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The Maine Legislature returned to the State House this week to complete their legislative work. The Legislature had been meeting at the Augusta Civic Center to conduct their business in a more socially distant manner. The last time the full Legislature met at the capitol was in March 2020.
Legislative committees have largely concluded their work. Legislation moved out of these committees now heads to the House and Senate for consideration.
Legislative leaders have released a schedule that has the Legislature set to adjourn on June 16, but the actual date of adjournment could be before or after that date. Given the large volume of workload that remains, adjournment is unlikely to happen early.
The League is tracking dozens of bills as they make their way to their final legislative disposition. There are bills to establish new paid holidays for the celebration of Juneteenth and Election Day. There are multiple bills pertaining to employment laws, including proposals on changes to unemployment insurance, wages issues, and whether Maine will remain an employment at will state or not. There also are several bills regarding the sealing or expunging of certain criminal records. These bills would help former convicted individuals find employment and housing opportunities. One bill aims to create a committee to review criminal records and report back their findings and recommendations to the Legislature next year. It is anticipated that the proposed committee will be created. The League plans to participate in it to ensure credit unions have continued access to important criminal record data for employment considerations.
All these issues and more will be discussed during July’s credit union town hall.