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One Hundred and Thirty-Second Legislature
Second Regular Session
Advance Journal and Calendar
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Matthea E. L.
Daughtry |
http://legislature.maine.gov/senate |
Darek M. Grant |
State of the Judiciary
7th Legislative Day
In Senate Chamber, Thursday, February 12, 2026.
Senate called to Order by President Matthea E. Larsen Daughtry of Cumberland County.
Prayer by Pastor Glenn Peterson of Hope Baptist Church in Manchester.
Pledge of Allegiance led by Senator Bruce A. Bickford of Androscoggin County.
Reading of the Journal of Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
Medical Provider of the Day, Kevin Fickenscher, MD of Kittery Point.
_________________________________
On motion by Senator DUSON of Cumberland, the following Senate Order:
S.O. 29
ORDERED, that a message be sent to the House of Representatives proposing a Convention of the two branches of the Legislature be held at 10:45 this morning in the Hall of the House for the purpose of welcoming the Honorable Valerie Stanfill, Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, the Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court, and members of the Judiciary, and request the Chief Justice make such communication as she is pleased to make.
PAPERS FROM THE HOUSE
Non-Concurrent Matter
(1-1) Bill "An Act to Require Certain Mental Health Data to Be Included in Uniform Crime Reports"
H.P. 792 L.D. 1187
(S "A" S-470 to C "A" H-632)
In Senate, June 25, 2025, PASSED TO BE ENACTED in concurrence.
In House, RECALLED from the Governor's Desk, pursuant to Joint Order H.P. 1444.
Comes from the House, PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" (H-632) AS AMENDED BY HOUSE AMENDMENT "A" (H-784) thereto in NON-CONCURRENCE.
_________________________________
Non-Concurrent Matter
(1-2) Resolve, Directing the Permanent Commission on the Status of Women to Study the Extent of Workforce Gender Segregation in the State
H.P. 341 L.D. 522
(C "A" H-49)
In Senate, June 25, 2025, FINALLY PASSED in concurrence.
In House, RECALLED from the Governor's Desk, pursuant to Joint Order H.P. 1445.
Comes from the House, PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" (H-49) AS AMENDED BY HOUSE AMENDMENT "A" (H-786) thereto in NON-CONCURRENCE.
_________________________________
Non-Concurrent Matter
(1-3) Bill "An Act to Increase the Size and Balance of Jury Pools"
H.P. 238 L.D. 338
(C "A" H-159)
In Senate, June 25, 2025, PASSED TO BE ENACTED in concurrence.
In House, RECALLED from the Governor's Desk, pursuant to Joint Order H.P. 1391.
Comes from the House, PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" (H-159) AS AMENDED BY HOUSE AMENDMENT "A" (H-798) thereto in NON-CONCURRENCE.
_________________________________
Joint Orders
Expressions of Legislative Sentiment recognizing:
(1-4) the Town of East Machias, on the celebration of the town's bicentennial in 2026. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
HLS 526
(1-5) the 35th Annual United States National Toboggan Championships, held at the Camden Snow Bowl. The event started in 1991 to celebrate the rebuilding and dedication of the Jack William Toboggan Chute and has grown into Maine's largest February event. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
HLS 540
(1-6) Josie Quimby, of Orrington, on the celebration of her 102nd Birthday. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
HLS 542
(1-7) Lucas Shirland, of Lisbon, an officer of the Topsham Police Department. Officer Shirland responded to an incident on the Merrymeeting Bridge, where a woman was in crisis and immediate danger. Through calm engagement, compassion and decisive action, Officer Shirland was able to guide her to safety and remain with her until crisis assistance arrived. Officer Shirland's professionalism and presence directly contributed to saving a life, reflecting great credit upon himself and the Topsham Police Department. We extend our appreciation and best wishes;
HLS 543
Come from the House, READ and PASSED.
_________________________________
Joint Resolutions
(1-8) The following Joint Resolution:
H.P. 1473
JOINT RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING JANUARY 2026 AS HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION MONTH
WHEREAS, human trafficking is a public health issue and a crime that harms the health and well-being of individuals, families and communities, often across generations; and
WHEREAS, twenty-five years after passage of the federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, an estimated 27,600,000 people are subjected to human trafficking globally, with cases reported in every United States state and territory; and
WHEREAS, human trafficking can happen to anyone, but certain populations are at greater risk, including people affected by abuse, violence, poverty, unstable living situations or social disconnection; and
WHEREAS, human trafficking is connected to many other forms of violence and exploitation and often shares common risk factors such as lack of resources and unsafe environments; and
WHEREAS, services provided to those affected by human trafficking must be trauma-informed and responsive to individual needs; and
WHEREAS, there is a need to understand how human trafficking relates to other forms of violence and how we can prevent it by strengthening protective factors at the individual, relational, community and societal levels; and
WHEREAS, strengthening communities requires collective action to reduce the conditions that contribute to exploitation, build resilience and create environments where people are protected from human trafficking and other forms of violence; and
WHEREAS, successful response to human trafficking requires a coordinated, community-wide effort that includes collaboration across sectors and with those who have experienced human trafficking firsthand to ensure that services and programs are effective and meet the needs of all survivors; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: That We, the Members of the One Hundred and Thirty-second Legislature now assembled in the Second Regular Session, on behalf of the people we represent, take this opportunity to recognize January 2026 as Human Trafficking Prevention Month and to express our support for increasing awareness of and improving education on human trafficking, making resources available for individuals and communities affected by human trafficking and building diverse public-private partnerships to support a more coordinated, comprehensive response to prevent and combat human trafficking.
Comes from the House, READ and ADOPTED.
_________________________________
(1-9) The following Joint Resolution:
H.P. 1474
JOINT RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING JANUARY 2026 AS STALKING AWARENESS MONTH
WHEREAS, approximately one in 3 women and one in 6 men in the United States, at some point during their lifetimes, have experienced stalking victimization, causing them to feel very fearful, threatened or concerned for their own safety or the safety of others; and
WHEREAS, it is estimated that each year over 13,400,000 individuals in the United States report that they have been victims of stalking; and
WHEREAS, stalking affects victims of every race, age, culture, gender, sexual orientation, physical and mental ability and economic status; and
WHEREAS, individuals between 18 and 24 years old experience the highest rates of stalking victimization, and a majority of stalking victims report their victimization first occurred before the age of 25; and
WHEREAS, more than 80% of victims of stalking report that they have been stalked by a current or former intimate partner or an acquaintance; and
WHEREAS, some 80% of stalking victims report being stalked with technology, such as phone calls, text messages, social media platforms, internet posts, emails and electronic tracking, and victims of technology-facilitated stalking often report higher fear than victims who experience in-person stalking and are equally concerned for their safety; and
WHEREAS, the prevalence of anxiety, insomnia, social dysfunction and severe depression is much higher among victims of stalking than among the general population; and
WHEREAS, nearly 70% of female stalking victims and 80% of male stalking victims are threatened with physical harm by stalkers; and
WHEREAS, stalking is a risk factor for intimate partner homicide, and 3 in 4 female victims of intimate partner homicide were stalked by their killers during the year preceding the homicide; and
WHEREAS, over 10% of victims of stalking report having been stalked for 5 or more years, and 2 in 3 stalkers pursue their victims at least once a week; and
WHEREAS, many victims of stalking are forced to take drastic measures to protect themselves, including relocating, changing jobs or obtaining protection orders; and
WHEREAS, many victims of stalking do not report stalking to the police or contact a victim service provider, shelter or hotline; and
WHEREAS, stalking is a crime under federal law, the laws of all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the territories of the United States and the Uniform Code of Military Justice; and
WHEREAS, national organizations, local victim service organizations, college and university campuses, prosecutors’ offices and police departments stand ready to assist victims of stalking and are working diligently to develop effective and innovative responses to stalking, including online stalking; and
WHEREAS, there is a need to improve the response of the criminal justice system to stalking through more aggressive investigation and prosecution and a need to increase the availability of victim services across the United States, including programs tailored to meet the needs of victims of stalking; and
WHEREAS, January 2026 marks the 22nd anniversary of the first National Stalking Awareness Month, which provides an opportunity to educate the people of the United States about stalking; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: That We, the Members of the One Hundred and Thirty-second Legislature now assembled in the Second Regular Session, on behalf of the people we represent, take this opportunity to recognize January 2026 as Stalking Awareness Month and applaud the efforts of service providers, police departments, prosecutors’ offices, national and community organizations, colleges and universities and private sector entities that combat stalking, support victims and bring awareness to this crime, and we encourage policymakers, criminal justice officials, victim service and human service agencies, institutions of higher education and nonprofit organizations to increase awareness of stalking and continue to support the availability of services for victims of stalking.
Comes from the House, READ and ADOPTED.
_________________________________
(1-10) The following Joint Resolution:
H.P. 1490
JOINT RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING FEBRUARY 2026 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 from people employed in Maine to questions arising from the growing complexities in health, financial and human services and the needs of Maine people, and offers interpreter services to those whose first language is not English; and
WHEREAS, since 2006, 211 Maine has been a trusted lifeline for people across the State, helping individuals and families to find local services such as utility assistance, housing or shelter and transportation by answering over 62,000 calls, texts and emails amounting to over 187,000 minutes in 2025; 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, fielding calls from those impacted by windstorms and floods, collecting critical data and helping people find winter warming shelters or cooling centers; and
WHEREAS, this past year, 211 Maine directly distributed over $236,000 in emergency heating assistance, helping residents to avoid spending winter nights in the cold or their utilities from being shut off; and
WHEREAS, 211 Maine handles a number of specialized services and partnerships, including the opiate helpline and the gambling helpline and serving as the centralized access point for the Help Me Grow Maine program and is also a resource for finding information about needs such as tax preparation 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-second Legislature now assembled in the Second Regular Session, on behalf of the people we represent, take this opportunity to recognize February 2026 as 211 Maine Month.
Comes from the House, READ and ADOPTED.
_________________________________
Joint Resolution in Memoriam:
WHEREAS, the Legislature has learned with deep regret of the death of:
(1-11) Deborrah Anne Jabar, of South Portland. Ms. Jabar was known for her generosity, compassion and fierce commitment to social justice and human rights. After college, she lived in Washington, D.C. and then Cambridge, Massachusetts, working as a paralegal at Sokolov Law. Deeply involved in Maine state politics and the Democratic Party, she organized, advocated and protested tirelessly for policies to improve the lives of working-class people in Maine and beyond. For many years, she worked on Maine Clean Elections and served as South Portland Democratic City Committee Chair. She also held professional positions at the Maine State Legislature and managed local political campaigns, including Lynne Bromley's State Senate campaigns. She worked at Maine People's Alliance in the years before she retired. Ms. Jabar will be long remembered and sadly missed by her family, friends and community;
HLS 544
Comes from the House READ and ADOPTED.
_________________________________
COMMUNICATIONS
(2-1) The Following Communication:
S.C. 804
STATE OF MAINE
SUPREME JUDICIAL COURT
February 5, 2026
Hon. Matthea Elisabeth Larsen Daughtry
President of the Senate
3 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0003
Hon. Ryan D. Fecteau
Speaker of the House
2 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333-0002
Re: State of the Judiciary
Greetings,
Thank you for your invitation of January 30, 2026. Please be advised that I am pleased to accept your invitation and will be in attendance to address the Joint Session of the Second Regular Session of the 132nd Maine Legislature on February 12, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. concerning the State of the Judiciary.
Very truly yours,
S/Valerie Stanfill
Chief Justice
_________________________________
(2-2) The Following Communication:
S.C. 806
STATE OF MAINE
132nd LEGISLATURE
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
AUGUSTA, MAINE
February 11, 2026
Secretary of the Senate
3 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333
Dear Secretary Grant,
Pursuant to my authority under Title 23, MRSA, Chapter 304, §3036, I am pleased to appoint Amanda Meader of Winthrop to the Abandoned and Discontinued Roads Commission, effective immediately.
On this board, she will serve as a member of the commission from a statewide association of attorneys who has expertise in real estate law.
If you have any questions regarding this appointment, please do not hesitate to contact my office.
Sincerely,
S/Matthea Elisabeth Larsen Daughtry
President of the Senate
_________________________________
(2-3) The Following Communication:
S.C. 807
STATE OF MAINE
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
AUGUSTA, MAINE
February 11, 2026
The Honorable Matthea Daughtry
President of the Senate
3 State House Station
Augusta, ME. 04333
RE: Nomination to the Maine District Court
Dear President Daughtry:
I am pleased to nominate Andrew K. Lizotte, Esq. of Dover-Foxcroft for appointment as a Judge of the Maine District Court:
Pursuant to Article V, Part First, §8, of the Maine Constitution, these nominations are contingent on confirmation by the Maine State Senate after review by the Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary.
Sincerely,
S/Janet T. Mills
Governor
_________________________________
(2-4) The Following Communication:
S.C. 808
STATE OF MAINE
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
AUGUSTA, MAINE
February 11, 2026
The Honorable Matthea Daughtry
President of the Senate
3 State House Station
Augusta, ME. 04333
RE: Nomination to the Maine Superior Court
Dear President Daughtry:
I am pleased to inform you that I am nominating The Honorable Sean Ociepka of Belfast for appointment as a Justice of the Maine Superior Court.
Pursuant to Article V, Part First, §8, of the Maine Constitution, these nominations are contingent on confirmation by the Maine State Senate after review by the Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary.
Sincerely,
S/Janet T. Mills
Governor
_________________________________
(2-5) The Following Communication:
S.C. 809
STATE OF MAINE
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
AUGUSTA, MAINE
February 11, 2026
The Honorable Matthea Daughtry
President of the Senate
3 State House Station
Augusta, ME. 04333
RE: Nomination to the Maine Superior Court
Dear President Daughtry:
I am pleased to inform you that I am nominating The Honorable Harold L. Stewart, II of Bangor for appointment as an Active Retired Justice of the Maine Superior Court.
Pursuant to Article V, Part First, §8, of the Maine Constitution, these nominations are contingent on confirmation by the Maine State Senate after review by the Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary.
Sincerely,
S/Janet T. Mills
Governor
_________________________________
ORDERS
Joint Orders
(4-1) On motion by Senator PIERCE of Cumberland, the following Joint Order:
S.P. 902
ORDERED, the House concurring, that when the Senate and House adjourn, they do so until Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 10:00 in the morning, or until the call of the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House, respectively.
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Expressions of Legislative Sentiment recognizing:
(4-2) Jason Gillis of Maine Crane & Lift, of Detroit, 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;
SLS 1592
Sponsored by Senator FARRIN of Somerset.
Cosponsored by Representative: CRAY of Palmyra.
(4-3) Stanley Ames, of Canaan, 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;
SLS 1593
Sponsored by Senator FARRIN of Somerset.
Cosponsored by Representative: CRAY of Palmyra.
(4-4) Charles Fields, of Palmyra, 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;
SLS 1594
Sponsored by Senator FARRIN of Somerset.
Cosponsored by Representative: CRAY of Palmyra.
(4-5) Isaiah Whitehead, of Gorham, who won the nationwide 2025 Congressional App Challenge, the most prestigious prize in student computer science. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
SLS 1595
Sponsored by Senator BRENNER of Cumberland.
Cosponsored by Representatives: SATO of Gorham, TERRY of Gorham.
(4-6) the Cape Elizabeth High School Bartleby Literary Magazine, 2025 edition, which has received the First Class honor of the National Council of Teachers of English Recognizing Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines program. This is the second consecutive year the magazine has received this honor. We extend our congratulations and best wishes;
SLS 1596
Sponsored by Senator CARNEY of Cumberland.
Cosponsored by Representatives: BOYER of Cape Elizabeth, KESSLER of South Portland.
(4-7) Todd Sawyer, of Waterford, 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;
SLS 1599
Sponsored by Senator BENNETT of Oxford.
Cosponsored by Representative: WOOD of Norway.
_________________________________
Joint Resolutions
(4-8) On motion by Senator TALBOT ROSS of Cumberland (Cosponsored by Representative DEBRITO of Waterville and Senators: DUSON of Cumberland, HICKMAN of Kennebec, Representatives: ABDI of Lewiston, DHALAC of South Portland, MACIAS of Topsham, RANA of Bangor, SATO of Gorham, YUSUF of Portland), the following Joint Resolution:
S.P. 901
JOINT RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING FEBRUARY 2026 AS BLACK HISTORY MONTH
ON ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY
WHEREAS, Maine's Black history and the story of Maine's role in the global economy of enslavement have been largely effaced from our narratives and from our collective consciousness; and
WHEREAS, from the earliest arrivals of people from Europe and Africa in the Americas, Africans and African Americans have been part of the story of this land, and researchers have identified over 2,000 people of color who lived in what is now called the State of Maine prior to the year 1800; and
WHEREAS, Africans who were brought involuntarily to these shores suffered generations of enslavement, and their descendants faced the injustices of lynch mobs, segregation and the denial of basic fundamental rights; and
WHEREAS, people living in Maine engaged in the slave trade for at least 113 years, with the earliest known slaving voyage departing from Maine's shores taking place in 1749 and the last known slaving voyage on a Maine-built vessel taking place in 1862; and
WHEREAS, a total of 70 Maine-built vessels are known to have transported enslaved people, representing only the tip of the iceberg, and slaving vessels were constructed in at least 26 Maine towns; and
WHEREAS, Maine merchants were deeply entangled in the global economy of enslavement, as were the banks that handled their accounts and the insurance firms that secured their investments, and at a time when Havana, Cuba was the hub of the illicit slave trade, that city was Portland's number one trading partner; and
WHEREAS, it was not only Maine's coastal towns that were complicit in the global economy of enslavement through shipbuilding and merchant trading activities, but its inland regions as well: crops and livestock were routinely shipped in the "coastwise" trade to provision the sugar plantations of the West Indies, along with salted fish and even ice from this region; and
WHEREAS, great quantities of Maine timber were processed into barrel staves and shipped throughout the 18th and 19th centuries to the West Indies, where enslaved Africans were forced to fashion them into barrels; they then filled these barrels with the sugar and molasses that were shipped back to Portland and distilled into rum, which was used as currency in purchasing more captive Africans; and
WHEREAS, African Americans in all walks of life have shown resilience despite suffering under slavery and injustice and have made significant contributions throughout the history of the State and across the United States; and
WHEREAS, from the Revolutionary War through the abolitionist movement, to marches from Selma to Montgomery and across America today, and in this State, African Americans have remained devoted to the proposition that all of us are created equal, even when their own rights were denied; and
WHEREAS, the month of February is officially celebrated as Black History Month, which dates back 100 years ago to 1926 when Dr. Carter G. Woodson set aside a special period of time in February to recognize the heritage and achievements of African Americans; and
WHEREAS, Black History Month was officially observed for the first time in 1976 when President Gerald Ford issued a message recognizing Black History Month; and
WHEREAS, in 1986 Congress passed a Public Law designating February as "National Black History Month"; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED: That We, the Members of the One Hundred and Thirty-second Legislature now assembled in the Second Regular Session, on behalf of the people we represent, take this opportunity to recognize the significance of Black History Month on its 100th anniversary as an important time to honor the contributions of African Americans in the nation's history and encourage all people in the State to learn more about the past and to better understand the experiences that have shaped the State and the nation.
_________________________________
Joint Resolutions in Memoriam:
WHEREAS, the Legislature has learned with deep regret of the death of:
(4-9) Robert L. "Bob" Parent, of Scarborough. Mr. Parent served 20 years in the Maine Army National Guard, 133rd Engineering Battalion, retiring with the rank of Captain. He began his professional career at Weyerhaeuser as a production operator. He advanced rapidly through the organization and, at 32 years old, became General Manager of the Westbrook Plant. He later served as Eastern Region Marketing Manager. Over his 32-year career with Weyerhaeuser, he was a civic leader in the Westbrook community, actively serving in the Chamber of Commerce, as Rotary President and with the Boy Scouts of America. He served as director of multiple boards including Fleet Bank of Maine, Westbrook Community Hospital and Ellis Paperboard. He later joined Ellis Paperboard as President and Chief Executive Officer. Following the company's acquisition by Rock-Tenn, he served as Senior Vice President of Manufacturing, and he retired as Senior Vice President of Sales at Rock-Tenn Sunoco Packaging. He also stayed busy co-managing the family's apartment rental business for over 35 years with his wife Barbara. Mr. Parent will be long remembered and sadly missed by his family, friends and community;
SLS 1597
Sponsored by Senator BRENNER of Cumberland.
Cosponsored by Senator: CARNEY of Cumberland, Representatives: GATTINE of Westbrook, MURPHY of Scarborough, WARREN of Scarborough.
WHEREAS, the Legislature has learned with deep regret of the death of:
(4-10) Geraldine Ann (Thompson) Day, of Gorham. Mrs. Day taught Elementary School in Portland and Westbrook as well as English at Morse High School. She then became a Guidance Counselor and worked at Portland High School for two years before transferring to Deering High School and working until retirement in 2005. She served as Guidance Department Head, organized Senior Last Assembly, served on the Substance Abuse Team and also served as interim Assistant Principal. She received the coveted Russell Award for her excellence in teaching. She was a Trustee at Baxter Memorial Library and the Baxter Museum, was President of the Gorham Medical Loan Closet, served on the board of Cressey Road Christian Church and was President, Vice President and Secretary for Lakes Region Senior Center. She was a registrar for Gorham voting, a member of the Female Samaritans, a member of the TRIAD and a Corporator for Gorham Savings Bank. Mrs. Day will be long remembered and sadly missed by her family, friends and community;
SLS 1598
Sponsored by Senator BRENNER of Cumberland.
Cosponsored by Representatives: SATO of Gorham, TERRY of Gorham.
WHEREAS, the Legislature has learned with deep regret of the death of:
(4-11) Muriel "Mollie" Osmundsen Mason, of Portland. Mrs. Mason was a homemaker and wrote an article for Women's Day Magazine titled "A Creative Approach to Being a Housewife," which led her to being named Massachusetts Mother of the Year in 1981. She and her husband Kimball lived and built strong friendships in Edina, Minnesota and Wellesley, Massachusetts as well as in Paris Hill, Freeport, Falmouth and Yarmouth. Wherever she lived, she became deeply involved in her community, often serving in leadership roles, including as President of the Newcomers Club, President of the Garden Club, church deacon and Chair of the Junior League of Boston. Mrs Mason will be long remembered and sadly missed by her family, friends and community;
SLS 1600
Sponsored by Senator TALBOT ROSS of Cumberland.
Cosponsored by Senator: DUSON of Cumberland, Representatives: BRENNAN of Portland, CROCKETT of Portland, LOOKNER of Portland, MOONEN of Portland, PUGH of Portland, SKOLD of Portland, YUSUF of Portland, ZAGER of Portland.
WHEREAS, the Legislature has learned with deep regret of the death of:
(4-12) Susan (Roach) Malia, of Portland. Mrs. Malia worked at Union Mutual Insurance Company upon graduation from high school in 1969. After marrying, she worked outside the home when family responsibilities allowed. In later years, she became well known as a neighborhood crossing guard. Mrs. Malia will be long remembered and sadly missed by her family, friends and community;
SLS 1601
Sponsored by Senator TALBOT ROSS of Cumberland.
Cosponsored by Senator: DUSON of Cumberland, Representatives: BRENNAN of Portland, CROCKETT of Portland, LOOKNER of Portland, MOONEN of Portland, PUGH of Portland, SKOLD of Portland, YUSUF of Portland, ZAGER of Portland.
_________________________________
REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
House
Divided Report
(5-1) The Majority of the Committee on ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES on Bill "An Act to Require General Public Notification of Oil Terminal Facility Transfer Activities"
H.P. 991 L.D. 1507
Reported that the same Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-794).
Signed:
Senator:
TEPLER of Sagadahoc
Representatives:
DOUDERA of Camden
ANKELES of Brunswick
BELL of Yarmouth
OSHER of Orono
RIELLY of Westbrook
The Minority of the same Committee on the same subject reported that the same Ought Not To Pass.
Signed:
Senator:
MARTIN of Oxford
Representatives:
CAMPBELL of Orrington
SCHMERSAL-BURGESS of Mexico
WOODSOME of Waterboro
Comes from the House with the Minority OUGHT NOT TO PASS Report READ and ACCEPTED.
_________________________________
Divided Report
(5-2) The Majority of the Committee on ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES on Bill "An Act to Update the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative Allowances"
H.P. 1367 L.D. 2037
Reported that the same Ought to Pass.
Signed:
Senators:
TEPLER of Sagadahoc
BRENNER of Cumberland
Representatives:
DOUDERA of Camden
ANKELES of Brunswick
BELL of Yarmouth
BRIDGEO of Augusta
OSHER of Orono
RIELLY of Westbrook
The Minority of the same Committee on the same subject reported that the same Ought Not To Pass.
Signed:
Senator:
MARTIN of Oxford
Representatives:
CAMPBELL of Orrington
SCHMERSAL-BURGESS of Mexico
SOBOLESKI of Phillips
WOODSOME of Waterboro
Comes from the House with the Majority OUGHT TO PASS Report READ and ACCEPTED and the Bill PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED.
_________________________________
Divided Report
(5-3) The Majority of the Committee on LABOR on Bill "An Act to Reinvest in the Pension Funds of the Maine Public Employees Retirement System"
H.P. 1243 L.D. 1872
Reported that the same Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "B" (H-795).
Signed:
Senators:
TIPPING of Penobscot
RAFFERTY of York
Representatives:
ROEDER of Bangor
ARCHER of Saco
BECK of South Portland
GEIGER of Rockland
MACIAS of Topsham
SKOLD of Portland
The Minority of the same Committee on the same subject reported that the same Ought Not To Pass.
Signed:
Senator:
BRADSTREET of Kennebec
Representatives:
COLLINS of Sidney
DRINKWATER of Milford
SOBOLESKI of Phillips
Comes from the House with the Majority OUGHT TO PASS AS AMENDED BY COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "B" (H-795) Report READ and ACCEPTED and the Bill PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "B" (H-795).
_________________________________
Divided Report
(5-4) The Majority of the Committee on LABOR on Bill "An Act to Amend the Laws Regulating Transient Sales of Home Repair Services" (EMERGENCY)
H.P. 1399 L.D. 2084
Reported that the same Ought to Pass.
Signed:
Senators:
TIPPING of Penobscot
BRADSTREET of Kennebec
RAFFERTY of York
Representatives:
ROEDER of Bangor
ARCHER of Saco
BECK of South Portland
COLLINS of Sidney
DRINKWATER of Milford
GEIGER of Rockland
MACIAS of Topsham
SKOLD of Portland
The Minority of the same Committee on the same subject reported that the same Ought Not To Pass.
Signed:
Representative:
SOBOLESKI of Phillips
Comes from the House with the Majority OUGHT TO PASS Report READ and ACCEPTED and the Bill PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED.
_________________________________
Divided Report
(5-5) Eight members of the Committee on JUDICIARY on Bill "An Act to Enact the Maine Online Data Privacy Act"
H.P. 1220 L.D. 1822
Reported in Report "A" that the same Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-716).
Signed:
Senators:
CARNEY of Cumberland
TALBOT ROSS of Cumberland
Representatives:
KUHN of Falmouth
LEE of Auburn
O'HALLORAN of Brewer
PUGH of Portland
SATO of Gorham
SINCLAIR of Bath
Four members of the same Committee on the same subject reported in Report "B" that the same Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "B" (H-717).
Signed:
Senator:
HAGGAN of Penobscot
Representatives:
BABIN of Fort Fairfield
CARUSO of Caratunk
HENDERSON of Rumford
One member of the same Committee on the same subject reported in Report "C" that the same Ought Not to Pass.
Signed:
Representative:
POIRIER of Skowhegan
Comes from the House with Report "A" OUGHT TO PASS AS AMENDED BY COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" (H-716) READ and ACCEPTED and the Bill PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" (H-716) AS AMENDED BY HOUSE AMENDMENT "A" (H-788) thereto.
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Senate
Divided Report
(5-6) The Majority of the Committee on EDUCATION AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS on Bill "An Act to Provide Funding to Improve the College and Career Readiness of Certain Students in Androscoggin and Oxford Counties"
S.P. 865 L.D. 2147
Reported that the same Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-500).
Signed:
Senators:
RAFFERTY of York
PIERCE of Cumberland
Representatives:
MURPHY of Scarborough
BRENNAN of Portland
CROCKETT of Portland
DODGE of Belfast
MITCHELL of Cumberland
SARGENT of York
The Minority of the same Committee on the same subject reported that the same Ought Not To Pass.
Signed:
Senator:
LIBBY of Cumberland
Representatives:
BAGSHAW of Windham
CARLOW of Buxton
HAGGAN of Hampden
LYMAN of Livermore Falls
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SECOND READERS
The Committee on Bills in the Second Reading reported the following:
House
(6-1) Bill "An Act to Amend the Laws Governing Licensure of Wholesalers and Manufacturers Under the Maine Pharmacy Act" (EMERGENCY)
H.P. 1349 L.D. 2019
(6-2) Resolve, to Designate Route 3 in Trenton as the Deputy Luke Gross Memorial Highway
H.P. 1363 L.D. 2033
(6-3) Bill "An Act to Dissolve the Great Salt Bay Community School District" (EMERGENCY)
H.P. 1374 L.D. 2050
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House As Amended
(6-4) Bill "An Act to Reduce Trafficking in the State" (EMERGENCY)
H.P. 343 L.D. 524
(C "A" H-789)
(6-5) Bill "An Act to Amend the Extreme Risk Protection Order Procedure" (EMERGENCY)
H.P. 1362 L.D. 2032
(C "A" H-796)
(6-6) Bill "An Act to Eliminate the Debt Limit of the North Jay Water District" (EMERGENCY)
H.P. 1371 L.D. 2041
(C "A" H-792)
(6-7) Bill "An Act to Improve Safety by Allowing the Use of Variable-message Signs on Public Service Vehicles" (EMERGENCY)
H.P. 1377 L.D. 2053
(C "A" H-797)
(6-8) Bill "An Act to Bring the Law Governing Emergency Equipment for Trucks and Truck Tractors into Alignment with the Federal Motor Carrier Laws"
H.P. 1381 L.D. 2068
(C "A" H-793)
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Senate
(6-9) Bill "An Act to Create a Process for the Residents of a Municipality to Withdraw from a School Union"
S.P. 805 L.D. 1992
(6-10) Bill "An Act to Eliminate the Juvenile Crime of Willful Refusal to Pay a Fine or Comply with the Terms of a Court Order"
S.P. 804 L.D. 2126
(6-11) Bill "An Act to Update the Laws Governing the Geographic Boundaries Between Certain Judicial Divisions in Aroostook County"
S.P. 898 L.D. 2205
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Senate As Amended
(6-12) Bill "An Act to Provide Comparable Compensation and Benefits for Deputy and Assistant District Attorneys, Assistant Attorneys General and Public Defenders"
S.P. 166 L.D. 374
(C "A" S-496)
(6-13) Bill "An Act to Authorize Issuance of Securities to Modernize and Consolidate Certain Court Facilities"
S.P. 810 L.D. 1997
(C "A" S-497)
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ENACTORS
The Committee on Engrossed Bills reported as truly and strictly engrossed the following:
Act
(7-1) An Act to Expand the Supervised Community Confinement Program
H.P. 416 L.D. 648
(C "A" H-652)
Comes from the House FAILED ENACTMENT.
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Resolve
(7-2) Resolve, to Rename a Bridge in Woolwich the Woolwich Veterans Memorial Bridge
H.P. 1357 L.D. 2027
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ORDERS OF THE DAY
Unfinished Business
The following matters in the consideration of which the Senate 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 Senate Rule 516.
1.
Tabled and Later Assigned
Bill "An Act to Implement a Recommendation of the Commission to Recommend Methods for Preventing Deed Fraud in the State"
S.P. 886 L.D. 2182
Tabled - February 3, 2026 by Senator STEWART of Aroostook
Pending - motion by Senator CARNEY of Cumberland to REJECT report and REFER Bill and accompanying papers to the Committee on HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
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2.
Tabled and Later Assigned
SENATE REPORT - on Bill "An Act to Support Permitting of Certain Multifamily Housing Developments Under the Site Location of Development Laws"
S.P. 57 L.D. 128
Report -Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-494)
Tabled - February 3, 2026 by Senator STEWART of Aroostook
Pending - ACCEPTANCE OF REPORT
(In Senate, February 3, 2026, the Senate RECONSIDERED whereby the Report was ACCEPTED.)
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3.
Tabled and Later Assigned
SENATE REPORTS - from the Committee on HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT on Bill "An Act to Exclude Agricultural Leases from the Definition of 'Subdivision' Under the Planning and Land Use Regulation Laws"
S.P.
812 L.D. 1999
Majority - Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-493) (11 members)
Minority - Ought Not to Pass (1 member)
Tabled - February 3, 2026 by Senator STEWART of Aroostook
Pending - motion by Senator CURRY of Waldo to ACCEPT the Majority OUGHT TO PASS AS AMENDED Report
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4.
Tabled and Later Assigned
HOUSE REPORT - on Resolve, Directing the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to Convene a Stakeholder Group Tasked with a Comprehensive Overhaul and Modernization of the State Subdivision Laws
H.P. 94 L.D. 161
Report -Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-787)
Tabled - February 10, 2026 by Senator STEWART of Aroostook
Pending - ACCEPTANCE OF REPORT
(In House, Report READ and ACCEPTED and Resolve PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A" (H-787).)
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5.
Tabled and Later Assigned
Emergency
An Act to Address Maine's Health Care Workforce Shortage and Improve Access to Care
H.P.
620 L.D. 961
(C "A" H-785)
Tabled - February 10, 2026 by Senator STEWART of Aroostook
Pending - ENACTMENT in concurrence
(In House, PASSED TO BE ENACTED.)
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6.
Tabled and Later Assigned
HOUSE REPORTS - from the Committee on ENERGY, UTILITIES AND TECHNOLOGY on Bill "An Act to Direct the Public Utilities Commission to Seek Informational Bids Regarding Small Modular Nuclear Reactors in the State"
H.P.
243 L.D. 343
Majority - Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "B" (H-790) (8 members)
Minority - Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "C" (H-791) (5 members)
Tabled - February 10, 2026 by Senator PIERCE of Cumberland
Pending - ACCEPTANCE OF EITHER REPORT
(In House, Majority OUGHT TO PASS AS AMENDED BY COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "B" (H-790) Report READ and ACCEPTED and the Bill PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "B" (H-790).)
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7.
Tabled and Later Assigned
SENATE REPORTS - from the Committee on ENERGY, UTILITIES AND TECHNOLOGY on Bill "An Act to Provide Greater Equity in and Reduce Costs Related to the State's Net Energy Billing Program"
S.P.
754 L.D. 1936
Majority - Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-495) (12 members)
Minority - Ought Not to Pass (1 member)
Tabled - February 10, 2026 by Senator PIERCE of Cumberland
Pending - ACCEPTANCE OF EITHER REPORT
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8.
Tabled and Later Assigned
SENATE REPORTS - from the Committee on HOUSING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT on Bill "An Act to Require the Maine Office of Community Affairs to Establish a Technical Assistance Materials Hub"
S.P.
808 L.D. 1995
Majority - Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-498) (11 members)
Minority - Ought Not to Pass (1 member)
Tabled - February 10, 2026 by Senator STEWART of Aroostook
Pending - motion by Senator CURRY of Waldo to ACCEPT the Majority OUGHT TO PASS AS AMENDED Report
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9.
Tabled and Later Assigned
An Act to Include in the Ranked-choice Election Method for General and Special Elections the Offices of Governor, State Senator and State Representative and to Make Other Related Changes
S.P. 660 L.D. 1666
(C "B" S-499)
Tabled - February 10, 2026 by Senator PIERCE of Cumberland
Pending - ENACTMENT in concurrence
(In House, PASSED TO BE ENACTED.)
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SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS TABLE