David Hastings

UPDATED Apr. 2 at 9:30 p.m. with more details on the debate

The state Senate passed a bill Wednesday allowing Maine to participate in the National Popular Vote interstate compact. The bill will next go before the House for consideration.  read more »

UPDATED with more information on the debate

The Maine House of Representatives defeated a bill Thursday that would have amended the Informed Growth Act.

The act, passed last year, requires large developers to pay for an impact study prior to building in Maine’s communities.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. David Hastings III, R-Fryeburg, would have allowed communities to opt out of the act. It was defeated 73 to 59. The Maine Senate had passed Hastings’ bill Monday.

Update: The issue was tabled Thursday. 

The National Popular Vote bill is expected to come up for a second debate and vote Thursday in the Maine Senate.

The issue first came up in the Maine Senate Monday. With Sen. David Hastings III, R-Fryeburg, absent, they voted 17 to 17. On Tuesday, Hastings said he is against the bill so, providing everyone is there and votes the same, it won’t pass.