News

Bill to decriminalize drug possession approved in Maine House

Bill to decriminalize drug possession approved in Maine House

Photo: 560 WGAN Newsradio


Lawmakers in the Maine State House have given their approval for a bill to decriminalize drug possession in Maine.

According to the Bangor Daily News, the 77-62 vote came Thursday. The proposal is similar to the model already in place in Oregon, where possession of scheduled drugs for personal use lead to a $100 fine or an assessment for treatment.

Here in Maine, the bill faces an uphill battle before it’s signed into law. Although it passed the Democrat-controlled House, Governor Janet Mills, Attorney General Aaron Frey, as well as many in law enforcement, have opposed it.

It faces more votes in both legislative chambers.

Latest Headlines

7 hours ago in Local

Maine Legislature Passes Bill to Study Costs of Climate Change

The bill passed mostly on party lines this week

9 hours ago in Local

Judge Gives DOJ Access to Maine Sports Rosters, But Not List of Transgender Athletes

The judge questioned the motivation of the federal request for information on transgender athletes.

12 hours ago in Local

Motorcyclist killed in 3-vehicle crash in Raymond

A motorcyclist was killed in a three-vehicle in crash in Raymond on Monday evening.

12 hours ago in Local

New data show most ICE detainees in Maine immigration sweep did not have criminal convictions

New data shows only a fraction of nearly 200 people arrested during January’s immigration enforcement surge in Maine had criminal convictions.

23 hours ago in Local, National

A Build America, Buy America law is causing construction delays

It has a catchy name — Build America, Buy America — and the lauded goal of bringing manufacturing jobs back…