CLERK'S OFFICE
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The House CalendarThe Advance Journal and Calendar of the House of Representatives 15th Legislative Day Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Calling of the House to Order by the Speaker.
Prayer by Reverend Kerry Mansir, Christ Episcopal Church, Gardiner.
National Anthem by Sammie Angel, Dixfield.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Medical Provider of the Day, Susan Davis Doughty, MSN, AGNP, WHNP-BC, FAANP, Scarborough.
Reading of the Journal of yesterday. _________________________________
COMMUNICATIONS
(2-1) The Following Communication: (H.C. 419)
STATE OF MAINE SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT 163 STATE HOUSE STATION AUGUSTA, MAINE 04333-0163
January 12, 2024
Sen. Troy D. Jackson, President of the Senate 131st Maine Legislature Senate President’s Office SHS #3, State House Augusta, ME 04333
Rep. Rachel Talbot Ross, Speaker of the House 131st Maine Legislature SHS #2, State House Augusta, ME 04333
Dear President Jackson and Speaker Talbot Ross,
I am pleased to accept the invitation to address a Joint Session of the 131st Maine Legislature on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at 10:45 a.m. I look forward to discussing the challenges faced and successes achieved by the Maine Judicial Branch over the last year, and an overview of the progress we hope to make in 2024 and beyond.
Sincerely,
S/Valerie Stanfill Chief Justice
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(2-2) The Following Communication: (H.C. 420)
STATE OF MAINE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR 1 STATE HOUSE STATION AUGUSTA, MAINE 04333-0001
January 24, 2024
The Honorable Troy Jackson President, State of Maine Senate #3 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333
The Honorable Rachel Talbot Ross Speaker, State of Maine House of Representatives #2 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333
Dear President Jackson and Speaker Talbot Ross:
Thank you for your invitation to a Joint Session of the 131st Maine Legislature for the State of the Judiciary address to take place on February 2lst at 10:45 am in the House Chamber.
I am pleased to accept your invitation.
Sincerely,
S/Janet T. Mills Governor
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(2-3) The Following Communication: (H.C. 421)
STATE OF MAINE ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE COMMITTEE ON LABOR AND HOUSING
February 15, 2024
The Honorable Troy Jackson President of the Senate
The Honorable Rachel Talbot Ross Speaker of the House of Representatives
131st Legislature State House Augusta, ME 04333
Dear President Jackson and Speaker Talbot Ross:
Please accept this letter as the report of the findings of the Joint Standing Committee on Labor and Housing from its review and evaluation of the Department of Labor under the State Government Evaluation Act, Title 3 Maine Revised Statutes, chapter 35.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Act, the committee notified the Department by letter dated April 20, 2023 of its intent to conduct a review. The Department submitted its program evaluation report on November 1, 2023.
The committee has reviewed the report and unanimously finds that the Department of Labor is operating within its statutory authority.
Sincerely,
S/Mike Tipping Senate Chair
S/Amy Roeder House Chair
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(2-4) The Following Communication: (H.C. 422)
STATE OF MAINE ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY, UTILITIES AND TECHNOLOGY
February 16, 2024
The Honorable Troy D. Jackson, President of the Senate The Honorable Rachel Talbot Ross, Speaker of the House of Representatives 131st Legislature State House Augusta, ME 04333
Dear President Jackson and Speaker Talbot Ross:
Please accept this letter as the report of the findings of the Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology from its review and evaluation of the Maine Municipal and Rural Electrification Cooperative Agency (MMRECA) under the State Government Evaluation Act, Title 3, Maine Revised Statutes, chapter 35.
The committee finds that MMRECA's operations are within its statutory authority. We note that MMRECA has not implemented any programs or projects; however, the committee does not recommend any changes to the agency's powers or duties at this time.
Sincerely,
S/Mark W. Lawrence Senate Chair
S/Stanley Paige Zeigler, Jr. House Chair
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(2-5) The Following Communication: (H.C. 423)
STATE OF MAINE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SPEAKER'S OFFICE AUGUSTA, MAINE 04333-0002
February 21, 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 16, 2024
Kossi Gamedah of Falmouth, Anne Roosevelt of Embden and Peter DelGreco of North Yarmouth for reappointment to the Maine Community College System Board of Trustees. Pursuant to Title 20-A, MRSA §12705, these reappointments are contingent on confirmation by the Maine State Senate after review by the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs.
Mark R. Gardener of Kittery, William B. Eisenhardt of Castine and Anthony Hall of Winterport for appointment to the Maine Maritime Academy Board of Trustees. Pursuant to Title 5 §12004-C and Public Law 1941, c. 37, §1, as amended by P&SL 1993, c. 27, §1, these appointments are contingent on confirmation by the Maine State Senate after review by the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs.
Sincerely,
S/Rachel Talbot Ross Speaker of the House
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SPECIAL SENTIMENT CALENDAR
In accordance with House Rule 519 and Joint Rule 213, the following items: Recognizing: (5-1) Carter Galley, of Rockland, who recently scored his 1,000th career point playing basketball. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(SLS 1408)
(5-2) Bailey Breen, of Rockland, who recently scored her 1,000th career point playing basketball. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(SLS 1409)
(5-3) Jess Cleary-Reuning, of Orono, who has been named a McGillicuddy Humanities Center Research Fellow. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(SLS 1410)
(5-4) Frank Donald, of Wilton, on his retirement as the Director of the Wilton Parks and Recreation Department after 35 years of public service. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(SLS 1411)
(5-5) Michael Murphy, of Portland, coach of the Scarborough High School Boys Golf Team, who has been named The Forecaster's Southern Edition Boys Coach of the Year. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(SLS 1412)
(5-6) Glenn Hutchinson, of Bath, Chief Executive Officer of Bath Savings Institution, who has received the 2024 Harry C. Crooker Lifetime Achievement Award from the Bath-Brunswick Regional Chamber. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(SLS 1413)
(5-7) Evan Gleason, of Topsham, who has received the 2024 Volunteer of the Year Award from the Bath-Brunswick Regional Chamber. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(SLS 1414)
(5-8) Morgan Miller, of Freeport, owner of Soft Corner Midwifery, who has received the 2024 Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award from the Bath-Brunswick Regional Chamber. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(SLS 1415)
(5-9) Hammond Lumber Company, of Brunswick, led by Jason Gagnon, which has received the 2024 Large Business of the Year Award from the Bath-Brunswick Regional Chamber. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(SLS 1416)
(5-10) Reform Physical Therapy, of Brunswick, led by Jill Partridge, which has received the 2024 Small Business of the Year Award from the Bath-Brunswick Regional Chamber. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(SLS 1417)
(5-11) the Maine Coast Fishermen's Association, of Brunswick, which has received the 2024 Non-Profit of the Year Award from the Bath-Brunswick Regional Chamber. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(SLS 1418)
(5-12) Jen Charbonneau, of Harpswell, co-owner of Cook's Lobster and Ale House, who has received the 2024 President's Award from the Bath-Brunswick Regional Chamber. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(SLS 1419)
(5-13) Michael Murphy, of Portland, on his retirement as coach of the Deering High School Varsity Girls Basketball Team after 24 years of coaching. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(SLS 1422)
(5-14) Jordan R. Brown, of Sangerville, a member of Troop No. 61, who has attained the high rank and distinction of Eagle Scout. This is the highest award in Scouting and is given for excellence in skills development, leadership, personal growth and community service. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(SLS 1423)
(5-15) Patty Hamilton, of Bangor, who is retiring as Public Health Director of the City of Bangor after 36 years of public service. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(SLS 1424)
(5-16) Thomas Floyd, of Corinna, to whom the Town of Corinna has dedicated its Town Report in recognition of his many contributions to his community. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
(HLS 752) Presented by Representative COSTAIN of Plymouth. Cosponsored by Senator GUERIN of Penobscot.
In Memory of: (5-17) Rodney Bruce Farmer, of Farmington. Dr. Farmer served in the United States Army and was deployed to Vietnam from 1969 to 1970. Over the course of his life, he worked in various occupations, including farm laborer, dump truck driver, grocery store clerk, soldier, high school history and social science teacher and college professor, but his true passion lay in being a poet. He dedicated 38 years of his career to the University of Maine at Farmington, where he served as a professor of elementary and secondary social science. He retired as Professor Emeritus in 2013. During his tenure, he held esteemed positions such as director of the honors program and chair of the middle/school secondary department. He was also an active member of the Maine Council for the Social Studies and served as president for several years. In 1994, he was honored with the Maine Council for the Social Studies Award for Excellence in Social Studies Education. He received multiple awards and fellowships throughout his career, including memberships in prestigious societies such as Phi Alpha Theta, Phi Delta Kappa and Kappa Delta Pi, and a number of Fulbright Fellowships. He published over 100 articles, essays and book reviews in addition to more than 1,000 poems in over 200 journals and three books of poetry, "Universal Essence," "Red Ships," and "Fingers Pointing at the Moon." Dr. Farmer will be long remembered and sadly missed by his wife of 38 years, Margaret, his family and friends and all those whose lives he touched;
(SLS 1420)
(5-18) Janice Dunlap, of Gorham. Mrs. Dunlap was an active member of the White Rock Community Club, the White Rock Cemetery Association and the White Rock Ladies Auxiliary. She was also an active member of the Lakes Region Senior Center. Mrs. Dunlap will be long remembered and sadly missed by her family and friends;
(SLS 1421)
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Ought to Pass Pursuant to Resolve (6-1) Representative BRENNAN for the Joint Standing Committee on Education and Cultural Affairs on Resolve, Directing the State Board of Education to Amend Chapter 115: The Credentialing of Education Personnel, a Major Substantive Rule of the State Board of Education (H.P. 1424) (L.D. 2221)
Reporting Ought to Pass pursuant to Resolve 2023, chapter 54, section 2.
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Refer to the Committee on State and Local Government
(6-2) Representative STOVER for the Joint Standing Committee on State and Local Government on Bill "An Act Establishing a State Calendar for the State of Maine" (H.P. 1425) (L.D. 2222)
Reporting that it be REFERRED to the Committee on STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTpursuant to Resolve 2023, chapter 91, section 2.
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Divided Report (6-3) Majority Report of the Committee on CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY reporting Ought Not to Pass on Bill "An Act to Establish a Community-based Reentry Program in All Department of Corrections Facilities" (S.P. 650) (L.D. 1633) Signed: Senator: Representatives: Minority Report of the same Committee reporting Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-533) on same Bill.
Signed: Senator: Representatives: Comes from the Senate with the Majority OUGHT NOT TO PASS Report READ and ACCEPTED.
_________________________________ (6-4) Majority Report of the Joint Select Committee on HOUSING reporting Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-522) on Bill "An Act to Create Transitional Housing Communities for Homeless Populations in the State" (S.P. 684) (L.D. 1721) Signed: Senators: Representatives: Minority Report of the same Committee reporting Ought Not to Pass on same Bill.
Signed: 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-522).
_________________________________ (6-5) Majority Report of the Committee on MARINE RESOURCES reporting Ought Not to Pass on Resolve, to Establish a Grant Program to Issue Shellfish Licenses to Qualified Disabled Veterans (S.P. 775) (L.D. 1915) Signed: Senators: Representatives: Minority Report of the same Committee reporting Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-525) on same Resolve.
Signed: Representative: Comes from the Senate with the Majority OUGHT NOT TO PASS Report READ and ACCEPTED.
_________________________________ (6-6) Majority Report of the Committee on VETERANS AND LEGAL AFFAIRS reporting Ought Not to Pass on Bill "An Act to Require Disclosure of Campaign Funding Sources" (S.P. 621) (L.D. 1590) Signed: Senators: Representatives: Minority Report of the same Committee reporting Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-532) on same Bill.
Signed: Representatives: Comes from the Senate with the Majority OUGHT NOT TO PASS Report READ and ACCEPTED.
_________________________________ (6-7) Majority Report of the Committee on CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY reporting Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-757) on Bill "An Act to Prohibit Unauthorized Paramilitary Training" (H.P. 1354) (L.D. 2130) Signed: Senators: Representatives: Minority Report of the same Committee reporting Ought Not to Pass on same Bill.
Signed: Senator: Representatives: _________________________________ (6-8) Majority Report of the Committee on EDUCATION AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS reporting Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-756) on Bill "An Act to Provide Funds to the Maine Indian Education School District" (H.P. 917) (L.D. 1421) Signed: Senators: Representatives: Minority Report of the same Committee reporting Ought Not to Pass on same Bill.
Signed: Representatives: _________________________________ (6-9) Seven Members of the Committee on CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY report in Report "A" Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-758) on Bill "An Act to Expand the State's Workforce by Supporting the Transition from Incarceration to Employment" (H.P. 578) (L.D. 931)
Signed: Senator: Representatives: Four Members of the same Committee report in Report "B" Ought Not to Pass on same Bill.
Signed: Senators: Representatives: One Member of the same Committee reports in Report "C" Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "B" (H-759) on same Bill.
Signed:
Representative: _________________________________ CONSENT CALENDAR
First Day
In accordance with House Rule 519, the following item appeared on the Consent Calendar for the First Day: (7-1) (H.P. 423) (L.D. 646) Bill "An Act to Provide Appropriations and Allocations for the Operations of State Government" (EMERGENCY) Committee on APPROPRIATIONS AND FINANCIAL AFFAIRS reporting Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-755)
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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 - 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.
8. Expression of Legislative Sentiment Recognizing Norway Savings Bank (HLS 751)
TABLED - February 20, 2024 (Till Later Today) by Representative MILLETT of Waterford. PENDING - PASSAGE.
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STATUTORY ADJOURNMENT DATE April 17, 2024
State of Maine http://legislature.maine.gov/HouseCalendar House Supplement No. 1
(1-1) Resolve, to Direct the Department of Health and Human Services to Amend Rules and Establish a Study Group Related to Funding and Reimbursement for Mental Health Crisis Resolution Services (S.P. 951) (L.D. 2223)
Comes from the Senate, REFERRED to the Committee on HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICESand ordered printed.
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