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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 11 N OV E M B E R 1 3 , 2 0 1 7 When you're doing something right, keep doing it *BTI's Law Firms with the Best Collaboration 2017 is based solely on 324 in-depth telephone interviews with leading legal decision makers between February and August 2016. MERRILL'S WHARF • 254 COMMERCIAL STREET • PORTLAND, ME 04101 • PIERCEATWOOD.COM Since 1891, Pierce Atwood has been o¤ering clients leadership, value and innovation. At the heart of our mission has been collaboration, spanning not just practice groups, but all firm oªces too. That is why we are pleased to be the only Northern New England firm recognized for "Leading Collaboration" in BTI's "2017 Best Collaboration Report," which identifies firms that show "a deep understanding of client needs across the team." Legal decision makers know that collaborative law firms provide superior service and share the same objectives. If you are considering law firms, consider Pierce Atwood. We'll work together to support your most demanding needs. Pierce Atwood. There's a reason... Workforce development 'journeyman' program among new laws B y S t a f f S everal new laws that affect businesses went into law on Nov. 1. New laws approved by the 128 th Legislature's fi rst session offer additional regulations around workforce development, consumer protection and public health. Workforce development Workforce development has been an ongoing area of concern in Maine. LD 37, "An Act to Provide a Career and Technical Education Training Option for Plumbers," which was introduced by state Sen. Rebecca Millett, D-Cape Elizabeth, intends to address the skill shortage. It introduces vocational students to the fi eld of plumbing, creating a journeyman-in-training license for graduates of career-and-technical education schools, in order to obtain a journeyman-in-training license from the plumbers' examining board, according to Maine.gov and senate Democrats. Consumer protection In the consumer protection realm, LD 803, "An Act to Improve Transparency in the Electricity Supply Market," introduced by Sen. Nate Libby, D-Lewiston, promises greater transparency and consumer protections from the electricity supply industry, a newer sector of the economy. The law requires competitive electricity providers to provide cost comparisons necessary for customers to make informed decisions about their electricity costs, prevents them from automatically renewing contracts and requires they send renewal notices by mail. LD 880, "An Act to Protect a Homeowner's Equity of Redemption in a Foreclosure Action," by Sen. Ben Chipman, D-Portland, prevents premature eviction and homelessness by ensuring families facing foreclosure are given a full 90-day grace period to fi nd new housing before the mortgage holder begins the foreclosure sale process. LD 308, "An Act to Prohibit Charging Maine Seniors Higher Automobile Insurance Premiums Based Solely on Their Age," by Sen. Bill Diamond, D-Windham, offers protection to seniors. It was a response to Progressive Insurance's application for permission to charge Maine seniors higher premiums based on age. After a public outcry, the company rescinded its request. Public health In the area of public health, LD 1108, "An Act to Restore Public Health Nursing Services," introduced by Sen. Brownie Carson, D-Harpswell, reverses past streamlining of Maine's public health nursing system, which provides community health services. The law requires the state to hire 48 public health nurses. Also regarding public health, LD 1485, "An Act Regarding MaineCare Coverage for Telehealth Services," by state Sen. Geoff Gratwick, D-Bangor, will require MaineCare to cover the costs of telehealth services, those provided via audio-video conferencing and remote monitoring, the same way it covers face-to-face offi ce visits. The law is expected to benefi t rural patients that are unable to make long treks to visit doctors. One bill that did not see the light of day was LD 488 "An Act to Provide for Municipalities to Allow Grocery Stores up to 10,000 Square Feet to Open on Thanksgiving, Easter and Christmas." It was vetoed, so make sure to plan ahead. P O L I T I C S & C O. $25,000 from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to reduce health threats caused by poor indoor air qual- ity, including radon indoors, mold and secondhand smoke. The funds were awarded from the agency's Healthy Homes program. The Androscoggin County Democratic Committee announced it will host the Maine State Democratic Committee's 2018 biennial state convention May 18-20, 2018, at the Androscoggin Bank Coliseum in Lewiston. The Maine Small Business Development Centers, a statewide program that helps entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses, received funds from the U.S. Small Business Administration to develop a program that will provide entre- preneurial advising and training for potential and existing business own- ers in the Madison and Jay regions who have been adversely affected by the layoffs and closures of the Androscoggin Mill and Madison Paper Industries. Central Maine Community College in Auburn opened the Gene Haas Precision Machining Technology

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