The Maine Legislature adjourned last week with a flurry of activity, leaving behind a number of bills that were not acted on. The most contentious issue was a late budget amendment that took back half of the highway funding garnished from the General Fund and reduced a pension exemption for state workers. This amendment was opposed by Governor Janet Mills, who vowed a veto. In the end, lawmakers got some of what they wanted, including $50 million in storm relief and an additional $10 million for small businesses. They also rejected a $108 million savings account proposed by Mills and instead allocated it to additional spending. Only a handful of enacted bills were funded, leaving more than 100 to die. Despite these setbacks, lawmakers did pass some significant bills, including a real bond package for the first time since 2019, a public defender system for indigent criminal defendants, and a 72-hour waiting period for gun purchases. The Legislature also passed the National Popular Vote Compact, which will have no effect on the 2024 presidential election but could lead to a significant change in the way presidents are elected in the future.
