AUGUSTA — Gov. Paul LePage has signed two major bills related to so-called “bath salts” and congressional redistricting that were sent to him during this week’s special session.

LePage said today that he appreciates the Legislature’s quick action to increase penalties for possession and trafficking of the drug known by the street name bath salts. He says Tuesday’s action will help to stem an “epidemic” of the drug’s abuse.

Police and emergency rooms across the state have seen increasing evidence of the bath salts, which can cause aggressive and violent behavior.

LePage also signed a bill to update the boundaries to Maine’s two congressional districts to reflect population changes and ensure equal representation of citizens in the U.S. House. A compromise bill leaves most of the current district boundary intact.