AUGUSTA, Maine - The Maine House today followed in the Senate's footsteps, voting overwhelmingly to override Gov. Paul LePage's veto of legislation providing the families of homicide victims up to six years to file civil action related to the deaths of their loved ones. The current limit is two years.
The override vote in the Senate was unanimous, and nearly unanimous in the House, 144-1. The measure now becomes law.
The bill is sponsored by Democratic Sen. Linda Valentino, of Saco. She said it originated with the families of cold case victims.
"They have advocated strongly for the bill's passage," Valentino says. "And even though this bill will not help any of them - that's right, this bill is not for them - this bill is for future families who may be in their position that are fighting to have their rights."
In his veto message, Gov. LePage says the bill might sound like an eminently reasonable proposal, but it provides nothing for those who have lost loved ones. The governor says the bill makes empty promises for political gain.
This post has been updated.