Maine State News From The Associated Press 4-28-22

Tribal sovereignty effort faltering, for now, in Maine

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Native American leaders in Maine aren’t giving up on sovereignty but appear to be resigned that sweeping change is unlikely this year. Five tribal leaders responded to sovereignty efforts in the Maine Legislature by acknowledging there are not enough votes to override a threatened veto. But they said they plan to continue to press for full sovereignty. The tribes are treated differently than 570 other federally recognized tribes across the country under the Maine Indian Land Claims Settlement Act of 1980. That agreement treats reservations like municipalities subject to state law.

MAINE LEGISLATURE-AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Proposal to expand units allowed on housing lots becomes law

Maine Gov. Janet Mills has signed into law a bill that expands the number of dwellings that can be built on housing lots. The law allows accessory dwelling units and duplexes to be built in areas zoned for single-family housing, with a goal toward addressing a housing crunch. House Speaker Ryan Fecteau, the bill’s sponsor, said the law can help address the problem by expanding housing. The governor also signed a bill extending for five years a tax credit for rehabilitating historic properties.

SUNDAY HUNTING LAWSUIT

Hunters sue to allow Sunday hunting in Maine

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A hunting group is suing Maine to overturn the state’s longstanding ban on Sunday hunting. Hunting bear, moose, wild turkey and deer in Maine is a popular activity, but the state has barred Sunday hunting for generations. Opponents of the ban filed their lawsuit on Wednesday with a claim that the law violates the state’s new “Right to Food” amendment, which states that individuals have a right to harvest food of their own choosing. Maine voters passed the constitutional amendment last year.

PRIMARY ELECTIONS

Maine might switch to semi-open primary election system

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine might move to a more open style of primary elections. The Maine Legislature has voted in favor of semi-open primaries, which supporters said would allow unaffiliated voters more voice in elections. About a third of Maine registered voters are unenrolled in any party. The bill approved by the Legislature would allow unenrolled voters to participate in either the Democratic or Republican primary each election cycle without changing their party affiliation. The Maine Senate voted to enact the bill on Monday. It will now go to Democratic Gov. Janet Mills for potential signature.

LOW-INCOME HEATH CARE

Maine to update reimbursement rates to aid health centers

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — Maine might update its reimbursement rates for health care centers that serve rural and low-income residents. Maine is home to dozens of Federally Qualified Health Centers that serve more than 200,000 residents. The centers rely on reimbursement from MaineCare to provide service. Democratic Sen. Ned Claxton of Auburn says MaineCare’s reimbursement rates were set almost 20 years ago, and that has caused many of the centers to struggle financially in the state. The Maine Senate enacted a bill on Monday that would update that standard to provide more accurate reimbursement rates.

BLEACHERS CRASH

Man pleads guilty to crashing into bleachers, killing man

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A driver who crashed into bleachers at a youth baseball game, killing a 76-year-old man, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter. The Portland Press Herald reports that 31-year-old Jonathan Burt, of Lisbon, was sentenced in Cumberland County Superior Court to four and a half years in prison. The vehicle crashed into bleachers at Deering Oaks Park in Portland and came to a rest on a playground in July 2020. Officers administered two doses of Narcan to Burt. The victim had moved from Rwanda a year earlier to live closer to his son. He was a father of nine and a survivor of the Rwandan genocide of 1994.