Table of Contents
Maine House of Representatives
2 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0002
Tel. (207) 287-1400
Thursday, January 25, 2024
Second Regular Session - Seventh Legislative Day
The House Calendar
The Advance Journal and Calendar of the House of Representatives
Thursday, January 25, 2024
Calling of the House to Order by the Speaker.
Prayer by Pastor David Wilhoite, The Apostolic Church of Mexico.
National Anthem by Kendra Winson, Carthage.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Medical Provider of the Day, Patrick Connolly, MD, Falmouth.
Reading of the Journal of Tuesday, January 23, 2024.
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(1-1) The following Joint Resolution: (S.P. 929)
JOINT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING JANUARY 2024 AS CERVICAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
WHEREAS,cervical cancer is the 4th most common cancer in women globally, with an estimated 604,000 new cases and 342,000 deaths in 2020; and
WHEREAS, most cervical cancer is caused by persistent infection with the human papillomavirus, or HPV; and
WHEREAS, the highest rates of cervical cancer incidence and mortality are in low-income and middle-income countries, which reflects major inequities driven by lack of access to the voluntary national HPV vaccination, cervical screening and treatment services and by social and economic determinants; and
WHEREAS, women living with human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, are 6 times more likely to develop cervical cancer than women without HIV; and
WHEREAS, being voluntarily vaccinated at 9 to 14 years of age is a very effective way to prevent HPV infection, cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers; and
WHEREAS, screening from 30 years of age, or from 25 years of age for women living with HIV, can detect cervical disease, the treatment of which prevents cervical cancer; and
WHEREAS, for women of any age with symptoms or concerns, early detection followed by prompt high-quality treatment can cure cervical cancer; and
WHEREAS, countries around the world are working to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer in the coming decades, with an agreed set of 3 targets to be met by 2030: voluntary vaccination of 90% of girls by 15 years of age with the HPV vaccine; screening of 70% of women by 35 years of age and by 45 years of age with a high-quality test; and treatment of 90% of women with cervical disease; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: That We, the Members of the One Hundred and Thirty-first Legislature now assembled in the Second Regular Session, on behalf of the people we represent, take this opportunity to designate January 2024 as Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in order to express our support for public awareness and access to information and services.
Comes from the Senate, READ and ADOPTED.
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(2-1) The Following Communication: (H.C. 365)
STATE OF MAINE
131ST MAINE LEGISLATURE
January 2, 2024
The Honorable Janet T. Mills
Governor, State of Maine
#1 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333
Dear Governor Mills:
On behalf of the 131st Maine Legislature, we would like to invite you to deliver your State of the State Address. At your direction, we will call for a Joint Convention of the Legislature on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. in the House Chamber.
We look forward to coordinating any details necessary to see that your Address is received by the Legislature.
Sincerely,
S/Troy D. Jackson
President of the Senate
S/Rachel Talbot Ross
Speaker of the House
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(2-2) The Following Communication: (H.C. 366)
STATE OF MAINE
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
SPEAKER'S OFFICE
AUGUSTA, MAINE 04333-0002
January 25, 2024
Honorable Robert B. Hunt
Clerk of the House
2 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333
Dear Clerk Hunt:
Pursuant to my authority under House Rule 201.1 (H), I appoint Representative Anne C. Perry, of Calais to serve as Speaker Pro Tem to convene the House on Thursday, January 25, 2024.
Sincerely,
S/Rachel Talbot Ross
Speaker of the House
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(2-3) The Following Communication: (H.C. 369)
MAINE STATE LEGISLATURE
OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
January 5, 2024
Honorable Rachel Talbot Ross
Speaker of the House of Representatives
131st Maine Legislature
Augusta, Maine 04333
Dear Speaker Talbot Ross:
I am notifying you that, pursuant to 12 MRSA §683-A, I have forwarded to the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry the following nomination made to the Maine Land Use Planning Commission by the Oxford County Commissioners on November 2, 2023:
Lee Smith of Albany Township
The County asks that this nomination be considered to fill the four-year term that ends on November 2, 2027, which is scheduled to be filled by Oxford County.
Pursuant to 12 MRSA 683-A, this appointment is subject to confirmation by the Maine Senate after review by the committee having jurisdiction over conservation matters.
Sincerely,
S/Suzanne M. Gresser
Executive Director
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(2-4) The Following Communication: (H.C. 370)
MAINE STATE LEGISLATURE
OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
January 22, 2024
Honorable Rachel Talbot Ross
Speaker of the House of Representatives
131st Maine Legislature
Augusta, Maine 04333
Dear Speaker Talbot Ross:
I am notifying you that, pursuant to 12 MRSA §683-A, I have forwarded to the Joint
Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry the following nomination made to the Maine Land Use Planning Commission by the Franklin County Commissioners on January 16, 2024:
Thomas Dubois of Salem Township
The County asks that this nomination be considered to fill the four-year term that ends on January 16, 2028, which is scheduled to be filled by Franklin County.
Pursuant to 12 MRSA 683-A, this appointment is subject to confirmation by the Maine Senate after review by the committee having jurisdiction over conservation matters.
Sincerely,
S/Suzanne M. Gresser
Executive Director
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(2-5) The Following Communication: (H.C. 367)
CLERK'S OFFICE
2 STATE HOUSE STATION
AUGUSTA, MAINE 04333-0002
January 25, 2024
Honorable Rachel Talbot Ross
Speaker of the House
2 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333
Dear Speaker Talbot Ross:
Pursuant to Joint Rule 310, the following Joint Standing Committees have voted unanimously to report the following bills out "Ought Not to Pass:"
Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services
L.D. 1494 An Act to Help Address the Worker Shortage in Behavioral Health Care Services by Allowing Provisional Licensure and Providing for Reimbursement for Out-of-state Licensees
Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business
L.D. 1994 An Act to Provide for Increased Academic Research by Allowing the Gathering of Data or Statistics by Telephone
Transportation
L.D. 235 An Act to Promote Economic Development in the Fishing Industry by Funding a Dredging Project in Portland Harbor
L.D. 1138 An Act to Improve Work and Family Mobility by Altering and Removing Certain Requirements for Driver's Licenses and Nondriver Identification Cards
L.D. 1210 An Act to Establish a Maine Highway Capital Fund to Provide Consistent Funding for the Construction and Repair of Maine's Roads and Bridges
L.D. 1455 An Act to Establish the Weighing Point Preclearance Program
Veterans and Legal Affairs
L.D. 1991 An Act Regarding Gubernatorial Primary Elections
Sincerely,
S/Robert B. Hunt
Clerk of the House
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(2-6) The Following Communication: (H.C. 368)
STATE OF MAINE
CLERK'S OFFICE
2 STATE HOUSE STATION
AUGUSTA, MAINE 04333-0002
January 25, 2024
Honorable Rachel Talbot Ross
Speaker of the House
2 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333
Dear Speaker Talbot Ross:
Pursuant to Joint Rule 310, the Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry has approved the request by the sponsor, Senator Hickman of Kennebec, to report the following "Leave to Withdraw:"
L.D. 650 An Act to Improve Maine Agriculture and Food Systems
Sincerely,
S/Robert B. Hunt
Clerk of the House
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PETITIONS, BILLS AND RESOLVES REQUIRING REFERENCE
(3-1) Resolve, to Ensure That the Independent Commission to Investigate the Facts of the Tragedy in Lewiston Has Necessary Authority to Discharge Its Fact-finding Mission (EMERGENCY)
(H.P. 1405) (L.D. 2192)
Sponsored by Speaker TALBOT ROSS of Portland. (GOVERNOR'S BILL)
Cosponsored by President JACKSON of Aroostook and Representative: FAULKINGHAM of Winter Harbor, Senator: STEWART of Aroostook.
Committee on JUDICIARYsuggested and ordered printed.
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Pursuant to Statute
Maine Turnpike Authority
(3-2) Representative CRAFTS for the Maine Turnpike Authority pursuant to the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 23, section 1961, subsection 6 asks leave to report that the accompanying Bill "An Act to Make Allocations from Maine Turnpike Authority Funds for the Maine Turnpike Authority for the Calendar Year Ending December 31, 2025"
(H.P. 1404) (L.D. 2190)
Be REFERREDto the Committee on TRANSPORTATION and printed pursuant to Joint Rule 218.
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(4-1) On motion of Representative LAJOIE of Lewiston, the following House Order: (H.O. 37)
ORDERED, that Representative John Andrews of Paris be excused Jan 16 for personal reasons.
AND BE IT FURTHER ORDERED, that Representative Ann Fredericks of Sanford be excused Jan 9 for health reasons.
AND BE IT FURTHER ORDERED, that Representative Christopher J. Kessler of South Portland be excused Jan 16 for personal reasons.
AND BE IT FURTHER ORDERED, that Representative Lucas John Lanigan of Sanford be excused Jan 16 for personal reasons and Jan 18 for health reasons.
AND BE IT FURTHER ORDERED, that Representative Kevin J. M. O'Connell of Brewer be excused Jan 11 for personal reasons.
AND BE IT FURTHER ORDERED, that Representative Wayne R. Parry of Arundel be excused Jan 11, 16 and 18 for personal reasons.
AND BE IT FURTHER ORDERED, that Representative Chad Richard Perkins of Dover-Foxcroft be excused Jan 16 for health reasons.
AND BE IT FURTHER ORDERED, that Representative Walter N. Riseman of Harrison be excused Jan 16 for health reasons.
AND BE IT FURTHER ORDERED, that Representative Tiffany Roberts of South Berwick be excused Jan 18 for health reasons.
AND BE IT FURTHER ORDERED, that Representative Kathy A. Shaw of Auburn be excused Jan 16 for personal reasons.
AND BE IT FURTHER ORDERED, that Representative Joseph F. Underwood of Presque Isle be excused Jan 18 for health reasons.
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SPECIAL SENTIMENT CALENDAR
In accordance with House Rule 519 and Joint Rule 213, the following items:
Recognizing:
(5-1) Elizabeth "Betty" Goss, of Otisfield, who is celebrating her 100th birthday February 26, 2024. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(SLS 1346)
(5-2) Skyler Campbell, of Littleton, who has achieved a Grand Slam in hunting, having bagged a turkey, a bear, a moose and a deer in the same year. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(SLS 1347)
(5-3) PK Floats, of Lincoln, which is celebrating its 70th Anniversary of FAA-certified float manufacturing. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(SLS 1348)
(5-4) the 2024 Y Arts Competition Team, of Boothbay, which won an Outstanding Performance award at the Junior Theater Festival in Atlanta, Georgia. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(HLS 737)
Presented by Representative STOVER of Boothbay.
Cosponsored by Senator RENY of Lincoln.
(5-5) Madelynn Deprey, of Caribou, a student at Caribou High School and a player on the girls basketball team, who recently scored her 1,000th career point. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(HLS 739)
Presented by Representative GUERRETTE of Caribou.
Cosponsored by President JACKSON of Aroostook.
(5-6) Jessika Bridges, of Prospect Harbor, a senior at Sumner Memorial High School, who is a recipient of a 2024 Principal's Award for outstanding academic achievement and citizenship, sponsored by the Maine Principals' Association. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(HLS 741)
Presented by Representative FAULKINGHAM of Winter Harbor.
Cosponsored by Senator MOORE of Washington.
In Memory of:
(5-7) Florence Manchester Smith, of Jonesport. Mrs. Smith was a veteran of World War II, who served in the United States Coast Guard. She went on to work at three local sardine factories: Underwood, Jonesport Packing and Stinsons. She worked three years as a cook and certified nursing assistant at Resthaven Nursing Home. For over 17 years, she was a housemother at Central Maine Vocational Technical Institute in Auburn. She joined the Community of Christ Church as a teenager and was a devoted member of the Jonesport congregation for over 85 years. In the church, she served as the Skylarks and Orioles leader for many years, sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and was a member of the women's department. She was a Life Member of Rumery Chapter 46 Eastern Star. She was a Charter Member of the Women's Memorial in Arlington, Virginia. She participated in an Honor Flight Maine trip and was selected by the Gary Sinise Foundation Soaring Valor program to travel to the World War II Museum in Louisiana, where she was interviewed to be included in the museum's Storyfile project. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and a recipient of the Boston Post Cane for the Town of Jonesport. Mrs. Smith will be long remembered and sadly missed by her family and friends and all those whose lives she touched;
(SLS 1349)
(5-8) Erwin Roswell Ward, of Oxford. Mr. Ward's first career was in education, teaching science and math in the Lake Region Special Education Program and making a lasting impact on the lives of his students. Later he became a salesman in the building trades and was known as a local legend in the building industry. Mr. Ward will be long remembered and sadly missed by his family, friends and all those whose lives he touched;
(HLS 738)
Presented by Representative JACKSON of Oxford.
Cosponsored by Senator BENNETT of Oxford.
(5-9) Micheline Claire Neveux, of Biddeford. Mrs. Neveux worked for Woolworth's Department Store in accounting and office management and for the Biddeford Saco Journal, Howard Johnson's restaurant and Colonial Shoe in Kennebunkport. She wrote a column for the York County Coast Star and retired from the accounting and payroll department of Disability RMS in Portland. Her extensive community service included volunteer work with Sweetser Children's Home, Southern Maine Medical Center and MacArthur Library, and she also sang with the Sweet Adelines Barbershop Ensemble, performed and volunteered with the Biddeford City Theater and sang and traveled with the Voices in Harmony Choir. Mrs. Neveux will be long remembered and sadly missed by her family and friends and all those whose lives she touched;
(HLS 740)
Presented by Representative MALON of Biddeford.
Cosponsored by Senator INGWERSEN of York, Representative GERE of Kennebunkport, Representative SHEEHAN of Biddeford.
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Divided Report
(6-1) Majority Report of the Committee on CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY reporting Ought Not to Pass on Bill "An Act to Amend the Laws Regarding Certain Law Enforcement Interactions and Tools for Determining Residency During Conflict Resolution"
(H.P. 567) (L.D. 911)
Signed:
Senator:
BEEBE-CENTER of Knox
Representatives:
SALISBURY of Westbrook
HASENFUS of Readfield
LAJOIE of Lewiston
LOOKNER of Portland
MILLIKEN of Blue Hill
Minority Report of the same Committee reporting Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-729) on same Bill.
Signed:
Senator:
HARRINGTON of York
Representatives:
ARDELL of Monticello
NEWMAN of Belgrade
NUTTING of Oakland
PERKINS of Dover-Foxcroft
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Acts
(10-1) An Act to Amend the Law Regarding the Land for Maine's Future Board to Allow for Proxy Designees
(S.P. 866) (L.D. 2038)
(10-2) An Act to Clarify the Laws Governing Disclosure of Wood Processing Data
(H.P. 1325) (L.D. 2063)
Reported by the Committee on Engrossed Bills as truly and strictly engrossed.
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ORDERS OF THE DAY
HOUSE CALENDAR
THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 2024
The following matters, in the consideration of which the House was engaged at the time of adjournment, have preference in the Orders of the Day and continue with such preference until disposed of as provided by House Rule 502.
1. HOUSE DIVIDED REPORT - Majority (8) Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-31) - Minority (5) Ought Not to Pass - Committee on ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCESon RESOLUTION, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine to Establish a Right to a Clean and Healthy Environment
(H.P. 575) (L.D. 928)
- CARRIED OVER to any special or regular session, of the 131st Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order S.P. 847 on July 26, 2023.
TABLED - April 12, 2023 (Till Later Today) by Representative GRAMLICH of Old Orchard Beach.
PENDING - ACCEPTANCE OF EITHER REPORT.
2. HOUSE DIVIDED REPORT - Majority (7) Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-373) - Minority (6) Ought Not to Pass - Committee on ENERGY, UTILITIES AND TECHNOLOGYon Bill "An Act to Direct the Public Utilities Commission to Seek Informational Bids Regarding Small Modular Nuclear Reactors in the State"
(H.P. 1001) (L.D. 1549)
- CARRIED OVER to any special or regular session, of the 131st Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order S.P. 847 on July 26, 2023.
TABLED - June 8, 2023 (Till Later Today) by Representative ZEIGLER of Montville.
PENDING - Motion of same Representative to ACCEPT the Minority OUGHT NOT TO PASS Report.
3. HOUSE DIVIDED REPORT - Majority (7) Ought Not to Pass - Minority (6) Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-305) - Committee on EDUCATION AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS on Bill "An Act to Create a Liaison Position Between the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services on Early Childhood Education Matters"
(H.P. 595) (L.D. 948)
- CARRIED OVER to any special or regular session, of the 131st Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order S.P. 847 on July 26, 2023.
TABLED - June 8, 2023 (Till Later Today) by Representative BRENNAN of Portland.
PENDING - ACCEPTANCE OF EITHER REPORT.
4. HOUSE DIVIDED REPORT - Majority (11) Ought Not to Pass - Minority (2) Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-462) - Committee on HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICESon Bill "An Act Requiring Training Regarding and Screening for Adverse Childhood Experiences"
(H.P. 874) (L.D. 1360)
- CARRIED OVER to any special or regular session, of the 131st Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order S.P. 847 on July 26, 2023.
TABLED - June 13, 2023 (Till Later Today) by Representative MEYER of Eliot.
PENDING - ACCEPTANCE OF EITHER REPORT.
5. HOUSE DIVIDED REPORT - Report "A"(5) Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-502)- Report "B" (5) Ought to Pass - Report "C" (3) Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "B" (H-503) - Committee on CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY on Bill "An Act to Define the Term 'Solitary Confinement' for the Laws Governing a Jail or Correctional Facility"
(H.P. 681) (L.D. 1086)
- CARRIED OVER to any special or regular session, of the 131st Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order S.P. 847 on July 26, 2023.
TABLED - June 14, 2023 (Till Later Today) by Representative SALISBURY of Westbrook.
PENDING - ACCEPTANCE OF ANY REPORT.
6. HOUSE DIVIDED REPORT - Majority (12) Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-674) - Minority (1) Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "B" (H-675)- Committee on EDUCATION AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS on Bill "An Act to Establish Minimum Pay for Educational Technicians and Other School Support Staff"
(H.P. 621) (L.D. 974)
- CARRIED OVER to any special or regular session, of the 131st Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order S.P. 847 on July 26, 2023.
TABLED - June 21, 2023 (Till Later Today) by Representative BRENNAN of Portland.
PENDING - Motion of same Representative to ACCEPT the Majority OUGHT TO PASS AS AMENDEDReport.
7. SENATE DIVIDED REPORT - Report "A" (7) Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-397) - Report "B" (4) Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "B" (S-398) - Report "C"(2) Ought Not to Pass - Committee on HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES on Bill "An Act to End the Sale of Flavored Tobacco Products"
(S.P. 496) (L.D. 1215)
- In Senate, Report "A" OUGHT TO PASS AS AMENDED READ and ACCEPTEDand the Bill PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" (S-397).
- CARRIED OVER to any special or regular session, of the 131st Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order S.P. 847 on July 26, 2023.
TABLED - June 23, 2023 (Till Later Today) by Representative MEYER of Eliot.
PENDING - ACCEPTANCE OF ANY REPORT.
8. Expression of Legislative Sentiment Recognizing Anna Oliver, of Hodgdon
(SLS 1291)
- In Senate, READ and PASSED.
TABLED - January 11, 2024 (Till Later Today) by Representative QUINT of Hodgdon.
PENDING - PASSAGE.
9. Expression of Legislative Sentiment in Memory of Dino Frost, of Pittsfield
(HLS 734)
TABLED - January 16, 2024 (Till Later Today) by Representative COLLAMORE of Pittsfield.
PENDING - ADOPTION.
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STATUTORY ADJOURNMENT DATE April 17, 2024
State of Maine
House of Representatives
131st Legislature
Second Regular Session
HOUSE ADVANCE JOURNAL AND CALENDAR
http://legislature.maine.gov/HouseCalendar
House Supplement No. 1
(1-1) The following Joint Order: (S.P. 931)
ORDERED, the House concurring, that when the Senate and House adjourn, they do so until Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at 10:00 in the morning, or until the call of the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House, respectively.
Comes from the Senate, READ and PASSED.
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