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The 132nd legislative session is underway, with lawmakers streaming back to Augusta for meet-and-greets and the first of many committee hearings. 

More than 250 bills have already been filed. This week, we're bringing you a preview of some of the bills our reporters are watching, from efforts to change the process for choosing several high-level state officials to plans to better prepare for storms and improve transparency around how opioid settlement funds are spent. 

Need a refresher on who your lawmakers are? Check out our Statehouse Hub, which has all that information and more. We'll keep it updated throughout the session.

Also this week, we've got two great pieces on the past and future of Maine's offshore wind industry, which, after a strong start more than 15 years ago has repeatedly stumbled trying.

That could be changing, as Tux reports this week, breaking the news that researchers from the University of Maine plan to launch a 52-foot wide, quarter-scale concrete hull model of their proposed turbine design later this year off Castine. 

— Kate

The bills we're watching this session: Our journalists give you a preview of some of the legislation they're watching this session, with thoughts from lawmakers and advocates.

Read the previews by Maine Monitor reporters

Need a refresher on how the legislature works? Start here: We take you through the basics of how bills move through the process. Read this story by Kate Cough

Need to look up your lawmaker or see a list of bills in one place?: Check out our Statehouse Hub. See it here.

Once poised to lead on offshore wind, Maine has stumbled: Maine has a fleeting chance to get back in the race in 2025, despite President Trump’s antipathy. Read part one by Tux Turkel.

Plus, a history of Maine’s offshore wind ambitions: Big ideas tempered by setbacks and competition: A changing political climate has, at times, dimmed the outlook for Maine’s offshore wind desires. Read part two by Tux Turkel.

Mining company to sell some land in Penobscot County: The deal is expected to close for $1.5 million at the end of January. Read this story by Kate Cough

‘The hornet’s nest’: How seven wealthy summer residents halted workforce housing on Mount Desert Island

(Published in 2024)

A debate over a six-unit project in Mount Desert has pitted millionaire summer residents against both the town and a pair of billionaire brothers.

Read this story by Josh Keefe

Know of a story that we should be digging into? Send it to our newsroom. 

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