Workforce development 'journeyman' program among new laws
Several new laws that affect businesses took effect on Nov. 1. New laws approved by the 128th Legislature's first session offer additional regulations around workforce development, consumer protection and public health.
Workforce development
Workforce development has been an ongoing area of concern in Maine. LD 37, “An Act to Provide a Career and Technical Education Training Option for Plumbers,” which was introduced by state Sen. Rebecca Millett, D-Cape Elizabeth, intends to address the skill shortage. It introduces vocational students to the field of plumbing, creating a journeyman-in-training license for graduates of career-and-technical education schools, in order to obtain a journeyman-in-training license from the plumbers' examining board, according to Maine.gov and senate Democrats.
Consumer protection
In the consumer protection realm, LD 803, “An Act to Improve Transparency in the Electricity Supply Market,” introduced by Sen. Nate Libby, D-Lewiston, promises greater transparency and consumer protections from the electricity supply industry, a newer sector of the economy. The law requires competitive electricity providers to provide cost comparisons necessary for customers to make informed decisions about their electricity costs, prevents them from automatically renewing contracts and requires they send renewal notices by mail.
LD 880, “An Act to Protect a Homeowner's Equity of Redemption in a Foreclosure Action,” by Sen. Ben Chipman, D-Portland, prevents premature eviction and homelessness by ensuring families facing foreclosure are given a full 90-day grace period to find new housing before the mortgage holder begins the foreclosure sale process.
LD 308, “An Act to Prohibit Charging Maine Seniors Higher Automobile Insurance Premiums Based Solely on Their Age,” by Sen. Bill Diamond, D-Windham, offers protection to seniors. It was a response to Progressive Insurance's application for permission to charge Maine seniors higher premiums based on age. After a public outcry, the company rescinded its request.
Public health
In the area of public health, LD 1108, “An Act to Restore Public Health Nursing Services,” introduced by Sen. Brownie Carson, D-Harpswell, reverses past streamlining of Maine's public health nursing system, which provides community health services. The law requires the state to hire 48 public health nurses.
Also regarding public health, LD 1485, “An Act Regarding MaineCare Coverage for Telehealth Services,” by state Sen. Geoff Gratwick, D-Bangor, will require MaineCare to cover the costs of telehealth services, those provided via audio-video conferencing and remote monitoring, the same way it covers face-to-face office visits. The law is expected to benefit rural patients that are unable to make long treks to visit doctors.
One bill that did not see the light of day was LD 488 “An Act to Provide for Municipalities to Allow Grocery Stores up to 10,000 Square Feet to Open on Thanksgiving, Easter and Christmas.” It was vetoed, so make sure to plan ahead.
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