An Act To Make General Assistance Officers Mandated Reporters

LD 1459 adds municipal general assistance officers to Maine's list of mandated reporters under state law. These local government workers, who assist residents with basic needs like food or housing, will now be required to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of incapacitated or dependent adults, children, or suspicious child deaths. The bill amends existing statutes (22 MRSA §3477 and §4011-A) to include this new reporting requirement. This change directly affects local welfare staff in every Maine municipality who interact with vulnerable residents.