The following are public hearings and work sessions on bills of note for the week of May 13:
May 13
- LD 1515: Could allow the forced medication of prisoners without their consent (Criminal Justice – public hearing)
- LD 1309: Would strengthen Maine’s clean elections law (Veterans and Legal Affairs – work session)
- LD 1504: Would bring Maine law regarding sexual assault in the National Guard up to speed with federal law (Veterans and Legal Affairs – public hearing)
- LD 1428: Could let people claim their religious beliefs allow them to circumvent rules followed by everyone else, including allowing them to discriminate (Judiciary – UPDATE: Public Hearing and Work Session Cancelled. Bill has been "carried over" until next year.)
May 14
- LD 1229: Would legalize marijuana use by adults in Maine (Criminal Justice and Public Safety - work session)
- LD 217: Would increase transparency in public-private transportation projects (Judiciary – work session)
- LD 1062: Would expand the conditions that qualify for medical marijuana use (Health and Human Services - public hearing)
May 15
- LD 511: Would implement the national popular vote for president (Veterans and Legal Affairs - work session)
- LD 573: Would take away the right to vote from certain imprisoned people (Veterans and Legal Affairs - work session)
May 16
- LD 760: Would force doctors to tell women unnecessary, coercive information before they could obtain an abortion (Judiciary – public hearing)
- LD 1193: Would convey legal status to a fetus, including granting the fetus legal rights to “heirs and an estate.” (Judiciary – public hearing)
- LD 1339: Would repeal Maine’s successful adult involvement law and replace it with a law requiring physicians to obtain signed consent from a minor’s parent before she can obtain an abortion. (Judiciary – public hearing)
May 17
- LD 1529 – Would require public funding of religious schools (Education – public hearing)
- LDs 760, 1193 and 1339 – Would restrict abortion rights - see May 16 (Judiciary – work session)
Taking action is as easy as making a quick phone call. Whatever legislation you care about, call your legislators and tell them how you feel. You can reach the Maine Senate at 1-800-423-6900 and the Maine House at 1-800-423-2900. If you aren't sure who your representatives are, click here to search.
Interested in testifying at a public hearing? Call us at 774-5444!