(The Center Square) — Outgoing Democratic Maine Gov. Janet Mills on Wednesday approved dozens of previously passed bills as lawmakers returned to the state Capitol for another two-year session.
Mills announced that she has allowed 52 of 61 bills sent to her by lawmakers in the previous session to become law without her signature and vetoed a proposal that sought to update the state’s voter-approved “right to repair” law.
The bills included two controversial proposals Mills had previously signaled she would allow to become law, one limiting local cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, and another bill that will require serial numbers for so-called “ghost” guns and firearm components that can be made with a 3D printer.
Another bill that became law without Mills’ signature will allow a permanent seal of criminal records for victims of sexual trafficking or exploitation. She also allowed legislation establishing a statewide takeback program for firefighting foam laden with PFAS or so-called ‘forever’ chemicals that firefighters say have contributed to higher rates of cancer within their ranks.
“I appreciate the hard work of the Legislature to send a considerable number of bills to my desk, which required review and deliberation in advance of the upcoming session,” Mills said in a statement. “These decisions reflect careful consideration of each bill. I look forward to continuing to work with the Legislature in this next session, my last as governor, on legislation to benefit our state into the future.”
Mills said she vetoed the “right to repair” update because it included a “controversial” provision that would allow automobile manufacturers to decide how vehicle telemetric data is made accessible for independent auto repair shops. “Without timely access to vehicle data, independent auto shops are left at a significant competitive disadvantage, and consumers would have fewer choices for automotive service and repair,” Mills wrote.
The governor didn’t act on a bill that would give the Wabanaki Nations exclusive rights to operate internet gaming in the state. Mills said she would be announcing her decision on that bill in the coming days.
The decision comes as Maine lawmakers returned to Augusta on Wednesday for a new two-year legislative session, with nearly 60 bills on Mills’ desk from the previous two-year session. Under state law, Mills had until Jan. 10 to act on the bills.
Legislative leaders on Wednesday also “recalled” a handful of bills from Mills’ desk to make changes before the governor decides. That included a bill that would require the state to include mental health data in firearm fatalities and hospitalization reports.
Last month, Mills signaled that she would allow the Democratic-backed bill limiting cooperation between local police and federal immigration officials to become law without her signature. She also repealed an executive order issued in 2011 by then-Republican Gov. Paul LePage, which called for fostering more cooperation between state and federal officials on immigration enforcement.
Republicans have blasted Mills for not vetoing the bill, saying it will make the state less safe and potentially impact millions of dollars in federal grant funding the state receives from the federal government, with the Trump administration threatening to freeze funding for “sanctuary” states and communities.
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Mills, who is prevented by term limits from seeking another four years as governor, is running for the Democratic Party’s nomination to challenge Republican U.S. Sen. Susan Collins in November’s midterm elections.
Recent polls have shown Mills trailing behind Oyster farmer and political newcomer Graham Platner, who is also seeking the party’s nomination.