Conservative lawmakers in Maine lose posts after mask row Associated Press 1 day ago By PATRICK WHITTLE, Associated Press PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Maine's Democratic house speaker stripped seven conservative lawmakers of committee assignments on Monday after the group had a confrontation with Capitol Police about mask rules in the Maine State House. Republican Rep. Laurel Libby released a video of the confrontation, in which the lawmakers entered the state house without masks on. A Capitol Police officer approached the group, and members said they weren't required to wear masks and continued on. The lawmakers' actions came after the Legislative Council decided last week along party lines to require masks when lawmakers return to the state house, even though a statewide requirement is ending. House Speaker Ryan Fecteau said the mask rules are about demonstrating “a respect for our shared workplace" and shouldn't be a partisan issue.