Bills to Watch

This is a new section of our Advocacy Update. These are bills the Chamber hasn't necessarily taken a position on, but that we feel our members may be interested in.  Please let us know if you appreciate this feature and would like us to continue with it in the future.

• LD 481 (Worker Training Bond): This bill provides for $80 million in bond funds to to provide funding to train workers in high-demand sectors and support the State's goal of increasing average annual wages in the State by 10%. Public hearing on April 22 at 10:00AM. 
• LD 1084 (Energy Efficient Housing Bond): This bill provides for $50 million in bond funds to provide funding for the construction of energy-efficient affordable housing. These funds are to be matched by $82.5 million in private funds. Public hearing on April 21 at 1:00PM.
• LD 1235 (Broadband Bond): This bill provides for $100 million in bond funds to construct high-speed internet infrastructure to reach 98% of Maine homes and businesses in five years. Public hearing on April 20 at 1:00PM.
• LD 1329 (Job Training and Skills): This bill establishes the Career Advancement and Navigation Initiative within the Department of Education to provide educational and career guidance, support and services to help underemployed and unemployed individuals acquire additional education, skills, licensure or other preparation needed to participate to their fullest potential in the workforce. Public hearing on April 22 at 10:00AM. 
• LD 1365 (Short-Term Rentals): This bill prohibits municipalities from banning short-term rentals. Public hearing on April 23 at 9:00AM. 
• LD 1403 (COVID Business Liability): This bill limits liability for a business from suit alleging personal liability due to exposure to COVID if the business is following applicable government standards and guidance related to COVID exposure. Public hearing on April 30 at 9:00AM. 
• LD 1493 (Business Relief Grants): This bill directs the Department of Economic and Community Development to use federal stimulus funds to set up a business relief grant program to compensate for the loss of revenues due to COVID. Public hearing on April 20 at 1:00PM.