What has Mills vetoed, and were they upheld?

Janet Mills has begun vetos of bills passed this session, and the Legislature is in session today to consider them.

With the legislative session over, Janet Mills has begun vetoing bills passed by her fellow Democrats in control of the Legislature. The Legislature is in session today to consider her vetoes.

Here’s where we stand so far. This piece will be updated as further vetoes are issued, if applicable, and votes are held.

LD 588, “An Act to Enact the Agricultural Employees Concerted Activity Protection Act”

This bill expands the rights of agricultural employees to unionize.

Passed House 74-71 and Senate 21-13. Veto upheld in Senate 18-14.

LD 1731, “An Act to Increase the Influence of the Maine State Ferry Advisory Board on the Funding and Operations of the Maine State Ferry Service”

This bill increases the members of the Maine State Ferry Advisory Board and changes its representation and rules.

Passed House 76-68 and Senate 19-14. Veto upheld in Senate 16-16.

LD 1802, “An Act to Implement the Recommendations of the Maine Commission on Public Defense Services to Clarify When an Indigent Criminal Defendant Is Entitled to Counsel at State Expense”

Expands and clarifies when an individual is eligible for indigent criminal defense - attorneys paid for by the state.

Passed House and Senate without roll call votes. Veto upheld in Senate 28-3.

LD 958, “An Act to Prohibit Eminent Domain on Tribal Lands”

The amended version limits the ability of the state to invoke eminent domain land owned by Maine’s Native American tribes.

Passed House 89-55 and Senate 20-12. Veto upheld in House 77-63.

LD 1328, “An Act to Create Housing and Recovery Services for LGBTQIA+ Individuals”

Requires the state to operate a number certified recovery services for LGTBQIA+ individuals.

Passed House 75-65 and Senate 19-14. Veto upheld in House 100-40.

Jim is also a weekly columnist for the Portland Press Herald, Maine’s largest daily newspaper. Follow him on X or on Facebook.