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As expected the Second Regular Session is moving quickly, and we have now reached the halfway point of the legislative calendar. Committees have been working at a rapid pace to hold public hearings and work sessions, and key policy battles are already underway. While the team at Dirigo has been actively tracking 18 bills for ABC Maine this session, our top three priorities are quickly making their way through the process. As we move into the second half of session, the primary focus of the session will shift toward the Governor’s supplemental budget proposal.
Below is an update on several priority bills:
Summary: Initially, LD 838 proposed the creation of a public authority to finance Maine’s electric transmission and distribution infrastructure. While framed as an exploratory measure, the bill lays groundwork for significant restructuring of the state’s energy market. For ABC Maine, the main concern of our opposition was the original bill contained PLA/PHA language for the actual development of the infrastructure.
Result: ABC Maine testified in opposition, and as a result of the first work session, the sponsor of the bill put forward a sponsors amendment that would create a study to review the viability of public financing of Maine’s electric infastructure. Under the amendment, the PLA/PHA language has been removed and ABC’s concerns have been mitigated. The committee is expected to vote on the sponsor’s amendment this week.
Summary: LD 1457 authorizes a pilot program to implement automated speed enforcement in active highway work zones. ABC Maine supports this measure as a critical safety initiative. Highway work zones remain among the most dangerous environments for construction workers.
Result: ABC Maine testified in support of LD 1457. The Transportation Committee has held two work sessions to this point on the legislation, and currently the bill remains unscheduled, providing time for the MTA and the various stakeholders to finalize details of the pilot program prior to a vote.
Summary: LD 2049 would establish joint and several liability of contractors and subcontractors in the construction industry, and employment agencies and employers.
Result: ABC Maine testified in opposition to LD 2049. As a result of the both the Department of Transportation and the Department of Labor expressing concerns on the legislation, the sponsor moved Ought Not to Pass and the bill was unanimously defeated.