Rep. Allison Hepler (D-Woolwich), Rep. Sally Cluchey (D-Bowdoinham) and Gov. Janet Mills welcomed family and friends of the late Judy Kahrl of Arrowsic to the State House recently to honor her work. Kahrl, doctor of philosophy in adult education, was recognized by the entire House of Representatives for founding Grandmothers for Reproductive Rights, an organization […]
Maine State House
Maine’s public defense system gets $3.5M boost, without governor’s support
The emergency bill makes it easier for judges to appoint lawyers for people who can’t afford one themselves, and it authorizes the state to hire 5 new public defenders.
Too many Mainers are going through ‘life-changing’ civil cases without attorneys, legal aid providers say
Seven legal organizations who help Mainers with urgent civil legal matters are asking lawmakers to pass a $15.9 million 2-year emergency bill.
New Maine law would require protection order defendants to keep certain distance from victims
The new law, which will take effect 90 days after adjournment, will expand what protections Maine judges can offer victims of domestic violence and stalking.
Lawmakers look to ban legacy admissions in Maine, but some colleges are pushing back
The bill would prevent public and private colleges and universities in Maine from considering whether an applicant’s parents went to or donated to the school in the admissions process.
Maine lawmakers pass $3 million bill for public defense system
Maine lawmakers agreed to pay for more public defenders and make it easier for judges to appoint attorneys to cases where defendants can’t afford their own. Gov. Janet Mills now has 10 days to act.
Bill would allow people to register their cars in Maine without a permanent address
The Maine Department of the Secretary of State supports the bill, saying an increasing number of people are being turned away from their municipality over the issue.
Woolwich rep. wants free state park admission for veterans’ families
Rep. Allison Hepler, D-Woolwich, introduced legislation on March 25 that would restore free admission to state parks and historic sites for the immediate family members of veterans and active military personnel. “When a person serves in the military, in many ways, so does their family,” Hepler said. “Veterans make up nearly 10% of Maine’s population, […]
A $3M boost to Maine’s public defense spurs objections on all sides
An emergency bill sought to compromise the demands of Gov. Janet Mills and the Maine Commission on Public Defense Services as the state faces a constitutional violation over a lack of court-appointed attorneys.
Maine lawmakers endorse nominees to state’s high, superior courts
The Senate will have a final vote on Julia Lipez’s nomination to the Maine Supreme Judicial Court and Darcie McElwee’s to the Superior Court.