Two bills to create a tracking system received support in the Legislature but weren’t funded. A similar bill also failed to make it into law last year.
Rachel Ohm
Staff Writer
Rachel covers state government and politics for the Portland Press Herald. It’s her third beat at the paper after stints covering City Hall and education. Prior to her arrival at the Press Herald in the summer of 2019, Rachel worked at the Morning Sentinel in Waterville, covering Franklin and Somerset counties, and the Knoxville News Sentinel in Knoxville, Tennessee, covering higher education. She has a master’s degree in journalism from New York University and when she’s not writing and reporting enjoys running, cooking and traveling to new places.
Federal workers in Maine face uncertainty following court ruling allowing for mass layoffs
It’s unclear how federal workers in Maine might be impacted, but the ruling allowing the Trump administration to move forward with plans for staff reductions has prompted concerns.
Ban on untraceable firearms among dozens of bills Mills delays decisions on
Now that the 10-day window for the governor to sign bills has passed, she has the option to veto each bill or let it become law without her signature when the Legislature next meets.
Maine joins lawsuit alleging Trump administration shared Medicaid data for immigration enforcement
Federal officials say the data sharing is related to an effort to prevent abuse of the Medicaid program, but Maine and other states say it’s illegal and raises privacy concerns.
Gov. Mills won’t sign bill to limit police collaboration with immigration authorities
The bill will be held until the next legislative session, at which point the governor could veto it or allow it to become law without her signature.
Republican field for 2026 Maine governor’s race slow to take shape
It’s early and more candidates are expected to enter the race. Rep. Laurel Libby and former Senate Majority Leader Garrett Mason are two possibilities.
Maine lawmakers approve funding for reproductive care, homeless shelters on final day of session
The Legislature also passed a bill banning untraceable ‘ghost guns’ and sustained the 5 vetoes Gov. Janet Mills has issued so far this year.
Sen. King calls for investigation into canceled contracts impacting veterans
King and Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut are asking the VA Office of Inspector General to look into the Trump administration’s cancellation of hundreds of contracts.
Maine Sen. Rick Bennett announces run for governor as an independent
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Nearly 400 new Maine laws passed this session. More are coming.
Lawmakers have largely concluded their work for the year, though they are expected to return to Augusta this week to make funding decisions on remaining bills.