AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) The Latest on veto day in Maine (all times local):
1 p.m.
The Maine Legislature has overridden the governor’s veto of a bill to finally allow commercial pot sales demanded by voters in 2016.
The Senate voted 28-6 and the House voted 109-39 Wednesday to override Republican Gov. Paul LePage’s veto.
The governor argues he can’t violate federal law and that adults will flock to Maine’s medical marijuana program. Possession of up to 2.5 ounces (71 grams) of marijuana already is legal in the state.
The bill eliminates marijuana social clubs, reduces the number of plants that people can have and prohibits sale near schools.
Under the bill, Maine could allow retail pot sales to adults as early as next year.
The voter-approved law created a 10 percent sales tax on retail marijuana. The bill would require growing facilities to pay an excise tax of $335 per pound of mature marijuana plants and other fees.
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12:09 p.m.
The Maine House has overridden the governor’s veto of a bill to finally allow commercial pot sales demanded by voters in 2016.
The House voted 109-39 Wednesday to override Republican Gov. Paul LePage’s veto. The legislation heads to the Senate, where it’s received strong support in previous rounds of votes.
The governor argues he can’t violate federal law and that adults will flock to Maine’s medical marijuana program.
The bill eliminates marijuana social clubs, reduces the number of plants that people can have and prohibits sale near schools. Under the bill, Maine could allow retail pot sales to adults as early as next year.
The voter-approved law created a 10 percent sales tax on retail marijuana. The bill would require growing facilities to pay an excise tax of $335 per pound of mature marijuana plants and other fees.
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10:55 a.m.
Lawmakers have returned to the Maine Statehouse to address gubernatorial vetoes on bills, including commercial pot sales.
The Legislature has no plans Wednesday to consider over 100 bills addressing voter-approved Medicaid expansion, the opioid crisis, tax reform, school funding and pay for personal care aides.
Lawmakers could vote again for five extra legislative days. Lawmakers could get hauled in for a special session by Republican Gov. Paul LePage or by legislative leaders with caucus approval.
It’ll cost taxpayers about $23,000 for one extra legislative day or $42,000 for a special session.
House Republicans blocked a previous extension vote.
House GOP leader and gubernatorial candidate Ken Fredette criticized Democrats and Senate Republicans for considering a bill package, including Medicaid expansion funding. He also wants to roll back a minimum wage hike.
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12:07 a.m.
Lawmakers are returning to the Maine Statehouse to address gubernatorial vetoes on bills including commercial pot sales.
The Legislature has no plans Wednesday to consider over 100 bills addressing voter-approved Medicaid expansion, the opioid crisis, tax reform, school funding and pay for personal care aides.
Lawmakers could vote again for five extra legislative days. Lawmakers could get hauled in for a special session by Republican Gov. Paul LePage or by legislative leaders with caucus approval.
It’ll cost taxpayers about $23,000 for one extra legislative day or $42,000 for a special session.
House Republicans blocked a previous extension vote.
House GOP leader and gubernatorial candidate Ken Fredette criticized Democrats and Senate Republicans for considering a bill package including Medicaid expansion funding. He also wants to roll back a minimum wage hike.
