The largest and most important issue that constituents bring to his attention is the economy, and making sure that government is doing what it can to help. In many cases, that means doing less– and getting out of the way. People aren’t looking for giant shortcuts, they just like predictability and being able to plan ahead what they can do for their small businesses. They want a clean environment and a nice place to live, and they like the stability of a strong and robust economy.

What you get from people when you talk with them, what they like in general is freedom — to work where they want, to go to school where they want and to associate with who they want. I’m a 10th-generation American, and the first four generations of my family lived here before the United States was in existence. That thread of freedom, it’s always there, underneath.

Marine Resources

The Joint Standing Committee on Marine Resources oversees the Department of Marine Resources; Marine Patrol; commercial and recreational marine fisheries management, licensing and enforcement; marine science and research; shellfish sanitation and management; and aquaculture.

“I think these whale rules have everyone anxious about the coming season,” Hutchins said of a federal effort to tighten rules lobstermen must comply with in order to protect endangered right whales that many believe may be traveling through the Gulf of Maine, “and it’s not going to be good if guys have to spend a lot of money to fish where they always have or are told by the feds they can’t fish there. I hear that every day serving on the Marine Resources Committee.”

Constituent Services

Congratulatory letters, Legislative Sentiments, flags flown over the Capitol, assistance with state departments, general comments or questions about legislative matters. 

Contact Information

Mail: 2 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04330

Email: Sherman.Hutchins@legislature.maine.gov

Legislative Office: (207) 287-1440

Sponsored Legislation (2019-2020)

LD 174	(HP137)
An Act To Promote Youth Participation in the Maine Lobster Fishery
LD 189	(HP152)
An Act To Amend the Laws Governing Long-term Care Insurance
LD 190	(HP153)
An Act To Provide Antlerless Deer Permits to Senior Resident Lifetime Hunting License Holders
LD 203	(HP166)
Resolve, To Add a Safety Fence to the Penobscot Narrows Bridge
LD 222	(HP185)
An Act To Prohibit Child Care Providers from Requiring Payment during Vacation Closures
LD 233	(HP196)
An Act To Move the Bureau of Parks and Lands from the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry to the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
LD 279	(SP91)
An Act To Raise Juror Pay to $50 per Day
LD 314	(HP238)
An Act To Simplify Apprenticeship Requirements for Student and Apprentice Lobster and Crab Fishing License Holders
LD 340	(HP266)
An Act To Establish a Temporary Terminal Condition Medical Allowance for Lobster and Crab Fishing License Holders
LD 426	(HP335)
An Act To Increase the Beverage Container Redemption Reimbursement To Offset Minimum Wage Increases
LD 488	(SP153)
An Act To Provide Campground Owners Immunity from Liability for the Inherent Risks of Camping
LD 559	(HP403)
An Act To Restore Regular Mapping of Eelgrass Beds in the State
LD 616	(HP444)
An Act To Create Uniform Practices for Medicare Beneficiaries in Small Group Plans
LD 617	(HP445)
An Act To Increase to 3 the Number of Youth Deer Hunting Days
LD 844	(HP618)
An Act To Prohibit Driverless Commercial Vehicles
LD 1027	(HP757)
An Act To Eliminate the 100-megawatt Limit on Hydroelectric Generators under the Renewable Resources Laws
LD 1060	(HP783)
An Act To Authorize Consumers Located Adjacent to Electric Power Generators To Obtain Power Directly
LD 1146	(HP835)
An Act To Ensure the Provision of Housing Navigation Services to Older Adults and Persons with Disabilities
LD 1147	(HP836)
An Act To Amend the Laws Regarding the Size and Weight of All-terrain Vehicles, the Operation of Motor Vehicles on Designated All-terrain Vehicle Trails and the Operation of All-terrain Vehicles on Trails Posted with Size or Weight Limits and To Update and Improve Funding Mechanisms for All-terrain Vehicle Trail Development and Maintenance
LD 1148	(HP837)
An Act Regarding the Costs Incurred by Municipalities in the Administration of Aquaculture Leases
LD 1181	(HP855)
An Act To Reduce Electricity Costs through Nonwires Alternatives
LD 1182	(HP856)
An Act To Improve School Safety by Requiring Law Enforcement Visits
LD 1213	(HP877)
An Act To Repeal the Ranked-choice Voting Law
LD 1296	(HP939)
An Act To Clarify the Scope of Practice of Certain Licensed Professionals Regarding Conversion Therapy
LD 1300	(HP943)
Resolve, To Transfer the Guilford Butler School Property to the Town of South Thomaston
LD 1336	(HP964)
Resolve, Directing the Governor To Renominate Penobscot Bay for Inclusion in the United States Environmental Protection Agency National Estuary Program
LD 1438	(HP1050)
An Act To Clarify the Intent of Referendum Questions for Voters
LD 1489	(HP1091)
RESOLUTION, Proposing an Amendment to the Constitution of Maine Regarding the Election of Senators
LD 1882	(HP1348)
An Act To Provide Noncommercial Lobster and Crab Fishing Licenses and Scallop Licenses to Disabled Veterans at No Cost
(SP653)
An Act To Amend the Laws Prohibiting the Use of Handheld Phones and Devices While Driving