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House designates spring peeper state amphibian and wood turtle state reptile
Summary
Lawmakers approved two symbolic bills naming the spring peeper the official state amphibian and the wood turtle the official state reptile after brief floor debate and submitted testimony.
The Maine House approved two separate bills naming state species: the spring peeper as the official state amphibian and the wood turtle as the official state reptile.
Members voted to give first reading and pass both bills under suspension of the rules. The spring peeper bill passed on a roll call announced at 83 in favor, 60 opposed; the wood turtle bill passed 85 in favor, 58 opposed.
Representative Salisbury of Westbrook read written testimony from a fourth-grade student, Rita Scott of Orono, in support of the spring peeper. Salisbury quoted the student: "I love spring peepers. In my opinion, they are the best type of frog. When they start peeping, it means winter is finally over." Salisbury said such submissions from schoolchildren were among reasons members supported the measure.
Representative Toole and others objected to taking up symbolic items early in the special session when lawmakers faced major issues such as property tax relief, housing, and budget concerns. "We are wasting taxpayers' money picking amphibians and reptiles," Representative Toole said during debate, arguing higher-priority items should take precedence.
Clerk roll-call tallies were announced after votes: spring peeper 83-60 in favor; wood turtle 85-58 in favor. Both bills were given second reading by title under suspension of the rules and ordered sent to the Senate for concurrence.
Members repeatedly noted these were symbolic designations; supporters highlighted community engagement and educational value of student testimony while opponents criticized the timing amid the special session's heavier fiscal and policy items.
