House Calendar - March 20, 2024 - Maine House of Representatives

Note: All supplements may not be taken up. Items not considered today will generally reappear on the printed calendar of the next legislative day.

House Calendar

COMMUNICATIONS

ORDERS

SPECIAL SENTIMENT CALENDAR

Recognizing:

REPORTS OF COMMITTEE

Ought to Pass Pursuant to Public Law

Maine House of Representatives
2 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0002
Tel. (207) 287-1400

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Second Regular Session - Twenty-Seventh Legislative Day

Print Version

The House Calendar

The Advance Journal and Calendar of the House of Representatives

27th Legislative Day

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Calling of the House to Order by the Speaker.

Prayer by Reverend David Friedlander, Maranatha Ministerial Fellowship International, Gorham.

National Anthem by Maria Clark, Windham.

Pledge of Allegiance.

Medical Provider of the Day, Robert Rousseau PA-C, Sidney.

Reading of the Journal of yesterday.

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COMMUNICATIONS

(2-1) The Following Communication: (H.C. 455)

STATE OF MAINE

CLERK'S OFFICE

2 STATE HOUSE STATION

AUGUSTA, MAINE 04333-0002

March 20, 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 Taxation has approved the request by the sponsor, Representative Gramlich of Old Orchard Beach, to report the following "Leave to Withdraw:"

L.D. 996 An Act to Allow a Municipality to Establish a Local Option Sales Tax

Sincerely,

S/Robert B. Hunt

Clerk of the House

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(2-2) The Following Communication: (S.C. 1024)

MAINE SENATE

131ST LEGISLATURE

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

March 19, 2024

Honorable Rachel Talbot Ross

Speaker of the House

2 State House Station

Augusta, ME 04333-0002

Dear Speaker Talbot Ross:

In accordance with 3 M.R.S.A. §158 and Joint Rule 506 of the 131st Maine Legislature, please be advised that the Senate today confirmed the following nominations:

Upon the recommendation of the Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs:

· Peter DelGreco of North Yarmouth for reappointment, to the Maine Community College System, Board of Trustees,

· Kossi Gamedah of Falmouth for reappointment, to the Maine Community College System, Board of Trustees,

· Anne Roosevelt of Embden for reappointment, to the Maine Community College System, Board of Trustees,

· William B. Eisenhardt of Castine for appointment, to the Maine Maritime Academy, Board of Trustees,

· Mark R. Gardner of Kittery for appointment, to the Maine Maritime Academy, Board of Trustees,

· Anthony Hall of Winterport for appointment, to the Maine Maritime Academy, Board of Trustees.

Best Regards,

S/Darek M. Grant

Secretary of the Senate

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ORDERS

(4-1) On motion of Representative MILLETT of Cape Elizabeth, the following Joint Resolution: (H.P. 1460) (Cosponsored by Senator RAFFERTY of York and Representatives: COLLINGS of Portland, DODGE of Belfast, ROEDER of Bangor, Senators: DAUGHTRY of Cumberland, President JACKSON of Aroostook, PIERCE of Cumberland)

JOINT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING MARCH 2024 AS ARTS EDUCATION MONTH

WHEREAS,Arts Education Month celebrates and amplifies the innovative work of arts educators in service of students and families in communities across the State; and

WHEREAS, the State recognizes arts learning, including dance, music, theater, visual arts and media arts taught by certified arts educators in partnership with community providers as an essential element and core content of a complete and balanced education for all students; and

WHEREAS, arts learning includes engagement with literary arts, folk and traditional arts and service-oriented projects and involves many interdisciplinary connections; and

WHEREAS, arts education provides substantial educational benefits to all elementary, middle and secondary school students; and

WHEREAS, arts education develops students’ creative potential and supports collaboration, communication, problem-solving and critical thinking skills that are essential for our workforce in the 21st century; and

WHEREAS, arts education has the power to change students’ lives; and

WHEREAS, students, families and community members benefit most from arts learning opportunities that are designed to be accessible to all and to make connections to the lived experience of students across the State; and

WHEREAS, arts education helps nurture healthy, inclusive communities where all points of view are respected; and

WHEREAS, while arts learning supports academic growth in a variety of content areas, each arts discipline has tremendous value as stand-alone academic content; and

WHEREAS, equitable access to arts education opportunities is sustained by a wide range of partners, including school leadership, educators, families, teaching artists, arts organizations, local and statewide organizations and government agencies; 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 March 2024 as Arts Education Month and to recognize the professional expertise of arts educators and advocates around the State, invite community leaders to continue to strengthen and increase access to arts education for every student regardless of geographic location and give our full support for quality school arts programs for Maine’s youth.

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SPECIAL SENTIMENT CALENDAR

In accordance with House Rule 519 and Joint Rule 213, the following items:

Recognizing:

(5-1) the Honorable John L. Martin, of Eagle Lake, who has received the Distinguished Service Award from the University of Maine at Fort Kent. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;

(SLS 1515)

(5-2) the Gray-New Gloucester High School Boys Basketball Team, of Gray, which won the 2024 Class A State Championship. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;

(SLS 1565)

(5-3) Hannah B. Lovley, of Fort Kent, a senior at Fort Kent Community High School, who has successfully completed the core requirements for the Social Studies curriculum as prescribed by School Administrative District No. 27 and has received the Class of 2024 Four Year Social Studies Award. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;

(SLS 1578)

(5-4) Galvin Holbrook, of Turner, who has attained the high rank and distinction of Eagle Scout. This is the highest award in Scouting and is given for excellence in skills development, leadership, personal growth and community service. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;

(SLS 1579)

(5-5) Florence McIntosh Bailey, of Waterford, who is celebrating her 100th birthday on April 10, 2024. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;

(HLS 897)

Presented by Representative MILLETT of Waterford.

Cosponsored by Senator BENNETT of Oxford.

(5-6) Holly Strout, of Harrington, Varsity Coach of the Narraguagus Jr./Sr. High School Girls Volleyball Team, who was named the 2023 Coach of the Year by the Downeast Athletic Conference. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;

(HLS 898)

Presented by Representative STROUT of Harrington.

Cosponsored by Senator MOORE of Washington.

(5-7) Brendan Amann, of Scarborough, who has attained the high rank and distinction of Eagle Scout. This is the highest award in Scouting and is given for excellence in skills development, leadership, personal growth and community service. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;

(HLS 899)

Presented by Representative MURPHY of Scarborough.

Cosponsored by Senator BRENNER of Cumberland, Senator CARNEY of Cumberland, Representative GATTINE of Westbrook, Representative WARREN of Scarborough.

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REPORTS OF COMMITTEE

Ought to Pass Pursuant to Public Law

(6-1) Representative LANDRY for the Joint Standing Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife on Bill "An Act Related to Airboats and Airboat Noise Limits" (EMERGENCY)

(H.P. 1461) (L.D. 2272)

Reporting Ought to Pass pursuant to Public Law 2021, chapter 585, section 2.

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Divided Report

(6-2) Majority Report of the Committee on LABOR AND HOUSING reporting Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-575) on Bill "An Act to Ensure the Workers' Compensation Board's Allocations Are Properly Funded"

(S.P. 927) (L.D. 2176)

Signed:

Senator:
TIPPING of Penobscot

            Representatives:
                                    ROEDER of Bangor
                                    GEIGER of Rockland
                                    GERE of Kennebunkport
                                    MALON of Biddeford
                                    RUSSELL of Verona Island
                                    SKOLD of Portland

Minority Report of the same Committee reporting Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "B" (S-576) on same Bill.

Signed:

Senator:
POULIOT of Kennebec

            Representatives:
                                    BRADSTREET of Vassalboro
                                    DRINKWATER of Milford
                                    SOBOLESKI of Phillips

Comes from the Senate with the Majority OUGHT TO PASS AS AMENDED Report READ and ACCEPTED and the Bill PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" (S-575).

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(6-3) Majority Report of the Joint Select Committee on HOUSING reporting Ought Not to Pass on RESOLUTION, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine to Establish a Right to Housing

(H.P. 543) (L.D. 853)

Signed:

            Senators:
                                    PIERCE of Cumberland
                                    POULIOT of Kennebec
                                    VITELLI of Sagadahoc

            Representatives:
                                    GERE of Kennebunkport
                                    BLIER of Buxton
                                    CAMPBELL of Orrington
                                    MORRIS of Turner
                                    STOVER of Boothbay

Minority Report of the same Committee reporting Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-837) on same RESOLUTION.

Signed:

            Representatives:
                                    GATTINE of Westbrook
                                    GOLEK of Harpswell
                                    LOOKNER of Portland
                                    RANA of Bangor

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(6-4) Majority Report of the Committee on TAXATION reporting Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-839) on Bill "An Act to Provide Property Tax Relief by Increasing the Availability of the Property Tax Fairness Credit"

(H.P. 1368) (L.D. 2144)

Signed:

            Senators:
                                    GROHOSKI of Hancock
                                    CHIPMAN of Cumberland

            Representatives:
                                    PERRY of Bangor
                                    CROCKETT of Portland
                                    HASENFUS of Readfield
                                    MATLACK of St. George
                                    RANA of Bangor

Minority Report of the same Committee reporting Ought Not to Pass on same Bill.

Signed:

            Representatives:
                                    QUINT of Hodgdon
                                    RUDNICKI of Fairfield

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(6-5) Seven Members of the Committee on TAXATION report in Report "A" Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-834) on Bill "An Act to Change How Adult Use Cannabis Excise Tax Is Calculated"

(H.P. 901) (L.D. 1405)

Signed:

Senator:
CHIPMAN of Cumberland

            Representatives:
                                    PERRY of Bangor
                                    CROCKETT of Portland
                                    HASENFUS of Readfield
                                    LIBBY of Auburn
                                    RANA of Bangor
                                    RUDNICKI of Fairfield

Two Members of the same Committee report in Report "B" Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "B" (H-835) on same Bill.

Signed:

Senator:
GROHOSKI of Hancock

Representative:
MATLACK of St. George

Two Members of the same Committee report in Report "C" Ought Not to Pass on same Bill.

Signed:

Senator:
LIBBY of Cumberland

Representative:
CARMICHAEL of Greenbush

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CONSENT CALENDAR

First Day

In accordance with House Rule 519, the following items appeared on the Consent Calendar for the First Day:

(7-1) (S.P. 967) (L.D. 2245) Bill "An Act to Clarify the Definition of 'Underground Facility' and Reduce Administrative Burdens Under the So-called Dig Safe Law" Committee on ENERGY, UTILITIES AND TECHNOLOGY reporting Ought to Pass

(7-2) (S.P. 270) (L.D. 653) Bill "An Act to Support Constitutionally Required Public Defense by Creating the Maine Office of Public Defense Services" Committee on JUDICIARY reporting Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-579)

(7-3) (S.P. 511) (L.D. 1274) Bill "An Act to Increase Land Access for Historically Disadvantaged Populations" Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY reporting Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-577)

(7-4) (S.P. 697) (L.D. 1752) Resolve, to Prepare Preapproved Building Types Joint Select Committee on HOUSING reporting Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-578)

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ENACTORS

Acts

(10-1) An Act Regarding the Loring Job Increment Financing Fund

(S.P. 810) (L.D. 1981)
(S. "A" S-557 to C. "A" S-544)

Reported by the Committee on Engrossed Bills as truly and strictly engrossed.

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ORDERS OF THE DAY

HOUSE CALENDAR
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20, 2024

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

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 RESOURCES on 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 - 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. HOUSE DIVIDED REPORT - Majority (7) Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-731) - Minority (5) Ought Not to Pass - Committee on CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY on Bill "An Act to Restore Firearm Rights and Hunting Privileges to Persons Previously Convicted of Certain Nonviolent Felony Crimes"

(H.P. 1006) (L.D. 1561)

TABLED - January 30, 2024 (Till Later Today) by Representative SALISBURY of Westbrook.

PENDING - ACCEPTANCE OF EITHER REPORT.

7. HOUSE DIVIDED REPORT - Report "A"(7) Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-758)- Report "B" (4) Ought Not to Pass - Report "C" (1) Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "B" (H-759) - Committee on CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY on Bill "An Act to Expand the State's Workforce by Supporting the Transition from Incarceration to Employment"

(H.P. 578) (L.D. 931)

TABLED - February 21, 2024 (Till Later Today) by Representative SALISBURY of Westbrook.

PENDING - ACCEPTANCE OF ANY REPORT.

8. Bill "An Act to Prohibit Certain Municipalities from Adopting Moratoria on Emergency Shelters"

(H.P. 1370) (L.D. 2146)

- In House, Majority (8) OUGHT TO PASS AS AMENDED Report of the Committee on STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTREAD and ACCEPTED and the Bill PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" (H-760) on February 22, 2024.

- In Senate, Minority (5) OUGHT NOT TO PASS Report of the Committee on STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT READand ACCEPTED in NON-CONCURRENCE.

TABLED - February 29, 2024 (Till Later Today) by Representative TERRY of Gorham.

PENDING - FURTHER CONSIDERATION.

9. Expression of Legislative Sentiment Recognizing Isaac Keresey, of Pittsfield

(HLS 766)