Maine governor Janet Mills has maintained a reluctant stance on acting on legislation for allowing sports betting that were passed in the final days of the legislative session. She has also declined to act on other bills as well. Her office confirmed on Wednesday that the governor will have three days for signing or vetoing the bill before the lawmakers return to Augusta. If she decides against acting on the bills, then the bills that deal with several issues will die.
“The legislature has passed many bills this session and I take my constitutional obligations seriously for reviewing them thoroughly and evaluating the implications and deciding if they serve the interest of my people,” Mills stated in a statement.
Democratic senator Louis Luchini said that she is more than glad to work with Mills on the sports betting bill. The legislation would have allowed casinos, commercial tracks, off-track betting amenities and it would federally recognize Indian tribes for applying for sports betting cases. “We need to be more careful while implementing gambling laws,” Luchini said. Other bills held by the governor also range from efforts for improving the dental health of children to fund substance use treatment. Bills also include a complete ban on child marriage and an income tax credit for renewable chemicals. So far, Mills has signed 606 bills and has successfully vetoed eight bills. Moreover, she has also let 45 bills become a law without her sign.