AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Labor and Housing Committee voted Tuesday in unanimous support of a measure sponsored by Rep. Bill Pluecker, D-Warren, that would remove the age requirement for retirement for certain Department of Corrections (DOC) staff.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Valli Geiger, D-Rockland, presented a measure before the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee on Monday that would increase access to justice for survivors of sexual assault by establishing a statewide sexual assault forensic examination kit tracking system.

AUGUSTA - A majority of the Legislature's Health Coverage Insurance and Financial Services Committee (HCIFS) voted Tuesday to advance legislation sponsored by Rep. Jane Pringle, D-Windham, that would ease the administrative burden of prior authorization on healthcare providers. The vote was seven to five among committee members present.

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services Committee voted Tuesday to advance legislation sponsored by Rep. Sam Zager, D-Portland, that would require health insurance coverage for biomarker testing.

Sen. Nicole Grohoski, D-Ellsworth, and Rep. Nina Milliken, D-Blue Hill, welcomed sixth and seventh grade students from The Bay School in Blue Hill to the State House on Tuesday

AUGUSTA - Rep. Deqa Dhalac, D-South Portland, presented legislation Tuesday before the Legislature's State and Local Government Committee that would establish the Office of New Americans (ONA) within Maine State Government.

AUGUSTA - Following tonight's State of the State address, during which Gov. Janet Mills outlined her priorities for gun safety legislation this session, Sen. Anne Carney, D-Cape Elizabeth, and Rep. Vicki Doudera, D-Camden, leaders of the Legislature's Gun Safety Caucus, released the following statement:

AUGUSTA - Following tonight's State of the State address, during which Gov. Janet Mills outlined her priorities for gun safety legislation this session, House Majority Leader Mo Terry, D-Gorham, and Assistant Majority Leader Kristen Cloutier, D-Lewiston, released the following statements:

House Majority Leader Mo Terry:

AUGUSTA - Rep. Mark Worth, D-Ellsworth, introduced bipartisan legislation last Wednesday before the Education and Cultural Affairs Committee that would expand hands-on learning opportunities for Maine students.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Mo Terry, D-Gorham, introduced bipartisan legislation Thursday before the Legislature's Taxation Committee that would establish a child care tax credit for Maine businesses, providing more opportunities for parents to re-enter or join the workforce after being hindered by lack of available child care.