AUGUSTA - Rep. Amy Roeder, D-Bangor, introduced legislation Thursday that intends to allow a prospective tenant to use a streamlined screening service report during the rental application process in an effort to limit the rental application fees paid by applicants.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Nina Milliken, D-Blue Hill, will host constituent office hours in Castine on Saturday, April 1 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Compass Rose Books, located at 3 Main Street.

The office hours will provide residents with an opportunity to hear updates from Augusta, ask questions about policymaking and share opinions on state matters. Office hours also serve as an opportunity for residents navigating state agencies to voice their concerns.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Chris Kessler, D-South Portland, presented LD 804, An Act to Increase the Time Period for Notice to Terminate a Tenancy at Will, before the Legislature's Judiciary Committee on Thursday.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Chris Kessler, D-South Portland, presented LD 691, An Act to Reduce Barriers to Housing by Prohibiting Tenant Application Fees, before the Legislature's Judiciary Committee on Thursday.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Jessica Fay, D-Raymond, introduced legislation Thursday before the Legislature's Labor and Housing Committee that would prohibit an employer from requiring or permitting a veterinarian to enter into a noncompete agreement, unless they have an ownership interest in the practice. The bill would also prohibit a court from enforcing a noncompete agreement that was signed prior to the date the bill would become law.

AUGUSTA - For decades, natural resources have been vital to Maine's economy and identity. To protect the state's natural resources and the industries and communities that rely on them, House Democrats have recently introduced several pieces of legislation that foster rural economic development opportunities, expand access to agricultural education in public schools and support our heritage industries.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Jan Dodge, D-Belfast, introduced legislation Wednesday to require school administrative units to provide a 30-minute lunch period for Maine students.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Amy Roeder, D-Bangor, introduced legislation Tuesday to require that pay ranges be included in job postings.

LD 936 would require an employer with 10 or more employees to include the pay range that will be offered to a successful applicant for an open position. For employers with fewer than 10 employees, they must disclose, on request, the salary range that will be offered to a successful applicant.

AUGUSTA - Rep. Ambureen Rana, D-Bangor, introduced legislation Tuesday that would require health care facilities to collect patient data related to sexual orientation and gender identity.

"Sexual orientation and gender identity are fundamental parts of who we are, and sharing this information in health care settings helps build trust with providers," said Rana. "When providers are trusted, their services are utilized and more people get the care they need."

AUGUSTA - The Legislature's Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry voted unanimously to advance legislation sponsored by Rep. Morgan Rielly, D-Westbrook, that would expand the language of working waterfront covenants to include nonprofit corporations and charitable trusts that are authorized to hold conservation easements.