House gives final OK to regulatory reform bill

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — The Maine House has given its final approval to a bill to improve Maine’s regulatory climate.

Representatives voted 147-3 Wednesday for the bill, which awaits final Senate approval pending a fiscal review.

Originally proposed by Gov. Paul LePage, the bill underwent significant changes after seven public hearings across the state.

The version that passed Wednesday establishes an environmental self-audit program, strengthens the business assistance office in the Department of Economic and Community Development, streamlines permitting, and trims the size of the Board of Environmental Protection from 10 to seven.

It also creates a position within the Secretary of State’s office to advocate on behalf of certain businesses.

The bill was passed with strong bipartisan support.


Only subscribers are eligible to post comments. Please subscribe or login first for digital access. Here’s why.

Use the form below to reset your password. When you've submitted your account email, we will send an email with a reset code.