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Slate of Labor Laws Sponsored by Maine State Rep. Roeder Go Into Effect Today
AUGUSTA, Maine, July 30 -- The Maine House Democrats issued the following news release on July 29, 2026:
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Slate of labor laws sponsored by Roeder go into effect today
Three key pieces of labor legislation, sponsored by Rep. Amy Roeder, D-Bangor, will go into effect today. Roeder, who is the House chair of the Legislature's Labor Committee, successfully sponsored eight bills, now law, over the last two years.
LD 54 requires that employers with more than 10 employees must include a pay range on their job postings. For employers with fewer than 10 employees, salary ranges must be disclosed
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AUGUSTA, Maine, July 30 -- The Maine House Democrats issued the following news release on July 29, 2026:
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Slate of labor laws sponsored by Roeder go into effect today
Three key pieces of labor legislation, sponsored by Rep. Amy Roeder, D-Bangor, will go into effect today. Roeder, who is the House chair of the Legislature's Labor Committee, successfully sponsored eight bills, now law, over the last two years.
LD 54 requires that employers with more than 10 employees must include a pay range on their job postings. For employers with fewer than 10 employees, salary ranges must be disclosedif requested by a successful applicant. Additionally, employers will be required to maintain a record of the position titles and payment history of their employees for three years following the end of their employment.
"Maine workers who are applying for jobs deserve to know what it pays from the outset," said Roeder. "This bill will give job applicants the information they need up front before going through a lengthy hiring process. It will also increase pay transparency and improve parity throughout Maine's workforce."
LD 61 prohibits employers from using surveillance tools unless workers are notified prior to their use. Employers are prohibited from using video monitoring in an employee's residence, personal vehicle or on the employee's property. Employees also have the right to decline data collection on their personal electronic devices for the purposes of employer surveillance. Finally, LD 61 creates a private right of action for workers.
"Employers tracking their workers' every move through the use of phone recordings, mouse tracking, remote desktop control and internet activity monitoring is an extreme violation of privacy that can easily be abused," said Roeder. "LD 61 provides common-sense safeguards to ensure that employers' use of surveillance technology is limited to circumstances where it is absolutely necessary."
LD 669 provides Maine Department of Transportation highway maintenance personnel who have died on the job with the same death benefit received by other public servants, like law enforcement and firefighters. The state will pay a benefit of $100,000 to surviving children, parents or a spouse and allow for an interim payment of $3,000 to survivors under certain circumstances.
"The risks posed to highway maintenance workers are very real, as we saw with the passing of two public servants from MaineDOT, James Brown and Dwayne Campbell, who lost their lives while at work in January," said Roeder. "LD 669 will help ensure that we have the backs of those who put their lives on the line daily to maintain our transportation infrastructure and keep us and our roads safe."
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Roeder is serving her third term in the Maine House of Representatives and is House chair of the Labor Committee. She represents House District 23, which includes a portion of Bangor.
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Original text here: https://www.maine.gov/housedems/news/slate-labor-laws-sponsored-roeder-go-effect-today
N.C. Health Dept. Announces NCRHTP Advisory Committee Membership
RALEIGH, North Carolina, July 30 -- The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services issued the following news release on July 29, 2026:
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NCDHHS Announces NCRHTP Advisory Committee Membership
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced the formation of the NC Rural Health Transformation Program's Advisory Committee. This Committee includes more than 40 members representing community organizations, health care providers, elected officials and other partners that will help guide our work in improving access to care in rural North Carolina
North Carolina
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RALEIGH, North Carolina, July 30 -- The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services issued the following news release on July 29, 2026:
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NCDHHS Announces NCRHTP Advisory Committee Membership
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced the formation of the NC Rural Health Transformation Program's Advisory Committee. This Committee includes more than 40 members representing community organizations, health care providers, elected officials and other partners that will help guide our work in improving access to care in rural North Carolina
North Carolinahas the second-largest rural population in the U.S., with more than 3 million residents living in rural areas. North Carolina's Rural Health Transformation Program is a statewide initiative, supported by over $213 million in federal funding in year 1 from the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, designed to address longstanding challenges in rural health care access and delivery. The NCRHTP Advisory Committee will bring community, provider and regional perspectives together to guide how the program is designed and implemented for our rural communities.
"Our state plan for the Rural Health Transformation Program emerged from extensive engagement with the communities it will serve, and this committee will continue the mission to keep our efforts person-centered," said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. "Members will provide real-world insight on access challenges, implementation barriers, and sustainability opportunities, helping ensure the program addresses real world challenges and provides meaningful impact."
The NCRHTP Advisory Committee includes the following members:
* Dev Sangvai, NC Health and Human Services Secretary (Committee Chair)
* Debra Farrington, NCDHHS Deputy Secretary for Health (Committee Co-Chair)
* LaPonda Edmondson, President, North Carolina Healthcare Foundation and Senior Vice President, North Carolina Healthcare Association
* Lacy C. Hobgood, President-Elect, North Carolina Medical Society Foundation
* Tina C. Gordon, CEO, North Carolina Nurses Association
* Jennifer Greene, Health Director, Appalachian District Health Department
* Chris Shank, President/CEO, North Carolina Community Health Center Association
* Lilly Parker, Chair, State Consumer and Family Advisory Committee
* Mary Jones, Director of Client Care and Engagement, El Futuro NC
* Zack Green, Director, High Country Area Agency on Aging
* Casey Cooper, Chief Executive Officer, Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority
* Celeste Hunt, Program Director, Lumbee Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation
* Greg Bryant, Chair, North Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs
* Jason Baisden, Senior Program Officer, Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust
* Chris Estes, Chief Program Officer, North Carolina Rural Center
* Mike Hawkins, Community Member Representative
* Chilton Rogers, Community Member Representative
* Vivianette Ortiz, CASE Bilingual Supervisory Advocate, Disability Rights North Carolina
* Kim Evans, Community Member Representative
* Cherry Beasley, Community Member Representative
* Mozine Lowe, Executive Director, Center for Energy Education
* Peter Daniel, Executive Director, North Carolina Association of Health Plans . Dave Richard, Senior Vice President, McGuireWoods Consulting, NC Association of Public Community Health Plans
* Dave Richard, Senior Vice President, McGuireWoods Consulting, NC Association of Public Community Health Plans
* Melinda Munden, SHIIP Director and Deputy Commissioner, North Carolina Department of Insurance
* Lotta Crabtree, Chief Administrative Officer of the State Health Plan, Office of the State Treasurer
* Andrew Gardner, Associate Vice President of Workforce Strategies, North Carolina Community College System
* Geoff Coltrane, Senior Director of Government Affairs and Strategy, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
* Wallace Nelson, President, North Carolina Association of County Commissioners
* Vincent Ginski, Senior Director of Workforce Competitiveness, North Carolina Chamber
* Leah Catotti, Policy Director, North Carolina Department of Administration
* Alex Sepez, Regional Manager, North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs
* Reginald Speight, Assistant Secretary of Rural Economic Development, North Carolina Department of Commerce
* Annette Taylor, Senior Adviser to the Secretary for Community Partnerships, North Carolina Department of Information Technology
* Jordan Rogers, Vice President of Strategy and Growth, NC Telehealth Network Association
* Leslie Cofie, Assistant Professor, Health Education and Promotion, East Carolina University
* Suzanne Wertman, Certified Nurse-Midwife, North Carolina Affiliate of American College of Nurse-Midwives
* Ryan Estes, Chief Operating Officer, Coastal Horizons Center
* Amy Galey, NC State Senator, R-District 25
* Kandie Smith, NC State Senator, D-District 5
* Donna White, NC State Representative, R-District 26
* Eric Ager, NC State Representative, D-District 114
* Leighton Roper, Shareholder, Maynard Nexsen
* Michelle Laws, CEO and Chief Consultant, Symbiotic Strategies
* Philip Cooper, Founder and Chief Change Agent, Operation Gateway
The NCRHTP Advisory Committee will meet quarterly with the first meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026, at 2:30-4:30 p.m. The meeting is open to the public and can be joined in person at NCDHHS Headquarters at 1915 Health Services Way in Raleigh or online through the NCDHHS YouTube page.
For more information, visit the North Carolina Rural Health Transformation Program website (https://www.ncdhhs.gov/about/department-initiatives/rural-health-transformation-program?mc_cid=3bf7883407&mc_eid=77972d553e).
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Stevens Amendment Disclosure: This news release is supported by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $213,008,356.47 with 100% funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
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Original text here: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/2026/07/29/ncdhhs-announces-ncrhtp-advisory-committee-membership
Md. Health Dept. Marks One-Year Milestone for Children's Behavioral Health Roadmap
BALTIMORE, Maryland, July 30 -- The Maryland Department of Health issued the following news:
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Maryland Department of Health marks one-year milestone for Children's Behavioral Health Roadmap
Joins partners to highlight progress and work ahead
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Marking a key milestone, the Maryland Department of Health today recognized the one-year anniversary of its comprehensive initiative, the Roadmap to Strengthen Maryland's Public Behavioral Health System for Children, Youth and Families. The Department joined its many partners to celebrate the momentum in meeting the needs of Marylanders and to outline
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, July 30 -- The Maryland Department of Health issued the following news:
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Maryland Department of Health marks one-year milestone for Children's Behavioral Health Roadmap
Joins partners to highlight progress and work ahead
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Marking a key milestone, the Maryland Department of Health today recognized the one-year anniversary of its comprehensive initiative, the Roadmap to Strengthen Maryland's Public Behavioral Health System for Children, Youth and Families. The Department joined its many partners to celebrate the momentum in meeting the needs of Marylanders and to outlinethe important next steps in realizing the plan's full potential. Over the past year, the Department strengthened the behavioral health workforce, expanded community-based services and improved clinician training to better support children and families in crisis.
"One year into our Roadmap implementation, I'm incredibly proud of the progress to build a more connected and responsive behavioral health system for Maryland's children and families," said Maryland Health Secretary Dr. Meena Seshamani. "These achievements represent our fundamental commitment to improving the health and well-being of the next generation."
Published in July 2025, the strategic guide was developed in collaboration with Manatt Health and the Maryland Coalition of Families to address critical behavioral health crises among young people. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that 30% of Maryland middle and high school students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Suicide ranks as the third leading cause of death for young people aged 10 to 24, and the state loses over 100 youth annually to alcohol and drug overdoses.
To address these pressing challenges, the Roadmap outlines five primary objectives designed to help families and youth persevere and thrive. It details executable strategies for the Department and its collaborators, mapping out timeframes, necessary resources and successful models from other states.
Since its launch last year, the Department has worked with statewide partners to improve cross-agency collaboration, invest in the state's specialized workforce and center the voices of youth and families in policy design.
Key implementation steps achieved over the first year include:
* Establishing training opportunities for high-quality Mobile Response and Stabilization Services to ensure clinicians, peers and other paraprofessionals are prepared to support children, youth and families experiencing a behavioral health crisis.
* Helping Medicaid providers identify developmental, emotional and behavioral concerns and promote early interventions with the practice of Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment
* Targeting investments to expand and strengthen the healthcare workforce
* Optimizing strategies to expand 1915(i) service providers focused on home- and community-based behavioral health services
"The collective progress achieved over the past year gives us much to celebrate, and we look forward to building on these successes in the coming year," said Deputy Secretary for Behavioral Health Dr. Rachel Talley. "We remain dedicated to establishing a behavioral health system that is sustainable, equitable and fully accessible for every child and family in Maryland. We will fulfill this commitment by introducing our new Young Adult Peer Support certification initiatives, broadening the impact of evidence-based practices and continuing to incorporate the essential insights of the families we serve."
Marylanders can view the executive summary and complete Roadmap online. For information about adolescent and children's behavioral health resources the Department provides, visit health.maryland.gov/youthbehavioralhealth.
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The Maryland Department of Health is dedicated to protecting and improving the health and safety of all Marylanders through disease prevention, access to care, quality management and community engagement.
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Original text here: https://health.maryland.gov/newsroom/Pages/Maryland Department of Health marks one-year milestone for Children's Behavioral Health Roadmap.aspx
Maine State Sen. Nangle Laws to Support Veterans, Trafficking Survivors, Clean Water and Crisis Services Take Effect
AUGUSTA, Maine, July 30 -- The Maine Senate Democrats issued the following news on July 29, 2026, on behalf of Maine State Sen. Tim Nangle, D-Windham:
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New Nangle laws to support veterans, trafficking survivors, clean water and crisis services take effect
Today, four new laws introduced by Sen. Tim Nangle, D-Windham, took effect after being passed by the Legislature earlier this year.
* LD 2135, "An Act to Provide Funding to Keep Maine Veterans Housed," establishes the Veterans Housing Provider Incentive Fund within the Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services. The fund will support nonprofit
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AUGUSTA, Maine, July 30 -- The Maine Senate Democrats issued the following news on July 29, 2026, on behalf of Maine State Sen. Tim Nangle, D-Windham:
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New Nangle laws to support veterans, trafficking survivors, clean water and crisis services take effect
Today, four new laws introduced by Sen. Tim Nangle, D-Windham, took effect after being passed by the Legislature earlier this year.
* LD 2135, "An Act to Provide Funding to Keep Maine Veterans Housed," establishes the Veterans Housing Provider Incentive Fund within the Maine Bureau of Veterans' Services. The fund will support nonprofitorganizations working directly with veterans and can be used to address barriers to stable housing, including past rental debt, landlord incentives and financial risk-mitigation costs.
* LD 2136, "An Act to Support Victims of Trafficking in Maine in Response to Federal Funding Cuts," provides temporary state funding to ensure survivors of human trafficking can continue accessing critical services through Preble Street's Anti-Trafficking Services program. The funding will help bridge a gap created by a prolonged federal delay that forced the program to begin placing survivors on a waiting list.
* LD 1904, "An Act to Establish the Municipal Shoreline Protection Legal Fund," creates a dedicated revolving fund within the Department of Environmental Protection to help municipalities cover substantial legal expenses associated with enforcing shoreland zoning laws. The law will help towns protect Maine's lakes, rivers and shorelines without placing the full cost of lengthy enforcement actions on local property taxpayers.
* LD 1216, "An Act to Improve Behavioral Health Crisis Services and Suicide Prevention Services," formally recognizes the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in Maine law. Mainers experiencing suicidal thoughts, mental health distress or substance-use-related concerns can call or text 988 at any time to connect with trained crisis counselors. Establishing 988 in statute will help ensure the lifeline remains a stable part of Maine's crisis-response system and provide a foundation for strengthening those services in the future.
"These laws address very different challenges, but they are united by a common purpose: making sure government responds to the real needs of Maine people and communities," said Sen. Nangle. "Whether it is helping a veteran remain safely housed, ensuring a trafficking survivor can access lifesaving support, protecting clean water without burdening local taxpayers or strengthening our crisis-response system, each of these laws offers a practical solution that will make a meaningful difference."
As non-emergency legislation, LD 2135, LD 2136, LD 1904 and LD 1216 took effect on July 29, 90 days after the Second Regular Session of the 132nd Legislature adjourned. All four measures were signed into law by Gov. Janet Mills.
This year, Sen. Nangle returned to Augusta to lower everyday costs, protect Maine's future and defend Mainers' fundamental rights and freedoms.
Sen. Nangle is serving his second term in the Maine Senate, representing Casco, Frye Island, Raymond, Windham and part of Westbrook. He is the Senate chair of the Transportation committee and a member of the Health and Human Services committee.
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Original text here: https://www.mainesenate.org/new-nangle-laws-to-support-veterans-trafficking-survivors-clean-water-and-crisis-services-take-effect/
Laws Introduced by Maine State Sen. Tepler to Reduce Household Utility Costs and Establish Battery Stewardship Program Take Effect
AUGUSTA, Maine, July 30 -- The Maine Senate Democrats issued the following news on July 29, 2026, on behalf of Maine State Sen. Denise Tepler, D-Topsham:
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New laws introduced by Sen. Tepler to reduce household utility costs and establish battery stewardship program take effect
Today, new laws introduced by Sen. Denise Tepler, D-Topsham, went into effect after being passed by the Legislature earlier this year, including:
* LD 474, "An Act to Establish a Stewardship Program for Primary and Rechargeable Batteries"
* LD 2140, "Resolve, to Establish a Demand Response Program to Lower Electricity
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AUGUSTA, Maine, July 30 -- The Maine Senate Democrats issued the following news on July 29, 2026, on behalf of Maine State Sen. Denise Tepler, D-Topsham:
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New laws introduced by Sen. Tepler to reduce household utility costs and establish battery stewardship program take effect
Today, new laws introduced by Sen. Denise Tepler, D-Topsham, went into effect after being passed by the Legislature earlier this year, including:
* LD 474, "An Act to Establish a Stewardship Program for Primary and Rechargeable Batteries"
* LD 2140, "Resolve, to Establish a Demand Response Program to Lower ElectricityBills and Improve Grid Reliability"
"I'm happy to see these pieces of legislation finally become law," said Sen. Tepler. "I am hopeful that LD 474 and 2140 will bring down costs for Mainers when property taxes are due and when paying their monthly energy bills. I will continue to put forward legislation that helps alleviate expenses for the hardworking people of this state, protects our environment and preserves our heritage industries."
As non-emergency legislation, LDs 474 and 2140 take effect today, July 29, 90 days after the Second Regular Session of the 132nd Legislature adjourned. The Governor signed both bills into law.
This year, Sen. Tepler returned to Augusta to lower everyday costs, protect Maine's future and defend Mainers' rights and freedoms.
Sen. Tepler represents all of Sagadahoc County and the Town of Dresden. She is serving her first term in the Maine Senate.
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Original text here: https://www.mainesenate.org/new-laws-introduced-by-sen-tepler-to-reduce-household-utility-costs-and-establish-battery-stewardship-program-take-effect/
Laws Introduced by Maine State Sen. Hickman Take Effect
AUGUSTA, Maine, July 30 -- The Maine Senate Democrats issued the following news on July 29, 2026, on behalf of Maine State Sen. Craig Hickman, D-Winthrop:
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New laws introduced by Senator Hickman take effect
Today, new laws introduced by Sen. Hickman, D-Winthrop, go into effect after being passed by the Legislature earlier this year, including:
* LD 14, "An Act to Provide Indigenous Peoples Free Access to State Parks"
* LD 1343, "An Act to Protect the Right to Harvest Fish and Wildlife"
* LD 1640, "An Act to Implement the Recommendations of the Gagetown Harmful Chemical Study Commission
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AUGUSTA, Maine, July 30 -- The Maine Senate Democrats issued the following news on July 29, 2026, on behalf of Maine State Sen. Craig Hickman, D-Winthrop:
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New laws introduced by Senator Hickman take effect
Today, new laws introduced by Sen. Hickman, D-Winthrop, go into effect after being passed by the Legislature earlier this year, including:
* LD 14, "An Act to Provide Indigenous Peoples Free Access to State Parks"
* LD 1343, "An Act to Protect the Right to Harvest Fish and Wildlife"
* LD 1640, "An Act to Implement the Recommendations of the Gagetown Harmful Chemical Study Commissionand to Reestablish the Gagetown Harmful Chemical Study Commission"
The 2026 Supplemental Budget, which includes funding that mirrors Sen. Hickman's bill, LD 137, "An Act to Expand the 1998 Special Retirement Plan to Include Employees Who Work for the Office of Chief Medical Examiner," also takes effect today.
"I am happy to see this legislation go into effect," said Sen. Hickman. "All of these laws will serve to bring equality and justice to those who need it. I am grateful to my colleagues who supported these important pieces of legislation for the good of the people of Maine."
As non-emergency legislation, LDs 14, 1343, 1640 and the Supplemental Budget were signed by the Governor earlier this year and take effect today, July 29, 90 days after the Second Regular Session of the 132nd Legislature adjourned.
This year, Sen. Hickman returned to Augusta to lower everyday costs, protect Maine's future and defend Mainers' fundamental rights and freedoms.
Sen. Hickman represents the rural towns of southern Kennebec County, including Chelsea, Farmingdale, Gardiner, Hallowell, Manchester, Monmouth, Pittston, Randolph, Readfield, Wayne, West Gardiner and Winthrop.
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Original text here: https://www.mainesenate.org/new-laws-introduced-by-senator-hickman-take-effect/
Iowa Department of Education Awards Over $2.35 Million in Therapeutic Classroom Grants to 10 School Districts
DES MOINES, Iowa, July 30 -- The Iowa Department of Education issued the following news release on July 29, 2026:
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Iowa Department of Education awards over $2.35 million in therapeutic classroom grants to 10 school districts
The Iowa Department of Education today announced over $2.35 million in competitive grants have been awarded to 10 school districts to establish therapeutic classrooms for learners whose emotional or behavioral needs impact their ability to be successful in their learning environment.
"Therapeutic classrooms across Iowa provide vibrant, safe and healthy learning environments
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DES MOINES, Iowa, July 30 -- The Iowa Department of Education issued the following news release on July 29, 2026:
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Iowa Department of Education awards over $2.35 million in therapeutic classroom grants to 10 school districts
The Iowa Department of Education today announced over $2.35 million in competitive grants have been awarded to 10 school districts to establish therapeutic classrooms for learners whose emotional or behavioral needs impact their ability to be successful in their learning environment.
"Therapeutic classrooms across Iowa provide vibrant, safe and healthy learning environmentsthat best support students' individual cognitive and behavioral needs," said Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow. "We commend this year's awardees and their partners for their leadership and commitment to modeling best practices in skill building, coping, treatment, and crisis prevention and intervention in the communities they serve."
The school districts awarded a Therapeutic Classroom Incentive Grant for the 2026-27 school year are:
* Cedar Falls Community School District, Cedar Falls
* George-Little Rock Community School District, George
* Lewis Central Community School District, Council Bluffs
* Oskaloosa Community School District, Oskaloosa
* South Tama County Community School District, Tama
* Spirit Lake Community School District, Spirit Lake
* Storm Lake Community School District, Storm Lake
* United Community School District, Boone
* Van Buren County Community School District, Keosauqua
* Winterset Community School District, Winterset
The Therapeutic Classroom Incentive Grant was established through state legislation signed into law in 2020 and is part of a statewide effort to support the mental health needs of children, youth and families. Therapeutic supports include such things as skill building, support to cope with stress and trauma, mental health treatment and crisis intervention and follow-up. The awards for the 2026-27 school year represent the sixth year of grant funding.
In determining awards, applicants were funded in rank order based on competitive scoring, with priority given to returning applicants with no prior grants and first-time applicants. Awardees are located in all seven of the state's Behavioral Health Districts and represent small, medium and large districts. The 10 awarded districts will serve over 215 pre-K-12 students, establish 19 new therapeutic classrooms and will expand youth mental and behavioral health supports across 15 counties. District implementation begins this fall for the 2026-27 school year.
More information about Therapeutic Classroom Incentive Grants is available on the Iowa Department of Education's website (https://educate.iowa.gov/pk-12/student-supports/specialized-support/therapeutic-classroom).
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Original text here: https://educate.iowa.gov/press-release/2026-07-29/iowa-department-education-awards-over-235-million-therapeutic-classroom-grants-10-school-districts
