I'm finishing up at the State House on this - the first day of this emergency legislative session and everyone seems revved up and ready to jump into the fray.  On everyone's minds here today was the budget.  It's no news that legislators have some dismal budgetary decisions to make and minimal resources at their disposal with which to address the new and ongoing needs of Mainers. 

Despite the understandable budgetary focus, however, lawmakers will have opportunities to make substantive changes to the laws that could have serious impacts on people's lives.

Among the issues in front of this legislature, keep your eyes peeled for bills that strengthen or support civil rights and civil liberties, including -

  • LD 1611 - An Act To Ensure Humane Treatment for Special Management Prisoners (previously known as LR: 2289 - Resolve, To Reduce the Use and Abuse of Solitary Confinement) sponsored by Representative Schatz of Blue Hill.
  • LD 1561 - An Act To Regulate the Use of Traffic Surveillance Cameras, sponsored by Senator Dennis Damon of Hancock.
  • LD 1703 - An Act To Implement the Recommendations of the Juvenile Justice Task Force, sponsored by Representative Haskell of Portland.
  • LD 1658 - An Act To Increase Maine's High School Graduation Rate, sponsored by Senator Alfond of Cumberland.

We also anticipate bills addressing implementation of Maine's new medical marijuana dispensary law and another addressing the privacy and access concerns related to HealthInfoNet.

Let the games begin!