AUGUSTA — Maine State Representative Sherman Hutchins, R-Penobscot, has been stripped of his committee assignment by Speaker of the House Ryan Fecteau after video (attached to this story for reader viewing) emerged of Hutchins being among a group of six other legislators Monday entering the State House maskless and refusing to put on a mask when confronted by Capitol Police. 

“I simply will not tolerate attempts to devolve our institution into showmanship and political theater,” Speaker Fecteau said in a letter to the lawmakers following the incident. 

The group, led by Representative Laurel Libby of Auburn, also included Reps. Heidi Sampson, of Alfred; Chris Johansen, of Monticello; Michael Lemelin, of Chelsea; Jim Thorne, of Carmel; and John Andrews, of Paris. All are Republicans except Andrews, who is a Libertarian. 

Rep. Hutchins had been serving on the Legislature’s Marine Resources Committee this term, and is serving his second term in office representing the House District 131 communities of Dedham, Orland, Otis, Penobscot, Prospect, Stockton Springs and Verona Island. 

“A bipartisan group of State Representatives were impeded by Capitol Security today while attempting to enter the State House to conduct legislative business,” Rep. Libby said in a statement.

Libby said the lawmakers were adhering to Governor Janet Mills’ executive order that eliminated the requirement vaccinated members of the public wear masks in most places effective May 24. In fact, Maine residents, with the exception of state employees, can go maskless in most indoor settings, except for educational facilities and in private businesses still mandating masks be worn by all occupants. 

“No policy on masking was publicly posted at the State House,” said Rep. Libby. “The event was peaceful and legislative, nonpartisan and Capitol Security staff were respectful and polite during the entire incident.” 

Late last week, House Democrats on the Legislative Council voted to retain the mask requirement within the State House. 

“Today we attempted to do what citizens throughout Maine are doing, follow the Governor’s recent Executive Order making the wearing of masks an individual choice,” said Rep. Libby. “We attempted to go to work on behalf of our constituents and where impeded from doing so at the direction of President Jackson, Speaker Fecteau and other Democratic leaders on the Legislative Council. When it became clear that Capitol Security and nonpartisan staff lacked the legal authority and or applicable policies to prevent our entry, we proceeded into the State House to complete our work. The idea that the Legislature is somehow above the rules governing the public, science, or even common sense, is indefensible and cannot stand.”

Rep. Hutchins did not respond to a request for comment. He has been replaced on the Marine Resources committee by Representative Holly Stover, D-Boothbay. 

Among the reassignment of committee assignments, two lawmakers representing the Midcoast added a new committee to their legislative duties. 

Representative Genevieve McDonald, D-Stonington, has replaced Rep. Andrews on the Innovation, Development, Economic Advancement and Business Committee.

Rep. McDonald, already chair of the Government Oversight Committee and member of the Marine Resources Committee, serves the communities of Cranberry Isles, Deer Isle, Frenchboro, Isle au Haut, North Haven, Southwest Harbor, Stonington, Swan's Island, Tremont and Vinalhaven, plus the unorganized territory of Marshall Island Township. 

Representative Victoria Doudera, D-Camden, has replaced Rep. Thorne on the Marine Resources Committee. 

Rep. Doudera serves the communities of Camden, Islesboro and Rockport, and already held a seat on the Environment and Natural Resources Committee.