Rep. Kristen Cloutier, D-Lewiston, that would add Maine to the Compact for Licensing Physician Assistants (PAs).

AUGUSTA - The Maine Legislature gave initial approval on Wednesday to a measure sponsored by Rep. Amy Roeder, D-Bangor, which would help ensure that the state reserves survivors benefits for Maine's foster youth, rather than spending those benefits on the cost of their foster care. Additionally, the bill would provide better financial literacy education and support to foster youth, which would help them understand and navigate their benefits when they age out of the system.

Rep. Tavis Hasenfus, D-Winthrop, and fellow legislators welcomed Brooke Belz, of Winthrop, and her parents to the State House on Wednesday, March 27. Belz was awarded the 2024 Legislative Memorial Scholarship for Kennebec County.

Contact:

Brian Lee [Hasenfus], 305-965-2744

Front row, left to right: Rep. Tavis Hasenfus, Darryl Belz, House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, Brooke Belz, Rep. Morgan Rielly, D-Westbrook, Susan Belz.
Back row: Rep. Kathy Javner, R-Chester.

Rep. Raegan LaRochelle, D-Augusta, Rep. Bill Bridgeo, D-Augusta, and Sen. Matthew Pouliot, R-Kennebec, welcomed members of the Cony High School Girls' Basketball Team to the State House on Monday and presented them with a legislative sentiment.

The team was recognized by the Legislature for winning the Class A North Championship on Feb. 23.

Contact:

Brian Lee [LaRochelle], c. 305-965-2744

AUGUSTA - Legislation sponsored by Rep. Poppy Arford, D-Brunswick, that would require health care entities and private insurers to provide patients with an estimated cost of their health care services, was signed into law on Tuesday, April 2.