The Maine Polis

Maine’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) established, among other things, a 10 year timetable for having 10% of Maine’s electricity coming from new renewable sources by 2017. LD 1494, An Act to Reform Maine’s Renewable Portfolio Standard, looks to establish a new timetable for reaching 50% by 2030 as well changing several other RPS guidelines.…

The Committee on Veterans and Legal Affairs has scheduled public hearings this Wednesday for 6 different Rank-Choice Voting (RCV) bills…

UPDATE: At least 100 people submitted testimony in early March to the Committee On Veterans And Legal Affair’s hearing for LD 816.  Sen. Peter Jackson (D-Aroostook), whom sponsored the bill (co-sponsors), argued that because so many people feel left out of the political process, it’s important that every American’s vote should count equally.…

Rep. Jeff Hanley (R- Pittston) sponsored LD 1027 (co-sponsors) and testified before The Energy Utilities and Technology Committee that the rules were set up to promote growth of renewables and that growth has been achieved. Therefore, and because it’s a renewable energy, we should now allow large-scale hydro-electric facilities to qualify for the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard.…

JUNE 10th, 2019 UPDATE HERE

Two of the bills assigned to the Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, LD 27, An Act To Allow the Use of Crossbows during the Archery Season on Deer and LD 996 An Act To Establish a Special Handgun Hunting Season That Coincides with the Muzzle-loading Open Season could result in significant changes in how Maine’s deer population is managed.…

The Committee on State & Local Government held a public hearing Monday (3/11) for LD 144 – An Act To Opt Out of Federal Daylight Saving Time and To Ask the United States Secretary of Transportation To Place Maine in the Atlantic Time Zone.

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UPDATE: Despite initial support for LD 687, the Committee on State & Local Government voted 7-3 during the schedule work session yesterday opposing the flag change and a divided report is expected for the legislature.

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The Committee on Transportation has voted ought not to pass LD 656, An Act to Increase the Penalty for Passing a School Bus With Red Lights Flashing. The committee has yet to issue an official decision regarding LD 546, An act that increases the penalty for passing a stopped emergency vehicles with emergency lights on.…

There are disagreements between members of the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee regarding LD 514 and a Divided Report is expected for the legislature.…

Both LD 418 & LD 816 were near identical bills.  The Veterans & Legal Affairs Committee voted to not pass LD 418.  But they disagreed on LD 816 and a divided report is expected for the legislature.

–TMP…