CLERK'S OFFICE
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The House CalendarThe Advance Journal and Calendar of the House of Representatives Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Calling of the House to Order by the Speaker.
Prayer by Reverend Eleanor Collinsworth, Union Church of Belgrade Lakes.
National Anthem by Maryssa Bolduc, Oakland.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Reading of the Journal of Thursday, February 1, 2024. _________________________________
(1-1) The following Joint Resolution: (S.P. 940)
JOINT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING FEBRUARY 2024 AS 211 MAINE MONTH
WHEREAS,211 Maine is a Maine-based health and human services and emergency preparedness and response helpline that provides Maine people free and confidential referrals to needed resources; and
WHEREAS, 211 Maine provides around-the-clock service statewide, offering efficient and effective responses to questions arising from the growing complexities in health, financial and human services and the needs of Maine people from people employed in Maine, including interpreters for multilanguage users; and
WHEREAS, since 2006, 211 Maine call specialists have assisted with requests for information regarding topics ranging from substance use and recovery services to housing support and food resources, and in 2023 fielded over 77,000 calls, text messages and e-mails from people looking for help for themselves or someone they know; and
WHEREAS, 211 Maine provides emergency operations support during times of natural and other disasters, including assisting the Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management, Maine Emergency Management Agency by fielding calls from those affected by windstorms and floods, collecting data regarding incidence severity and locations of need and directing people to local warming shelters and cooling centers; and
WHEREAS, during this past year, 211 Maine provided over 11,000 referrals for heating and utility assistance services, helping individuals find appropriate assistance programs, which may have prevented their contacting the wrong agency for heating assistance, prevented utility shut-offs and saved people from spending winter nights without fuel; and
WHEREAS, 211 Maine handles a number of specialized services and partnerships, including serving as the centralized access point for the Help Me Grow Maine program, which helps families with children from birth to 8 years of age to access needed services, providing the opiate helpline and the gambling helpline and serving as a resource for finding information about needs such as tax preparation, mental health services and browntail moth caterpillar prevention, mitigation and treatment; and
WHEREAS, 211 Maine provides a powerful example of how the government and nonprofit and private sectors can work together to improve the quality of life of the people of Maine; 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 recognize February 2024 as 211 Maine Month.
Comes from the Senate, READ and ADOPTED.
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(2-1) The Following Communication: (H.C. 388)
STATE OF MAINE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SPEAKER'S OFFICE AUGUSTA, MAINE 04333-0002
February 6, 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 Richard T. Bradstreet of Vassalboro to serve as Speaker Pro Tem to convene the House on Tuesday, February 6, 2024.
Sincerely,
S/Rachel Talbot Ross Speaker of the House
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(2-2) The Following Communication: (H.C. 389)
MAINE'S PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES UNIVERSITY OF MAINE SYSTEM
January 30, 2024
Honorable Troy D. Jackson President of the Senate 3 State House Station Augusta, Maine 04333
Honorable Rachel Talbot Ross Speaker of the House 2 State House Station Augusta, Maine 04333
Dear President Jackson and Speaker Talbot Ross:
Pursuant to 5 M.R.S.A., Section 12023, please consider this the letter of transmittal for the required report from the University of Maine System (UMS) due by Feb. 1, 2024 documenting our qualifying sole-source procurements and contributions in FY23.
UMS is an economic engine for Maine. The System prepares Maine's workforce, supports small businesses through world-class research and innovation, serves as one of state's largest employers, and through its purchasing goods and services from Maine businesses or those that employ many Mainers, positively impacts the Maine economy. In FY23 alone, UMS made $105 million in payments to Maine vendors across 424 towns in the state.
More than one-half of the System procurements listed in this report are a result of a vendor/partner being named specifically in a grant award, typically from a federal agency. For example, the Maine Forest Products Council is specifically identified as a sub-recipient in several federal grants received by the Rl University of Maine from the U.S. Economic Development Administration during this reporting period. Those grants support our shared efforts to help Maine innovate its forest economy and dependent rural jobs in response to changing markets, technologies and climate.
If you need any additional information, please contact UMS Director of Government Relations Samantha Warren in my office at samantha.warren@maine.edu. Thank you for your ongoing interest and support of Maine's public universities.
Sincerely,
S/Dannel P. Malloy, Chancellor University of Maine System
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(2-3) The Following Communication: (H.C. 390)
MAINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE SYSTEM OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT 323 STATE STREET AUGUSTA, MAINE 04330-7131
January 30, 2024
Honorable Rachel Talbot Ross Speaker of the House 2 State House Station Augusta, Maine 04333
Honorable Troy D. Jackson President of the Senate 3 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333-0002
Dear Speaker Talbot Ross and President Jackson:
On behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Maine Community College System (MCCS), I respectfully submit the attached report on certain procurements, contributions, and policy changes for the period July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023, as required by 5 M.R.S.A. §12023.
To compile this report, MCCS used customized reporting features built into our business management systems. We then tested the validity of those reports and reviewed several transactions with college personnel. Combined, the seven colleges and the MCCS System Office make thousands of purchases each year.
While reporting is complex, our review indicates that the colleges' compliance with existing policies is extremely high, and expenditures are consistently mission related. In those few areas where we have identified need for improvement, refinements have been made or are under way.
MCCS will continue to use its internal controls and annual outside audit to adapt its systems to changing needs, and our Board of Trustees will continue to monitor compliance through regular reporting and an ongoing dialogue with auditors. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you.
Sincerely yours,
S/David Daigler President
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(2-4) The Following Communication: (H.C. 391)
MAINE PORT AUTHORITY 460 Commercial Street PORTLAND, ME 04101
January 31, 2024
Honorable Troy D. Jackson President of the Senate 3 State House Station Augusta, Maine 04333
Honorable Rachel Talbot Ross Speaker of the House 2 State House Station Augusta, Maine 04333
Dear President Jackson and Speaker Talbot Ross:
Pursuant to 5 M.R.S. § Section 12023, please consider this the letter of transmittal for the required FY 2023 report from the Maine Port Authority due by February 1, 2024.
Please contact me if you have any questions or need additional information.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
S/Matthew Burns Executive Director
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(2-5) The Following Communication: (H.C. 392)
STATE OF MAINE WORKERS' COMPENSATION BOARD OFFICE OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/CHAIR 442 CIVIC CENTER DRIVE, SUITE 100 AUGUSTA, MAINE 04333-0027
January 31, 2024
Honorable Rachel Talbot Ross Speaker of the House 2 State House Station Augusta, Maine 04333
Honorable Troy D. Jackson President of the Senate 3 State House Station Augusta, Maine 04333
RE: Annual Report of the Workers' Compensation Board Pursuant to 5 M.R.S.A. §12023(2)
Dear Speaker Talbot Ross and President Jackson:
Pursuant to 5 M.R.S.A., § 12023, please consider this the transmittal letter for the required report from the Workers' Compensation Board due by February 1, 2024.
Please contact me if you have any questions or need additional information.
Sincerely,
S/John C. Rohde Executive Director
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(2-6) The Following Communication: (H.C. 393)
FINANCE AUTHORITY OF MAINE 94 STATE HOUSE STATION AUGUSTA, MAINE 04332
February 1, 2024
Honorable Troy D. Jackson President of the Senate 3 State House Station Augusta, Maine 04333
Honorable Rachel Talbot Ross Speaker of the House 2 State House Station Augusta, Maine 04333
Dear President Jackson and Speaker Talbot Ross:
Pursuant to 5 M.R.S.A. §12023, please consider this the letter of transmittal for the required report from the Finance Authority of Maine due February 1, 2024.
Please contact me if you have any questions or need additional information.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
S/Carlos R. Mello Chief Executive Officer
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(2-7) The Following Communication: (H.C. 394)
STATE OF MAINE MAINE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION 51 STATE HOUSE STATION AUGUSTA, MAINE 04333-0051
February 1, 2024
Honorable Troy D. Jackson President of the Senate 3 State House Station Augusta, Maine 04333
Honorable Rachel Talbot Ross Speaker of the House 2 State House Station Augusta, Maine 04333
Dear President Jackson and Speaker Talbot Ross:
Pursuant to 5 M.R.S.A., Section 12023, please consider this the letter of transmittal for the required report from the Maine Human Rights Commission due by February 1, 2024.
Please contact me if you have any questions or need additional information.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
S/Kit Thomson Crossman Executive Director
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(2-8) The Following Communication: (H.C. 395)
STATE OF MAINE CLERK'S OFFICE 2 STATE HOUSE STATION AUGUSTA, MAINE 04333-0002
February 6, 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 Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business has approved the request by the sponsor, Senator Curry of Waldo, to report the following "Leave to Withdraw:"
L.D. 1555 An Act to Amend the Pine Tree Development Zone Program
Sincerely,
S/Robert B. Hunt Clerk of the House
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(2-9) The Following Communication: (H.C. 396)
CLERK'S OFFICE 2 STATE HOUSE STATION AUGUSTA, MAINE 04333-0002
February 6, 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:"
Criminal Justice and Public Safety L.D. 179 An Act to Provide Support for Restorative Justice Practices in Maine L.D. 913 An Act to Support First Responders Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services L.D. 1205 An Act Regarding the Scope of Practice of Certified Professional Midwives and Certified Midwives Housing L.D. 1134 An Act to Improve Housing Affordability by Amending the Definition of "Subdivision" Under the Site Location of Development Laws L.D. 1257 An Act to Increase Housing Capacity and Protect the Municipal Tax Base and Working Lands L.D. 1864 An Act to Increase Maine's Housing Supply by Prohibiting Certain Zoning Requirements in Areas Where Public Sewer and Water Infrastructure Are Available and in Designated Growth Areas Inland Fisheries and Wildlife L.D. 795 An Act to Clarify Requirements for Moose Hunting Permittees Labor and Housing L.D. 550 An Act to Increase Correctional Officer Salary and Benefits Veterans and Legal Affairs L.D. 1944 An Act Regarding Tribal Gaming
Sincerely,
S/Robert B. Hunt Clerk of the House
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(2-10) The Following Communication: (H.C. 397)
STATE OF MAINE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SPEAKER'S OFFICE AUGUSTA, MAINE 04333-0002
February 6, 2024
Honorable Robert B. Hunt Clerk of the House 2 State House Station Augusta, Maine 04333
Dear Clerk Hunt:
Please be advised that pursuant to her authority, Governor Janet T. Mills has nominated the following:
on February 2, 2024
Robert S. Duchesne of Old Town, Steven K. Pelletier of Topsham and Robert M. Sanford of Gorham for reappointment to the Board of Environmental Protection.
Pursuant to Title 38, MRSA §341-C, these reappointments are contingent on confirmation by the Maine State Senate after review by the Joint Standing Committee on Environment and Natural Resources.
Sincerely,
S/Rachel Talbot Ross Speaker of the House
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PETITIONS, BILLS AND RESOLVES REQUIRING REFERENCE (3-1) Bill "An Act to Combat Racketeering in Scheduled Drugs by Certain Organizations" (H.P. 1412) (L.D. 2204)
Sponsored by Representative ANDREWS of Paris. Cosponsored by Senator HARRINGTON of York and Representatives: ARDELL of Monticello, CYRWAY of Albion, NEWMAN of Belgrade, NUTTING of Oakland, PERKINS of Dover-Foxcroft, POIRIER of Skowhegan, SOBOLESKI of Phillips, WHITE of Guilford. Approved for introduction by a majority of the Legislative Council pursuant to Joint Rule 203. Committee on CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY suggested and ordered printed.
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(3-2) Resolve, to Require the Public Utilities Commission to Initiate a Feasibility Study to Evaluate Transmission Technologies and Siting Locations for Any Future Electric Transmission Line Proposed Pursuant to the Northern Maine Renewable Energy Development Program (H.P. 1413) (L.D. 2205)
Sponsored by Representative CYRWAY of Albion. Cosponsored by President JACKSON of Aroostook and Representatives: DILL of Old Town, FOSTER of Dexter, HYMES of Waldo, PERKINS of Dover-Foxcroft, Speaker TALBOT ROSS of Portland, Senators: CURRY of Waldo, FARRIN of Somerset, STEWART of Aroostook. Approved for introduction by a majority of the Legislative Council pursuant to Joint Rule 205.
Committee on ENERGY, UTILITIES AND TECHNOLOGY suggested and ordered printed.
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SPECIAL SENTIMENT CALENDAR
In accordance with House Rule 519 and Joint Rule 213, the following items: Recognizing: (5-1) the Madison Area Memorial High School Girls Soccer Team, which won the Maine High School 8 Person Girls State Championship. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(SLS 1334)
(5-2) Kayla Carrier, of Madison, who was named Coach of the Year for 8 Person South Region by the Maine Principals' Association. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(SLS 1335)
(5-3) Raegan Cowan, of Madison, who was named Player of the Year for 8 Person South Region by the Maine Principals Association. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(SLS 1336)
(5-4) Darren Allen, of Avon, boys soccer coach at Mt. Abram High School, who was named National Coach of the Year for Small Public Schools by United Soccer Coaches. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(SLS 1361)
(5-5) Johanna Hoffman, of Saco, who received the A. William Kany, Jr. Leadership Award from the Heart of Biddeford, Saco Main Street and the Biddeford and Saco Chamber of Commerce for her many contributions over the years to the improvements made to the City of Saco and the greater community. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(SLS 1362)
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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 Ensure Rural Law Enforcement Services in Maine" (H.P. 407) (L.D. 630) Signed: Senators: Representatives: Minority Report of the same Committee reporting Refer to the Committee on Taxation on same Bill.
Signed: Representatives: _________________________________ (6-2) Majority Report of the Committee on ENERGY, UTILITIES AND TECHNOLOGY reporting Ought Not to Pass on Bill "An Act Concerning Contracts and Agreement for Large-scale Water Extraction" (H.P. 707) (L.D. 1111) Signed: Senators: Representatives: Minority Report of the same Committee reporting Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-739) on same Bill.
Signed: Senator: Representatives: _________________________________ 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. 865) (L.D. 2037) Bill "An Act to Align the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program with Federal Regulations" Committee on HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES reporting Ought to Pass (7-2) (H.P. 960) (L.D. 1505) Bill "An Act to Amend the Maine Cooperative Affordable Housing Ownership Act" Joint Select Committee on HOUSING reporting Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-736) (7-3) (H.P. 1320) (L.D. 2058) Bill "An Act Regarding Compliance with Environmental Permit and License Application Requirements" Committee on ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES reporting Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-738)
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Emergency Measure
(10-1) Resolve, to Authorize the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court to Arrange the Constitution of Maine to Incorporate Amendments Approved at the November 2023 Referendum (H.P. 1407) (L.D. 2196)
Reported by the Committee on Engrossed Bills as truly and strictly engrossed. This being an emergency measure, a two-thirds vote of all the members elected to the House necessary.
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Acts (10-2) An Act Regarding the State Auditor's Reporting Requirements on State Agencies' Financial Activities (S.P. 834) (L.D. 2011)
Reported by the Committee on Engrossed Bills as truly and strictly engrossed.
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ORDERS OF THE DAY HOUSE CALENDAR
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 - 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 - 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. HOUSE DIVIDED REPORT - Report "A"(7) Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-734)- Report "B" (3) Ought Not to Pass - Report "C" (1) Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "B" (H-735) - Committee on ENERGY, UTILITIES AND TECHNOLOGY on Bill "An Act to Require Broadband Internet Access Service Providers to Prorate Customer Bills" (H.P. 1240) (L.D. 1932)
TABLED - January 30, 2024 (Till Later Today) by Representative ZEIGLER of Montville. PENDING - ACCEPTANCE OF ANY REPORT.
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STATUTORY ADJOURNMENT DATE April 17, 2024
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