3rd Legislative Day

Wednesday, January 9, 2019

           Calling of the House to Order by the Speaker.

           Prayer by Pastor Glenn Peterson, Hope Baptist Church, Manchester.

           National Anthem by Marcia Gallagher, Hallowell.

           Pledge of Allegiance.

           Doctor of the day, Robert Chagrasulis, M.D., Casco.

           Reading of the Journal of Wednesday, January 2, 2019.

_________________________________

COMMUNICATIONS

           (2-1)  The Following Communication: (H.C. 29)

STATE OF MAINE

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

SPEAKER'S OFFICE

AUGUSTA, MAINE 04333-0002

January 3, 2019

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 (I) (a), I have appointed Representative Bruce A. Bickford of Auburn as the Republican Lead on the Taxation Committee.

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions regarding this appointment.

Sincerely,

S/Sara Gideon

Speaker of the House

_________________________________

           (2-2)  The Following Communication: (H.C. 27)

STATE OF MAINE

OFFICE OF THE

SECRETARY OF STATE

AUGUSTA, MAINE 04333-0148

December 30, 2018

Honorable Sara Gideon

Speaker of the House

2 State House Station

Augusta, Maine 04333

Dear Speaker Gideon:

Pursuant to 5 MRSA §12009, I am submitting to you the report of Board and Commission appointments or reappointments for calendar year 2019. Additionally, I am providing a report that lists appointments or re-appointments that have not been made from previous years through December 31, 2018, and where vacancies actually exist on a board or commission that need a new appointment. If you need a breakdown by your appointments only, we can provide this for you as well.

If you have any questions concerning these reports or need additional information, please contact me or Cathy Beaudoin at the Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions at 624-7748.

Sincerely,

S/Matthew Dunlap

Secretary of State

_________________________________

           (2-3)  The Following Communication: (H.C. 28)

CHILD WELFARE OMBUDSMAN

P.O. BOX 2057

HOPE, MAINE 04847

December 31, 2018

Honorable Sara Gideon

Speaker of the House

2 State House Station

Augusta, Maine 04333

Dear Speaker Gideon:

I am pleased to present the sixteenth annual report of the Maine Child Welfare Ombudsman. Our office reports to the Governor, the Department, and the Legislature each year pursuant to 22 MRSA §4087-A. This report reflects the Fiscal Year from October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018. I respectfully request that you distribute this report to the members of the Maine Senate.

The Child Welfare Services Ombudsman provides information to callers about Child Welfare Services and referrals to other resources and sources of information. Each year we open between 110 and 120 cases for review. Additionally, we make recommendations to the Department, Governor and Legislature.

Please let me know if you have any questions about the report or our program and I would be happy to meet and discuss those or any other issues with you.

Respectfully submitted,

S/Christine Alberi

Ombudsman

_________________________________

           (2-4)  The Following Communication: (H.C. 30)

STATE OF MAINE

OFFICE OF THE

SECRETARY OF STATE

AUGUSTA, MAINE 04333-0148

January 7, 2019

Honorable Robert B. Hunt

Clerk of the House

2 State House Station

Augusta, Maine 04333

Dear Clerk Hunt:

Governor Mills has set Tuesday, March 12, 2019, as the date for the Special Election to be held in District 124.

Please find enclosed a certified copy of the Governor's Proclamation. Please contact the Division of Elections at 624-7650 if you have any questions regarding this election.

Sincerely,

S/Matthew Dunlap

Secretary of State

_________________________________

PETITIONS, BILLS AND RESOLVES REQUIRING REFERENCE

           (3-1)  Bill "An Act To Change the Composition of the Board of Pesticides Control"

(H.P. 37)  (L.D. 36)

Sponsored by Representative PLUECKER of Warren.

Cosponsored by Representatives: BERRY of Bowdoinham, DUNPHY of Old Town, HALL of Wilton, HICKMAN of Winthrop, INGWERSEN of Arundel, MAXMIN of Nobleboro, O'NEIL of Saco, Senator: BLACK of Franklin.

           Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRYsuggested and ordered printed.

_________________________________

           (3-2)  Bill "An Act To Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue To Invest in Fire Stations"

(H.P. 48)  (L.D. 47)

Sponsored by Representative BRENNAN of Portland.

Cosponsored by Senator CHIPMAN of Cumberland and Representatives: BERRY of Bowdoinham, CAMPBELL of Orrington, DeCHANT of Bath, GRAMLICH of Old Orchard Beach, JORGENSEN of Portland, MARTIN of Eagle Lake, MOONEN of Portland, PERRY of Calais.

           (3-3)  Bill "An Act To Authorize a General Fund Bond Issue To Invest in Housing for Persons Who Are Homeless"

(H.P. 49)  (L.D. 48)

Sponsored by Representative BRENNAN of Portland.

Cosponsored by Senator CHIPMAN of Cumberland and Representatives: BERRY of Bowdoinham, CRAVEN of Lewiston, DeCHANT of Bath, GATTINE of Westbrook, GRAMLICH of Old Orchard Beach, JORGENSEN of Portland, MOONEN of Portland, PERRY of Calais.

           Committee on APPROPRIATIONS AND FINANCIAL AFFAIRS suggested and ordered printed.

_________________________________

           (3-4)  Resolve, To Implement the Recommendations of the Task Force To Address the Opioid Crisis in the State by Establishing a Work Group To Develop Educational Programming for Prevention of Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders among Youth and Adolescents (EMERGENCY)

(H.P. 30)  (L.D. 29)

Sponsored by Representative McCREIGHT of Harpswell.

Cosponsored by Senator GRATWICK of Penobscot and Representatives: BEEBE-CENTER of Rockland, BRENNAN of Portland, FARNSWORTH of Portland, HYMANSON of York, KORNFIELD of Bangor, STEARNS of Guilford, STOVER of Boothbay, Senator: CYRWAY of Kennebec.

           Committee on EDUCATION AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS suggested and ordered printed.

_________________________________

           (3-5)  Bill "An Act Regarding Rules Adopted by the ConnectME Authority"

(H.P. 32)  (L.D. 31)

Sponsored by Representative BERRY of Bowdoinham.

Cosponsored by Senator WOODSOME of York and Representatives: CAIAZZO of Scarborough, COLLINGS of Portland, DeCHANT of Bath, EVANGELOS of Friendship, HIGGINS of Dover-Foxcroft, NEWELL of the Passamaquoddy Tribe, PLUECKER of Warren, Senator: DESCHAMBAULT of York.

           (3-6)  Bill "An Act To Replace Net Energy Billing with a Market-based Mechanism"

(H.P. 42)  (L.D. 41)

Sponsored by Representative O'CONNOR of Berwick.

Cosponsored by Senator TIMBERLAKE of Androscoggin and Representatives: BICKFORD of Auburn, GRIGNON of Athens, HANLEY of Pittston, SAMPSON of Alfred, STETKIS of Canaan, STEWART of Presque Isle, WADSWORTH of Hiram.

           Committee on ENERGY, UTILITIES AND TECHNOLOGY suggested and ordered printed.

_________________________________

           (3-7)  Bill "An Act To Improve Health Care Data Analysis"

(H.P. 31)  (L.D. 30)

Sponsored by Representative PERRY of Calais.

Cosponsored by Senator SANBORN, H. of Cumberland and Representatives: BRENNAN of Portland, FARNSWORTH of Portland, HYMANSON of York, McCREIGHT of Harpswell.

           (3-8)  Resolve, To Establish the Commission To Study Children's Mental Health (EMERGENCY)

(H.P. 41)  (L.D. 40)

Sponsored by Representative MADIGAN of Waterville.

Cosponsored by Senator BELLOWS of Kennebec and Representatives: AUSTIN of Skowhegan, COLLINGS of Portland, DENNO of Cumberland, DOORE of Augusta, HYMANSON of York, MEYER of Eliot.

           (3-9)  Bill "An Act To Amend the Law Regarding Maine's Background Check Center"

(H.P. 46)  (L.D. 45)

Sponsored by Representative HYMANSON of York.

Cosponsored by Representatives: BAILEY of Saco, INGWERSEN of Arundel, JOHANSEN of Monticello, MADIGAN of Waterville, McCREIGHT of Harpswell, PERRY of Calais, Senator: GRATWICK of Penobscot.

           (3-10)  Bill "An Act To Establish a Substance Use Disorder Clinic at the Cumberland County Jail"

(H.P. 47)  (L.D. 46)

Sponsored by Representative BRENNAN of Portland.

Cosponsored by Senator CHENETTE of York and Representatives: BERRY of Bowdoinham, CROCKETT of Portland, FARNSWORTH of Portland, GATTINE of Westbrook, GRAMLICH of Old Orchard Beach, HYMANSON of York, MOONEN of Portland, Senator: CHIPMAN of Cumberland.

           Committee on HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES suggested and ordered printed.

_________________________________

           (3-11)  Bill "An Act To Require Insurance Coverage for Hearing Aids for Adults"

(H.P. 39)  (L.D. 38)

Sponsored by Representative HANDY of Lewiston.

Cosponsored by Senator HERBIG of Waldo and Representatives: BROOKS of Lewiston, FAY of Raymond, FOLEY of Biddeford, MELARAGNO of Auburn, SHEATS of Auburn, ZEIGLER of Montville, Senators: CARPENTER of Aroostook, CARSON of Cumberland.

           Committee on HEALTH COVERAGE, INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES suggested and ordered printed.

_________________________________

           (3-12)  Bill "An Act To Provide Complimentary Lifetime Hunting and Fishing Licenses to Retired Game Wardens with 25 Years of Service"

(H.P. 27)  (L.D. 26)

Sponsored by Representative THERIAULT of China.

Cosponsored by Senator CYRWAY of Kennebec and Representatives: HANLEY of Pittston, LYFORD of Eddington, MASON of Lisbon, NADEAU of Winslow, REED of Carmel, SKOLFIELD of Weld, Senator: DAVIS of Piscataquis.

           (3-13)  Bill "An Act To Allow the Use of Crossbows during the Archery Season on Deer"

(H.P. 28)  (L.D. 27)

Sponsored by Representative THERIAULT of China.

Cosponsored by Senator CYRWAY of Kennebec and Representatives: HANLEY of Pittston, LYFORD of Eddington, MASON of Lisbon, NADEAU of Winslow, REED of Carmel, SKOLFIELD of Weld, Senator: DAVIS of Piscataquis.

           (3-14)  Bill "An Act To Establish a Thanksgiving Youth Turkey Hunting Season"

(H.P. 34)  (L.D. 33)

Sponsored by Representative TUELL of East Machias.

Cosponsored by Senator MOORE of Washington and Representatives: CAMPBELL of Orrington, HANINGTON of Lincoln, KINNEY of Knox, NADEAU of Winslow, SKOLFIELD of Weld, STEARNS of Guilford.

           (3-15)  Bill "An Act To Ban the Use of Personal Watercraft on Lower Wilson Pond and Upper Wilson Pond"

(H.P. 53)  (L.D. 56)

Sponsored by Representative STEARNS of Guilford.

Cosponsored by Representative: LYFORD of Eddington.

           Committee on INLAND FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE suggested and ordered printed.

_________________________________

           (3-16)  Bill "An Act To Allow for the Sale of Nonprescription Drugs through Vending Machines"

(H.P. 38)  (L.D. 37)

Sponsored by Representative TERRY of Gorham.

Cosponsored by Senator SANBORN, L. of Cumberland and Representatives: McCREIGHT of Harpswell, TALBOT ROSS of Portland, TEPLER of Topsham.

           (3-17)  Bill "An Act To Implement the Recommendations of the Government Oversight Committee To Improve the Development of a Long-range Strategic Plan for Economic Improvement in the State"

(H.P. 51)  (L.D. 50)

Sponsored by Representative MASTRACCIO of Sanford.

Cosponsored by Senator HERBIG of Waldo and Representatives: AUSTIN of Gray, DAUGHTRY of Brunswick, DENNO of Cumberland, HARRINGTON of Sanford.

           Committee on INNOVATION, DEVELOPMENT, ECONOMIC ADVANCEMENT AND COMMERCE suggested and ordered printed.

_________________________________

           (3-18)  Bill "An Act To Return the Normal Cost of Teacher Retirement to the State"

(H.P. 52)  (L.D. 55)

Sponsored by Representative STEARNS of Guilford.

Cosponsored by President JACKSON of Aroostook and Representatives: BICKFORD of Auburn, CAMPBELL of Orrington, FOSTER of Dexter, HAGGAN of Hampden, TUELL of East Machias.

           Committee on LABOR AND HOUSING suggested and ordered printed.

_________________________________

           (3-19)  Bill "An Act Regarding Access to Lobster Licenses"

(H.P. 29)  (L.D. 28)

Sponsored by Representative McCREIGHT of Harpswell.

Cosponsored by Senator MIRAMANT of Knox and Representatives: ALLEY of Beals, BEEBE-CENTER of Rockland, BLUME of York, FAULKINGHAM of Winter Harbor, HEPLER of Woolwich, McDONALD of Stonington, RECKITT of South Portland, TUELL of East Machias.

           Committee on MARINE RESOURCES suggested and ordered printed.

_________________________________

           (3-20)  Bill "An Act To Exempt All Disabled Veterans in Maine from All Income Tax and To Increase Their Homestead Exemption to $50,000"

(H.P. 36)  (L.D. 35)

Sponsored by Representative O'CONNOR of Berwick.

Cosponsored by Senator FOLEY of York and Representatives: DRINKWATER of Milford, HAGGAN of Hampden, SAMPSON of Alfred, STETKIS of Canaan, STROM of Pittsfield, WADSWORTH of Hiram, Senators: BLACK of Franklin, DAVIS of Piscataquis.

           (3-21)  RESOLUTION, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine To Dedicate All Sales Taxes from All Vehicle Sales and Vehicle-related Sales to the Highway Fund for Roads and Bridge Capital Improvements

(H.P. 44)  (L.D. 43)

Sponsored by Representative CEBRA of Naples.

           Committee on TAXATION suggested and ordered printed.

_________________________________

           (3-22)  Resolve, Naming a Highway and Renaming a Bridge in the Town of Whiting

(H.P. 33)  (L.D. 32)

Sponsored by Representative TUELL of East Machias.

Cosponsored by Senator MOORE of Washington.

           (3-23)  Resolve, To Designate a Bridge in Waterville as the Specialist Wade A. Slack Memorial Bridge

(H.P. 40)  (L.D. 39)

Sponsored by Representative MADIGAN of Waterville.

Cosponsored by Senator CYRWAY of Kennebec and Representatives: NADEAU of Winslow, PERKINS of Oakland, WHITE of Waterville.

           (3-24)  Bill "An Act Regarding the Designation of Traumatic Brain Injury on Driver's Licenses and Nondriver Identification Cards"

(H.P. 50)  (L.D. 49)

Sponsored by Representative ORDWAY of Standish.

Cosponsored by Senator DIAMOND of Cumberland and Representatives: BICKFORD of Auburn, GATTINE of Westbrook, GRIGNON of Athens, O'CONNOR of Berwick, PRESCOTT of Waterboro, TIPPING of Orono, WADSWORTH of Hiram, WARREN of Hallowell.

           (3-25)  Bill "An Act To Require the Maine Turnpike Authority To Accept E-Z Pass Payments of Any Amount by Telephone"

(H.P. 54)  (L.D. 57)

Sponsored by Representative ACKLEY of Monmouth.  (BY REQUEST)

           Committee on TRANSPORTATION suggested and ordered printed.

_________________________________

           (3-26)  Bill "An Act To Exempt Fraternal and Veterans' Organizations from Cribbage Tournament Licensing Requirements"

(H.P. 35)  (L.D. 34)

Sponsored by Representative TUELL of East Machias.

Cosponsored by Senator MOORE of Washington and Representatives: CAMPBELL of Orrington, HANINGTON of Lincoln, KINNEY of Knox, SKOLFIELD of Weld, Senator: DESCHAMBAULT of York.

           (3-27)  Bill "An Act To Provide for Nonpartisan Elections for the Office of District Attorney"

(H.P. 43)  (L.D. 42)

Sponsored by Representative CEBRA of Naples.

           Committee on VETERANS AND LEGAL AFFAIRS suggested and ordered printed.

_________________________________

Pursuant to Statute
Criminal Law Advisory Commission

           (3-28)  Representative WARREN for the Criminal Law Advisory Commission pursuant to the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 17-A, section 1354, subsection 2 asks leave to report that the accompanying Bill "An Act Regarding the Maine Criminal Code"

(H.P. 45)  (L.D. 44)

           Be REFERRED to the Committee on CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY and printed pursuant to Joint Rule 218.

_________________________________

SPECIAL SENTIMENT CALENDAR

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

Recognizing:

           (5-1)  Hunter Lord, of Lebanon, a member of Boy Scout Troop No. 369, who has attained the high rank and distinction of Eagle Scout.  This is the highest award in Boy Scouting and is given for excellence in skills development, leadership, personal growth and community service.  We extend our congratulations and best wishes;

(SLS 2)

           (5-2)  Elizabeth Ann Holman Adams, of Augusta, who retired as a staff writer with the Kennebec Journal after 25 years with the newspaper.  Known by her byline, Betty Adams, Ms. Adams provided balanced, detailed and informed coverage of state and federal courts.  We extend our congratulations and best wishes;

(SLS 6)

           (5-3)  John Hook, of Newport, who is retiring from the State of Maine Judicial Branch Marshal Service after over 30 years of public service.  Mr. Hook served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve, and over his career he worked in the Newport Police Department, the Penobscot County Sheriff's Office and the District Court in Newport, as well as with the Marshal Service.  In November 2018, Chief Justice Leigh Ingalls Saufley awarded him the Roy Rice Award for his outstanding contribution to the safety and well-being of the employees of the Judicial Branch.  We extend our congratulations and best wishes;

(SLS 9)

           (5-4)  James R. Porter, of Calais, who is retiring as Calais City Manager after 22 years of service with the city, including service as Code Enforcement Officer, Special Projects Coordinator, Plumbing Inspector, Health Officer, Community Development Director and Assistant City Manager.  We extend our congratulations and best wishes;

(SLS 11)

           (5-5)  Lawrence A. Abbiati, of Lebanon, a member of Boy Scout Troop No. 369, who has attained the high rank and distinction of Eagle Scout.  This is the highest award in Boy Scouting and is given for excellence in skills development, leadership, personal growth and community service.  We extend our congratulations and best wishes;

(SLS 12)

           (5-6)  Isabella Rose Broder, of Houlton, who has served the people of the State for over 20 years as an educational technician in food preparation, a volunteer and an advisory board member at Southern Aroostook Vocational Education in Houlton.  We extend our appreciation and best wishes;

(HLS 20)

Presented by Representative SAMPSON of Alfred.

Cosponsored by Senator CARPENTER of Aroostook, Representative SWALLOW of Houlton.

In Memory of:

           (5-7)  Neill E. Miner, of Augusta.  Mr. Miner worked for the State of Maine, eventually serving as Director of the Office of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Prevention.  He later became a founding director of the New England Institute of Addiction Studies, leading it into the modern era, as well as of AdCare Educational Institute of Maine.  He also was a former member of the Augusta Rotary Club.  Mr. Miner will be long remembered and sadly missed by his wife of 46 years, Mary Ellen, and by his family and friends;

(SLS 5)

           (5-8)  William Ellsworth, of Newcastle.  Mr. Ellsworth was a recovery coach with Mid Coast Hospital's Addiction Resource Center.  Since the late 1980s/early 1990s, he worked as an addiction counselor with the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office to facilitate recovery and reduce recidivism in Lincoln County, and he pioneered the Lincoln County Outreach program.  Mr. Ellsworth will be long remembered and sadly missed by his family, friends and colleagues and by all those whose lives he touched;

(SLS 7)

           (5-9)  Robert Oliver Thorndike, of Phillips.  Mr. Thorndike served in the United States Army from 1957 to 1959. He worked as a carpenter and as a school bus driver, and he had a passion for farming and raising animals.  He was a member of the Phillips Congregational Church.  Mr. Thorndike will be long remembered and sadly missed by his family and friends;

(SLS 10)

_________________________________

STATUTORY ADJOURNMENT DATE June 19, 2019

State of Maine
House of Representatives
129th Legislature
First Regular Session
HOUSE ADVANCE JOURNAL AND CALENDAR

http://legislature.maine.gov/HouseCalendar

Wednesday, January 9, 2019

House Supplement No. 1

SENATE PAPERS

           (1-1)  The following Joint Order:  (S.P. 13)

           ORDERED, the House concurring, that when the Senate and House adjourn, they do so until Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at 10:00 in the morning.

           Comes from the Senate, READ and PASSED.

_________________________________

State of Maine
House of Representatives
129th Legislature
First Regular Session
HOUSE ADVANCE JOURNAL AND CALENDAR

http://legislature.maine.gov/HouseCalendar

Wednesday, January 9, 2019

House Supplement No. 2

SENATE PAPERS

           (1-1)  Bill "An Act To Implement the Recommendations of the Task Force on Health Care Coverage for All of Maine"

(S.P. 14)  (L.D. 51)

           (1-2)  Bill "An Act To Provide an Affordable and Accessible Health Care System for all Residents of Maine"

(S.P. 15)  (L.D. 52)

           Come from the Senate, REFERRED to the Committee on HEALTH COVERAGE, INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES and ordered printed.

_________________________________

           (1-3)  Bill "An Act To Clarify Local Referendum Ballots"

(S.P. 17)  (L.D. 53)

           Committee on VETERANS AND LEGAL AFFAIRS suggested and ordered printed.

           Comes from the Senate, REFERRED to the Committee on STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT and ordered printed.

_________________________________

           (1-4)  Bill "An Act To Limit the Influence of Lobbyists by Expanding the Prohibition on Accepting Political Contributions"

(S.P. 18)  (L.D. 54)

           Comes from the Senate, REFERRED to the Committee on VETERANS AND LEGAL AFFAIRS and ordered printed.

_________________________________

State of Maine
House of Representatives
129th Legislature
First Regular Session
HOUSE ADVANCE JOURNAL AND CALENDAR

http://legislature.maine.gov/HouseCalendar

Wednesday, January 9, 2019

House Supplement No. 3

SENATE PAPERS

           (1-1)  The following Joint Order:  (S.P. 16)

           ORDERED, the House concurring, that the Joint Rules be amended by amending Joint Rule 301, last indented paragraph to read:

           There are established 17 joint standing committees, which must be appointed at the commencement of the first regular session and which exercise jurisdiction in the following areas:

           Agriculture, conservation and forestry

           Appropriations and financial affairs

           Criminal justice and public safety

           Education and cultural affairs

           Energy, utilities and technology

           Environment and natural resources

           Health and human services

           Health coverage, insurance and financial services

           Inland fisheries and wildlife

           Innovation, development, economic advancement and commercebusiness

           Judiciary

           Labor and housing

           Marine resources

           State and local government

           Taxation

           Transportation

           Veterans and legal affairs

           Comes from the Senate, READ and PASSED.

_________________________________