The bill still will get a last round of votes in the House and Senate, but unless lawmakers change their minds to reach two-thirds support, it won't be sent to voters.
But Rep. Mo Terry, D-Gorham, also defended the timing of the votes by the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee, which took place well after midnight Saturday morning.
Republican House Minority Leader Billy Bob Faulkingham called for the removal of the Democratic House chair, Melanie Sachs, for creating a 'toxic and hostile' environment by dismissing Republican concerns.
The sponsor, Rep. Laurie Osher, D-Orono, said a vote on the bill was delayed at the last minute over concerns it didn't have enough votes to pass with 7 members absent.