The committee unanimously approved a bill declaring electric vehicle rules to be the responsibility of lawmakers and not the Board of Environmental Protection, an appointed citizen board that rejected EV rules the previous day.
But Maine defenders of traditional gun rights also turned out in force at last week's hearings, and it's unclear if the support to enact changes will be sustained.
The new revenue forecast brings the projected surplus to nearly $373 million over the next 2 years and is likely to increase pressure on lawmakers to make more investments to help struggling Mainers.
Advocates have called for restrictions on military-style weapons, a waiting period on gun purchases and a red flag law to make it easier to take guns away from people in crisis.