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July 8, 2021 – Weekly Republican Radio Address
An Informed, Engaged Public is the Answer
Featuring Rep. Jon Connor – District 58
Listen Here: https://rss.com/podcasts/mainehouserepublicans/
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Public Comment Period for Rulemaking Required in Response to P.L. 2019, Ch. 154 Now Open
10-144 CMR, Chapter 261: Immunization Requirements for School Children (DHHS) / 05-071 CMR, Chapter 126: Immunization Requirements for School Children (DOE) BRIEF SUMMARY: The Department of Health and Human Services - Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (DHHS) and the Maine Department of Education (DOE) are jointly proposing these routine technical rule changes to implement P. L. 2019, Ch. 154: An Act to Protect Maine Children and Students from Preventable Disease by Repealing Certain Exemptions from the Laws Governing Immunization Requirements (the “Act”) The proposed rules can be reviewed, here. The Act prohibits the rule from including any provision governing medical exemptions and repeals the exemption from required immunization for school students who object, based solely on a sincere religious belief or philosophical reason, effective September 1, 2021, with exemptions for certain students. Those students who may have declined immunizations based on religious or philosophical objection and are otherwise not eligible for exemptions permitted under Maine’s immunization laws, including those attending elementary or secondary schools for pre-kindergarten instruction, will be subject to current immunization requirements for the certain specified diseases. This rule proposes to require schools to include in their annual report any stricter immunization requirements that may be adopted by ordinance or policy, in addition to the immunization status of all students, including immune students, exempt and non-immunized excluded students. Additionally, these proposed rule changes include new and revised definitions; add a vaccine schedule for pre-kindergarten students; clarify existing authority and responsibility to dismiss or exclude a child from school when there is a public health threat (20-A MRS § 6301; 22 MRS ch. 250); and clarify superintendent and school authority and responsibility. Finally, changes are proposed to the format of the rule for conformity with Maine CDC rulemaking standards. As required by law, a public hearing for the proposed rule will be held as a Virtual Public Hearing on July 26, 2021 at 9:00 am, and can be accessed, here. Meeting ID: 864 0432 7981 Passcode: XeNRq!D2 Comments may be submitted to DOE Legislative Affairs Team member Jaci Holmes, State House Station #23, Augusta, Maine 04333; 207-831-3168 or jaci.holmes@maine.gov `until 5:00 pm August 5, 2021.
State Library Reopens July 12th at Temporary Location
After a long period of closure do to the COVID-19 pandemic and a significant facility relocation, the Maine State Library is reopening its doors to the public on July 12 at 242 State Street, Augusta.
"We missed being open to the public, so we're looking forward to being able to serve people in person again," announced State Librarian, Jamie Ritter. Our staff are ready, and we can’t wait to help Maine residents by bringing our public services back to them.
The library's permanent location at the Cultural Building on the State Capitol Complex was closed to the public in May 2020 after it was determined that significant repairs and upgrades were needed to the facilities mechanical systems. Since that time, the library has worked to identify temporary library space. The public location will be at 242 State Street, while the majority of the library's collections are located at the Carleton Mill in Winthrop. Library staff will shuttle materials between the two locations as patrons request items.
We have made our public space appealing and welcoming, stated Alison Maxell, Director of Public and Outreach Services for the Maine State Library. While were offering a little bit of everything, the public will definitely notice some changes to how we offer some services.
Most notably, the library will be requiring reservations to use the public computers and microfilm research services.
Because of our scaled down space at the new facility, we simply don’t have as many computers or microfilm machines to offer, indicated Maxell. For that reason, we are going to take reservations to make sure we can offer these resources in the most equitable way. The best advice we can provide is to call ahead to ensure the materials or machines you want are available.
While there are no capacity limits on the number of people who can use the library at a given time, we are encouraging people to call ahead to make reservations or ask about available services. All policies relating to staff and the public as it relates to wearing masks will be determined by official policies for state employees and facilities. Curbside lending and direct lending will be offered, and the library's iconic News Nook that features every newspaper published in Maine has been re-created.
The library plans to host a public re-opening celebration in early to mid-August. We want to get re-established and used to how our modified services are offered, stated Ritter. Once we feel like we have a handle on things well be sure to celebrate being back in business.
Starting July 12, the Maine State Library (242 State Street, Augusta) will be open Monday-Friday from 9am to 5pm. For more information and questions, please contact the library at 207-287-5600.
Pandemic-era remote notarization rules to continue as Maine works towards permanent new laws
A new law to temporarily enshrine pandemic-era remote notarization practices into law while the Secretary of State, interest groups, and consumer privacy experts work towards permanent practices for remote, online notarization.
LD 1399 http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=HP1033&item=3&snum=130 continues the allowance from the April 8, 2020 Executive Order which temporarily suspended provisions of Maine law that require the physical presence of a notary or witness, with certain exceptions until Jan. 1, 2023. This was to ensure that Maine people, especially those who are elderly or have underlying health conditions, could conduct important business that requires sworn statements or affidavits with minimal in-person interaction.
As we work together on a framework for remote, online notarization in Maine well be assessing how to bring our state into the 21st century while also ensuring consumer protections and data privacy.
Under the new law, Secretary of State will convene a working group made up of the Maine Association of Realtors, the Maine State Bar Association, Maine Bankers Association, Maine Credit Union League, Legal Services for the Elderly, Maine Registers of Deeds Association, Maine Real Estate and Development Association, Uniform Law Commission, Maine Probate and Trust Law Advisory Commission and others. With input from these organizations, the Secretary of State will conduct a study on remote and online notarization and submit a report, including recommended legislation, to the Legislature by Feb. 1, 2022.
Have you registered your ATV yet?
All 2020-21 ATV registrations expired June 30.
Maine residents may renew an ATV registration online. New registrations must be done through a registration agent such as a town office or the MDIFW main office in Augusta.
Nonresidents may register or renew an ATV registration online.
This online service allows you to register your ATV with the State of Maine. Following your transaction, you will receive a confirmation page to print for immediate use.
Your official registration and stickers will arrive at the shipping address specified within thirty days.
Registrations may also be obtained from some licensing agents or by mail.
Agents may charge a fee of $1 for renewals and $2 for new registrations.
Fees
- Resident season registration: $45.00*
- Nonresident 7 day registration: $75.00*
- Nonresident season registration: $90.00*
*Plus agent fee.
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