CLERK'S OFFICE
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The House CalendarThe Advance Journal and Calendar of the House of Representatives 13th Legislative Day Thursday, February 15, 2024
Calling of the House to Order by the Speaker.
Prayer by Bishop Robert Deeley, Diocese of Portland.
National Anthem by Marcia Gallagher, Hallowell.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Reading of the Journal of Tuesday, February 13, 2024. _________________________________
COMMUNICATIONS
(2-1) The Following Communication: (H.C. 413)
MAINE CONNECTIVITY AUTHORITY
February 7, 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 Connectivity Authority due by February 1, 2024.
Please contact me if you have any questions or need additional information.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
S/Andrew Butcher President
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(2-2) The Following Communication: (H.C. 414)
CLERK'S OFFICE 2 STATE HOUSE STATION AUGUSTA, MAINE 04333-0002
February 15, 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:"
Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry L.D. 1996 An Act to Regulate Synthetic Hemp-derived Cannabinoids Education and Cultural Affairs L.D. 1217 Resolve, to Create a Pilot Program for Alternative Teacher Certification
Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services L.D. 2122 An Act to Create Parity in the Licensing of Emergency Medical Services Professionals and Other Health Care Professionals Who Enter Private Residences
Judiciary L.D. 1865 An Act Establishing the Maine Sentencing Guidelines Commission L.D. 1904 An Act to Enact the Maine Fair Chance Housing Act
Sincerely,
S/Robert B. Hunt Clerk of the House
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(2-3) The Following Communication: (H.C. 415)
STATE OF MAINE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SPEAKER'S OFFICE AUGUSTA, MAINE 04333-0002
February 15, 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 12, 2024
The Honorable Chandler E. Woodcock of Farmington for appointment to the Maine State Harness Racing Commission. Pursuant to Title 8 M.R.S.A §261-A, this appointment is contingent on confirmation by the Maine State Senate after review by the Joint Standing Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.
Sincerely,
S/Rachel Talbot Ross Speaker of the House
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(2-4) The Following Communication: (S.C. 912)
MAINE SENATE 131ST LEGISLATURE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
February 13, 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 Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry: · Lee Smith of Albany Township for reappointment to the Maine Land Use Planning Commission. Upon the recommendation of the Committee on Labor and Housing: · Tinan Melissa Hue of Portland for appointment as a Commissioner of the Maine State Housing Authority, · Elizabeth Dietz of Veazie for reappointment as a Commissioner of the Maine State Housing Authority, · Frank O’Hara of Hallowell for reappointment as a Commissioner of the Maine State Housing Authority, · Patrick Ende, Esq. of Hallowell for appointment to the Maine Unemployment Insurance Commission, · Paul H. Gendreau of Waterville for appointment to the Workers’ Compensation Board, · Lynne P. Gaudette of Biddeford for reappointment to the Workers’ Compensation Board, · Serina DeWolfe of Gray for reappointment to the Workers’ Compensation Board.
Best Regards,
S/Darek M. Grant Secretary of the Senate _________________________________ (2-5) The Following Communication: (S.C. 913)
MAINE SENATE 131ST LEGISLATURE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
February 13, 2024
Honorable Robert B. Hunt Clerk of the House 2 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333
Dear Clerk Hunt:
Please be advised the Senate today insisted to its previous action whereby it accepted the Majority Ought Not to Pass Report from the Committee on Health and Human Services on Bill “An Act Requiring Training Regarding and Screening for Adverse Childhood Experiences” (H.P. 874) (L.D. 1360) in non-concurrence.
Best Regards,
S/Darek M. Grant Secretary of the Senate
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PETITIONS, BILLS AND RESOLVES REQUIRING REFERENCE (3-1) Bill "An Act to Establish a Civil Rights Unit and a Civil Rights Review Panel Within the Office of the Attorney General and Require Ongoing Enhanced Civil Rights Training for Civil Rights Officers" (H.P. 1417) (L.D. 2210)
Sponsored by Speaker TALBOT ROSS of Portland. Cosponsored by Senator ROTUNDO of Androscoggin and Representatives: LANDRY of Farmington, LEE of Auburn, MOONEN of Portland, O'CONNELL of Brewer, SACHS of Freeport, SHEEHAN of Biddeford, Senators: BAILEY of York, CARNEY of Cumberland. Committee on JUDICIARYsuggested and ordered printed.
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(3-2) Bill "An Act Regarding Quality of Care and the Board of Trustees at the Maine Veterans' Homes" (H.P. 1418) (L.D. 2211)
Sponsored by Speaker TALBOT ROSS of Portland. Cosponsored by President JACKSON of Aroostook and Representatives: MALON of Biddeford, SUPICA of Bangor, TERRY of Gorham, Senator: HICKMAN of Kennebec. Approved for introduction by a majority of the Legislative Council pursuant to Joint Rule 203.
Committee on VETERANS AND LEGAL AFFAIRS suggested and ordered printed.
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(4-1) On motion of Representative LAJOIE of Lewiston, the following House Order: (H.O. 40)
ORDERED, that Representative Adam R. Lee of Auburn be excused Feb 8 for personal reasons.
AND BE IT FURTHER ORDERED, that Representative Grayson B. Lookner of Portland be excused Feb 8 for health reasons.
AND BE IT FURTHER ORDERED, that Representative Kevin J. M. O'Connell of Brewer be excused Feb 8 for personal reasons.
AND BE IT FURTHER ORDERED, that Representative Chad Richard Perkins of Dover-Foxcroft be excused Feb 6 for health reasons.
AND BE IT FURTHER ORDERED, that Representative Amy J. Roeder of Bangor be excused Jan 30 and Feb 1 for health reasons.
AND BE IT FURTHER ORDERED, that Representative Daniel Sayre of Kennebunk be excused Feb 6 and 8 for health reasons.
AND BE IT FURTHER ORDERED, that Representative Abden S. Simmons of Waldoboro be excused Feb 6 for personal reasons.
AND BE IT FURTHER ORDERED, that Representative Michael Soboleski of Phillips be excused Feb 6 for personal reasons.
AND BE IT FURTHER ORDERED, that Representative J. Mark Worth of Ellsworth be excused Feb 13 for personal reasons.
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SPECIAL SENTIMENT CALENDAR
In accordance with House Rule 519 and Joint Rule 213, the following items: Recognizing: (5-1) Saco Middle School, which is the Maine State Winner of the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow US Contest for its 7th-grade project to create 100% biodegradable, sustainable and refillable markers. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(SLS 1384)
(5-2) Jace Negley, of Greene, a student and football player at Leavitt Area High School, who has received the Frank J. Gaziano Memorial Defensive Lineman Award as the State's top defensive lineman. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(SLS 1385)
(5-3) Noah Carpenter, of Greene, a senior and a football player at Leavitt Area High School, who has been awarded the James J. Fitzpatrick Trophy. The Fitzpatrick Trophy is given to the top senior high school football player in the State based on voting by the State's coaches and the media. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(SLS 1386)
(5-4) David F. Bibber, of Charlotte, who is celebrating his 80th Birthday on February 28, 2024. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(SLS 1387)
(5-5) Janet Jandreau, of Ashland, on her retirement after 41 years of working at Katahdin Trust, in Ashland. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(SLS 1388)
(5-6) Wayne Sowers, of Baring Plantation, who won a gold medal for the bench press and two silver medals, one for the deadlift and one for the push/pull, at the World Association of Benchers and Deadlifters World Championship in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mr. Sowers set three Maine state records for the lifts and for the third year in a row is the reigning World Champion in the Bench Press. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(SLS 1389)
(5-7) Cecil Rockwell, of Addison, who has received the Addison Town Cane, an honor given to the oldest citizen of the town. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(SLS 1390)
(5-8) Virginia Newman, of Princeton, who has received the Boston Post Cane, an honor given to the oldest citizen of a municipality. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(SLS 1391)
(5-9) Angela Blanchette, of Scarborough, Scarborough's Town Engineer, who received the Golden Raindrop Award from the New England Water Environment Association for being a leader in, and for her contributions to, the storm water field in Maine and New England. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(SLS 1392)
(5-10) Ashton Leclerc, of Gorham, a student at Gorham High School and a player on the boys basketball team, who recently scored his 1,000th career point. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(SLS 1393)
(5-11) John and Janice Malek, of Norridgewock, to whom the Town of Norridgewock has dedicated its Town Report in recognition of their many contributions to their community. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(SLS 1394) (5-12) the Winslow High School Cheer Team, which won the 2024 Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference Class B Championship. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(SLS 1398)
In Memory of: (5-13) David Nelson Morton, of Cape Elizabeth. Mr. Morton will be long remembered and sadly missed by his family and friends;
(SLS 1395)
(5-14) William Vincent Walentine, Jr., of Pittston. Mr. Walentine will be long remembered and sadly missed by his family and friends;
(SLS 1396)
(5-15) Charles Bernier, of Wells. Mr. Bernier will be long remembered and sadly missed by his family and friends;
(SLS 1397)
(5-16) Harland "Hardy" Taylor, of Oakland. Mr. Taylor served the Oakland Fire Department for 60 years, from 1960 to 2020, retiring as Deputy Chief. He was a fixture in his community and always lent a helping hand. In his retirement, he continued to help the Town of Oakland and flower committee by watering flowers throughout the town. Mr. Taylor will be long remembered and sadly missed by his family and friends and all those whose lives he touched;
(SLS 1399)
(5-17) Larry Johnson, of Norridgewock. Mr. Johnson was a veteran of the United States Navy Reserve and the United States Navy, as well as the United States Air Force. He served as a Fairfield police officer beginning in 1956 and occasionally drove an oil truck for Clauson's Oil Company. In 1960, he joined the Hampden Police Department and then served as a police officer for the Town of Thomaston, where he also drove a school bus for local schools and performed scuba diving to repair boats. In 1964, he became Chief of Police for the Town of Mattawamkeag. Two years later, he became Chief of Police for the Town of Oakland. He also served as a sworn Kennebec County Deputy Sheriff, providing police services to Belgrade, Belgrade Lakes, Rome and Sidney. He also served as Chief of Police for the Town of Winslow. In 1976, he retired from full-time law enforcement and became a security officer with the Scott Paper Company Security Police in Winslow, rising to the rank of sergeant. He continued to serve as a sworn officer with the Winslow Police Department until 1992. Moving to Norridgewock, he joined the Norridgewock Baptist Church. In 1995, he became a Deputy Sheriff for the Somerset County Sheriff's Department. In 1999, he transferred to Court Security, retiring in 2007. In 2017, he became the first recipient of the Town of Oakland's highest honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognized him for his integrity, dedication and outstanding service to the community. Mr. Johnson will be long remembered and sadly missed by his wife of nearly 64 years, Maxine, his family and friends and all those whose lives he touched;
(SLS 1400)
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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 Remove All Marijuana-related Provisions from the Maine Criminal Code and Expunge All Convictions Involving Marijuana" (S.P. 714) (L.D. 1789) Signed: Senators: Representatives: Minority Report of the same Committee reporting Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-520) on same Bill.
Signed: Representatives: Comes from the Senate with the Majority OUGHT NOT TO PASS Report READ and ACCEPTED.
_________________________________ (6-2) Majority Report of the Committee on ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES reporting Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-514) on Bill "An Act to Provide That Advanced Recycling Facilities Are Subject to Solid Waste Regulation and That Advanced Recycling Does Not Constitute Recycling" (S.P. 665) (L.D. 1660) Signed: Senators: Representatives: Minority Report of the same Committee reporting Ought Not to Pass on same Bill.
Signed: Senator: Representatives: 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-514).
_________________________________ (6-3) Majority Report of the Committee on STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT reporting Ought to Pass on Bill "An Act to Increase the Expenditure Limit for Informal Bidding Processes and Update References to the Office of Procurement Services" (H.P. 1309) (L.D. 2047) Signed: Senators: Representatives: Minority Report of the same Committee reporting Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-746) 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. 247) (L.D. 579) Bill "An Act to Support Farmland Conservation and Transition Planning for Farmers" Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY reporting Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-519) (7-2) (H.P. 1389) (L.D. 2168) Resolve, Regarding Legislative Review of Portions of Chapter 355: Coastal Sand Dune Rules, a Major Substantive Rule of the Department of Environmental Protection (EMERGENCY) Committee on ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES reporting Ought to Pass (7-3) (H.P. 1319) (L.D. 2057) Bill "An Act to Require the State Board of Examiners of Psychologists and the Board of Examiners in Physical Therapy to Obtain Fingerprint-based Federal Bureau of Investigation Criminal Background Checks for Applicants for Licensure" Committee on HEALTH COVERAGE, INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES reporting Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-747) (7-4) (H.P. 1328) (L.D. 2066) Bill "An Act to Clarify Liability Under the Uncontrolled Hazardous Substance Site Law and to Waive a Fee Regarding Voluntary Response Action Plans" Committee on ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES reporting Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-748)
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Emergency Measure
(10-1) An Act to Address Food Insecurity by Helping Maine Residents Access Locally Produced Food (S.P. 886) (L.D. 2093)
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 to Clarify the Roles and Responsibilities of the Board of Environmental Protection (S.P. 362) (L.D. 865) (10-3) An Act to Amend the Maine Cooperative Affordable Housing Ownership Act (H.P. 960) (L.D. 1505) (10-4) An Act Regarding Compliance with Environmental Permit and License Application Requirements (H.P. 1320) (L.D. 2058)
Reported by the Committee on Engrossed Bills as truly and strictly engrossed.
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Resolves (10-5) Resolve, to Construct a New District Headquarters Building for the Bureau of Forestry in Fort Kent (S.P. 759) (L.D. 1886)
Reported by the Committee on Engrossed Bills as truly and strictly engrossed.
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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 - 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. 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.
7. 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.
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STATUTORY ADJOURNMENT DATE April 17, 2024
State of Maine http://legislature.maine.gov/HouseCalendar House Supplement No. 1
(1-1) The following Joint Order: (S.P. 946)
ORDERED, the House concurring, that when the Senate and House adjourn, they do so until Tuesday, February 20, 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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State of Maine http://legislature.maine.gov/HouseCalendar House Supplement No. 2
PETITIONS, BILLS AND RESOLVES REQUIRING REFERENCE (3-1) Bill "An Act to Strengthen Maine's Agriculture, Food System and Forest Products Infrastructure Investment" (H.P. 1419) (L.D. 2212)
Sponsored by Speaker TALBOT ROSS of Portland. Cosponsored by Senator INGWERSEN of York and Representatives: FAY of Raymond, GUERRETTE of Caribou, HALL of Wilton, OSHER of Orono, PLUECKER of Warren. Approved for introduction by a majority of the Legislative Council pursuant to Joint Rule 203.
Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRY suggested and ordered printed.
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State of Maine http://legislature.maine.gov/HouseCalendar House Supplement No. 3
(1-1) Bill "An Act to Support Veterans' Organizations and Other Nonprofit Organizations and Federally Recognized Indian Tribes by Updating Electronic Gambling Laws" (S.P. 947) (L.D. 2213)
Comes from the Senate, REFERRED to the Committee on VETERANS AND LEGAL AFFAIRSand ordered printed.
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