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The House CalendarThe Advance Journal and Calendar of the House of Representatives 14th Legislative Day Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Calling of the House to Order by the Speaker.
Prayer by Pastor Cornell Preda, Seventh-day Adventist Church, Farmington.
National Anthem by Abigail Gerrish, Mexico.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Medical Provider of the Day, Samantha Paradis, FNP-C, CARN-AP, Caribou.
Reading of the Journal of Thursday, February 15, 2024. _________________________________
(1-1) The following Joint Resolution: (S.P. 944)
JOINT RESOLUTION EXPRESSING THE SUPPORT OF THE MAINE LEGISLATURE FOR KEEPING MAIL PROCESSING AT THE EASTERN MAINE PROCESSING AND DISTRIBUTION FACILITY
WHEREAS,the United States Postal Service is an essential service to the American public; and
WHEREAS, the United States Postal Service’s report dated January 30th, 2024 recommends consolidating outgoing mail processing at the Eastern Maine Processing and Distribution Facility with the Southern Maine Processing and Distribution Center; and
WHEREAS, the Delivering For America plan devised by United States Postmaster General Louis DeJoy has already caused delays in mail delivery, lower service standards, reductions in workforce and lowered confidence in the United States Postal Service in general; and
WHEREAS, Maine, being a predominantly rural state, is reliant on the United States Postal Service for prompt and efficient delivery of the mail; and
WHEREAS, Maine has unique geographical and environmental challenges affecting transportation; and
WHEREAS, the shifting of mail processing operations currently proposed by the United States Postal Service away from the Eastern Maine Processing and Distribution Facility may further delay delivery service to the people of Maine; and
WHEREAS, the United States Postal Service has failed to address how these proposed changes may affect staffing and service standards for post offices served by the Eastern Maine Processing and Distribution Facility; 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 express our support for keeping mail processing at the Eastern Maine Processing and Distribution Facility at its current status and express our belief that the proposed consolidation is not in the best interests of Maine people, that processing and transportation methods developed in other parts of the country are insufficient to address Maine’s unique geography and climate and that the United States Postal Service should reverse its decision on consolidation of services at the Eastern Maine Processing and Distribution Facility; and be it further
RESOLVED: That suitable copies of this resolution, duly authenticated by the Secretary of State, be transmitted to Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, the Board of Governors of the United States Postal Service and all members of Maine’s Congressional Delegation.
Comes from the Senate, READ and ADOPTED.
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(1-2) The following Joint Resolution: (S.P. 945)
JOINT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING MARCH 2024 AS BLEEDING DISORDERS AWARENESS MONTH
WHEREAS,bleeding disorders, which are distinguished by the inability to form a proper blood clot, are characterized by extended bleeding after injury, surgery, trauma or menstruation and can lead to significant morbidity and can be fatal if not treated effectively; and
WHEREAS, many individuals with hemophilia became infected with HIV and hepatitis C in the 1980s due to the contamination of the blood supply and blood products; and
WHEREAS, Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month will generate greater awareness and understanding of not only hemophilia but all inheritable bleeding disorders, including von Willebrand disease, which alone affects an estimated one percent of the United States population, or more than 3.2 million individuals; and
WHEREAS, Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month will foster a greater sense of community and shared purpose among all individuals with inheritable bleeding disorders; and
WHEREAS, Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month will elevate awareness of and engagement in the inheritable bleeding disorders journey for the general public, enabling the prevention of illness, unnecessary procedures and disability; 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 March 2024 as Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month.
Comes from the Senate, READ and ADOPTED.
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COMMUNICATIONS
(2-1) The Following Communication: (H.C. 416)
STATE OF MAINE 131ST MAINE LEGISLATURE
January 12, 2024
Honorable Valerie Stanfill, Chief Justice Maine Supreme Judicial Court Capitol Judicial Center 1 Court Street Augusta, Maine 04330
Dear Chief Justice Stanfill:
We are pleased to invite you to address a Joint Session of the 131st Maine Legislature in the House Chamber on Wednesday, February 21 at 10:45 a.m. concerning the State of the Judiciary and any other matters that you may care to bring to our attention.
We look forward to seeing you then.
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. 417)
STATE OF MAINE 131ST MAINE LEGISLATURE
January 12, 2024
Honorable Janet T. Mills
Dear Governor Mills:
We are pleased to invite you to a Joint Session of the 131st Maine Legislature in the House Chamber on Wednesday, February 21 at 10:45 a.m. for the State of the Judiciary Address.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
S/Troy D. Jackson President of the Senate
S/Rachel Talbot Ross Speaker of the House
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(2-3) The Following Communication: (H.C. 418)
CLERK'S OFFICE 2 STATE HOUSE STATION AUGUSTA, MAINE 04333-0002
February 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 following Joint Standing Committee has voted unanimously to report the following bill out "Ought Not to Pass:"
L.D. 371 An Act to Address Certain Local Zoning Ordinances
Sincerely,
S/Robert B. Hunt Clerk of the House
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(2-4) The Following Communication: (S.C. 932)
MAINE SENATE 131ST LEGISLATURE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
February 15, 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: · Thomas Dubois of Salem Township for appointment, to the Maine Land Use Planning Commission. Upon the recommendation of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources: · Samantha D. Horn of Readfield for reappointment to the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund Board, · Steven Tatko of Willimantic for reappointment, to the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund Board. Upon the recommendation of the Committee on Labor and Housing: · Jenni Tilton-Flood of Clinton for appointment, to the Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefits Authority, · Dr. Jay Naliboff, MD of Chesterville for appointment, to the Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefits Authority, · Michelle Corry of Scarborough for appointment, to the Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefits Authority, · Christopher K. Washburn of Windham for appointment, to the Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefits Authority, · Samuel J. Hight of Skowhegan for appointment, to the Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefits Authority, · Benjamin K. Grant of Portland for appointment, to the Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefits Authority,
· Sarah Conroy of Lewiston for appointment, to the Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefits Authority, · Ranae L’Italien of Sidney for appointment, to the Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefits Authority, · David Barber of Cape Elizabeth for appointment, to the Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefits Authority, · Maria Fox, Esq. of Portland for appointment, to the Paid Family and Medical Leave Benefits Authority.
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 Make Supplemental Appropriations and Allocations for the Expenditures of State Government, General Fund and Other Funds and to Change Certain Provisions of the Law Necessary to the Proper Operations of State Government for the Fiscal Years Ending June 30, 2024 and June 30, 2025"(EMERGENCY) (H.P. 1420) (L.D. 2214)
Sponsored by Representative SACHS of Freeport. (GOVERNOR'S BILL)
Committee on APPROPRIATIONS AND FINANCIAL AFFAIRS 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) Zoe Fitzsimmons, of Westbrook, 11 years of age, who spotted a fire in a building in Westbrook and immediately notified an adult, who dialed 911. Her swift reporting of the fire initiated a rapid response. Crews from the nearby Westbrook Fire Department Prides Corner Station Number 3 were on the scene in under 3 minutes from the time of the call and extinguished the fire in minutes. No injuries were reported by residents or firefighters. The Westbrook Fire Department has publicly thanked Zoe and acknowledged her role in keeping the city safe. We extend our appreciation and best wishes;
(SLS 1329)
(5-2) Saco Bay Marine, of Biddeford, which received the Clean Energy Award from United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development for its transition to clean energy with the installation of a solar array. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(SLS 1401)
(5-3) William Harriman, of Biddeford, who was recognized by the Biddeford Recreation Department for his years of service to his community, including as a life guard and park steward for Rotary Park. We extend our appreciation and best wishes;
(SLS 1402)
(5-4) Ryan Deschenes, of Cumberland, coach of the Gorham High School Varsity Boys Basketball Team, who was named the 2024 Maine Association of Basketball Coaches South AA Boys Coach of the Year. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(SLS 1403)
(5-5) Ellen Parent, of Auburn, who received the District Coach of the Year Award from the National Speech and Debate Association. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(SLS 1404)
(5-6) Douglas Farnham, of Bangor, who is retiring after 34 years of military service. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(SLS 1405)
(5-7) the Houlton High School Cheerleading Team, which won the 2024 Class C North Championship. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(SLS 1406)
(5-8) Maura Smith, of Skowhegan, who was named Speech Coach of the Year by the Maine Forensic Association. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(SLS 1407)
(5-9) Liliana Tripp, of Oxford, recipient of a Spirit of America Foundation Award. The Spirit of America Foundation was established to encourage and promote volunteerism, and the foundation presents awards to honor local individuals, organizations or projects in appreciation of community service. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(HLS 727) Presented by Representative JACKSON of Oxford. Cosponsored by Senator BENNETT of Oxford.
(5-10) the York High School Girls Indoor Track Team, which won the Western Maine Conference Championship. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(HLS 749) Presented by Representative SARGENT of York. Cosponsored by Senator LAWRENCE of York, Representative RUNTE of York.
(5-11) the York High School Boys Indoor Track Team, which won the Western Maine Conference Championship. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(HLS 750) Presented by Representative SARGENT of York. Cosponsored by Senator LAWRENCE of York, Representative RUNTE of York.
(5-12) Norway Savings Bank, which has been recognized by BauerFinancial, a prominent national bank rating firm, with the "Best of Bauer" distinction for having earned and maintained the firm's five-star rating for 25 years or longer. Norway Savings Bank has held the rating for 34 years, showing that the bank is one of the strongest banks in the nation. The bank also received an "Outstanding" rating on its latest Community Reinvestment Act evaluation administered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. This is the third consecutive examination cycle that the bank has achieved that rating. The bank received the rating for its demonstrated leadership and excellent responsiveness to the credit needs of individuals of all income levels and small businesses, including those located in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(HLS 751) Presented by Representative MILLETT of Waterford. Cosponsored by Senator BENNETT of Oxford, Senator KEIM of Oxford, Representative ANDREWS of Paris, Representative JACKSON of Oxford, Representative RISEMAN of Harrison.
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Ought to Pass Pursuant to Resolve (6-1) Representative LANDRY for the Joint Standing Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife on Bill "An Act to Amend the Start Date of the September Upland Game Season" (H.P. 1422) (L.D. 2216)
Reporting Ought to Pass pursuant to Resolve 2023, chapter 36, section 3.
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Refer to the Committee on Judiciary
(6-2) Representative MOONEN for the Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary on Bill "An Act to Implement the Recommendations of the Right to Know Advisory Committee Regarding Public Records Exceptions" (H.P. 1421) (L.D. 2215)
Reporting that it be REFERRED to the Committee on JUDICIARY pursuant to the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 1, section 411, subsection 6, paragraph G.
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Refer to the Committee on Judiciary
(6-3) Representative MOONEN for the Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary on Bill "An Act to Remove the Age-related Statutory Prerequisite for Sealing Criminal History Record Information" (H.P. 1423) (L.D. 2218)
Reporting that it be REFERRED to the Committee on JUDICIARY pursuant to Resolve 2023, chapter 103, section 7.
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Divided Report (6-4) Majority Report of the Committee on AGRICULTURE, CONSERVATION AND FORESTRYreporting Ought Not to Pass on Bill "An Act to Update the Laws Governing the University of Maine System's Board of Agriculture and to Rename the Maine Agricultural Experiment Station" (H.P. 966) (L.D. 1511) Signed: Senators: Representatives: Minority Report of the same Committee reporting Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-749) on same Bill.
Signed: Representatives: _________________________________ (6-5) Majority Report of the Committee on ENERGY, UTILITIES AND TECHNOLOGY reporting Ought Not to Pass on Bill "An Act to Reduce Electricity Rates" (H.P. 452) (L.D. 683) Signed: Senators: Representatives: Minority Report of the same Committee reporting Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-750) on same Bill.
Signed: Senator: Representatives: _________________________________ (6-6) Majority Report of the Joint Select Committee on HOUSING reporting Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-751) on Bill "An Act to Establish the Community Housing and Rural Development Authority" (H.P. 1197) (L.D. 1867) Signed: Senators: Representatives: Minority Report of the same Committee reporting Ought Not to Pass on same Bill.
Signed: Representatives: _________________________________ (6-7) Majority Report of the Committee on VETERANS AND LEGAL AFFAIRS reporting Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-753) on Bill "An Act to Allow Candidates for County Office to Participate in the Maine Clean Election Act" (H.P. 1263) (L.D. 1966) Signed: Senators: Representatives: Minority Report of the same Committee reporting Ought Not to Pass 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. 928) (L.D. 2183) Resolve, to Correct the Designation of a Bridge in Canaan to Be Named After Staff Sergeant Richard Gerald Salsbury (EMERGENCY) Committee on TRANSPORTATION reporting Ought to Pass (7-2) (S.P. 743) (L.D. 1827) Bill "An Act to Prevent Closures and Ensure Sustainability of Nursing Facilities, Private Nonmedical Institutions and Residential Care Facilities by Removing So-called Budget Neutrality" Committee on HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES reporting Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-521) (7-3) (H.P. 1314) (L.D. 2052) Bill "An Act to Provide Additional Moose Hunting Opportunities for Maine Youth Experiencing Critical Illnesses" Committee on INLAND FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE reporting Ought to Pass (7-4) (H.P. 1315) (L.D. 2053) Bill "An Act to Exempt Buildings Used to Cultivate Crops from the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code" Committee on CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY reporting Ought to Pass (7-5) (H.P. 1392) (L.D. 2177) Resolve, Regarding Legislative Review of Portions of Chapter 101: MaineCare Benefits Manual, Chapter III, Section 29: Allowances for Support Services for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder, a Major Substantive Rule of the Department of Health and Human Services (EMERGENCY) Committee on HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES reporting Ought to Pass (7-6) (H.P. 988) (L.D. 1533) Bill "An Act to Provide for Consistent Billing Practices by Health Care Providers" Committee on HEALTH COVERAGE, INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES reporting Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-752) (7-7) (H.P. 1307) (L.D. 2045) Bill "An Act to Establish Training and Certification Standards for Probation and Parole Officers" Committee on CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY reporting Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-754)
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Emergency Measure
(10-1) An Act to Restore the Board of Dental Practice's Authority to Issue Letters of Guidance (H.P. 1302) (L.D. 2040)
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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(10-2) An Act to Support Farmland Conservation (S.P. 247) (L.D. 579) (10-3) An Act to Ensure Proper Regulation of Chemical Plastic Processing (S.P. 665) (L.D. 1660) (10-4) An Act to Require Broadband Internet Access Service Providers to Prorate Customer Bills (H.P. 1240) (L.D. 1932) (10-5) An Act Regarding the Duties of Bail Commissioners (H.P. 1313) (L.D. 2051) (10-6) An Act to Exclude Certain Operating Under the Influence Crimes from the Immunity Provisions That Are Triggered When Law Enforcement Is Called for a Suspected Overdose (H.P. 1316) (L.D. 2054)
Reported by the Committee on Engrossed Bills as truly and strictly engrossed.
_________________________________ 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 ACCEPTED and 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) Bill "An Act to Prohibit Insurers from Using Credit Information as a Factor in Certain Insurance Practices" (S.P. 950) (L.D. 2220)
Comes from the Senate, REFERRED to the Committee on HEALTH COVERAGE, INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES and ordered printed.
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(1-2) Bill "An Act to Strengthen the Maine Veterans' Homes with Increased and Ongoing Funding" (S.P. 948) (L.D. 2217)
Comes from the Senate, REFERRED to the Committee on VETERANS AND LEGAL AFFAIRSand ordered printed.
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State of Maine http://legislature.maine.gov/HouseCalendar House Supplement No. 2
Refer to the Committee on Judiciary
(6-1) Report of the Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary on Bill "An Act to Implement the Recommendations of the Maine Commission on Indigent Legal Services" (S.P. 949) (L.D. 2219)
Reporting that it be REFERRED to the Committee on JUDICIARY pursuant to the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 4, section 1804, subsection 3.
Comes from the Senate with the Report READ and ACCEPTED and the Bill REFERREDto the Committee on JUDICIARY.
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