LD 1706 Maine House · 132nd Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act Regarding Notification Of Appointment Of Legal Representation For Indigent Clients In Custody

LD 1706 requires courts to officially record (docket) the appointment of a defense lawyer for indigent (low-income) defendants who are in custody within 24 hours of the assignment, excluding weekends and holidays. It applies only to defendants incarcerated at the time a lawyer is appointed. The key provision mandates this 24-hour documentation deadline for court records. This ensures timely tracking of legal representation for low-income individuals in jail, improving accountability in the process.
Bill status died 4 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Apr 2025
Committee Review
Jun 2025
House Passage
Jun 2025
Senate Passage
Jun 2025
Governor
Introduced Apr 17, 2025 Last action Apr 29, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
21
Key actions
4
Committee
5
Jun 4, 2025
Lower · Passed
PASSED TO BE ENACTED.
lower
Jun 3, 2025
Legislature · Passed
Reported Out - OTP-AM
legislature
Jun 3, 2025
Upper · Passed
Committee Amendment "A" (H-458) READ and ADOPTED, in concurrence.
upper
Apr 17, 2025
Committee
The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on JUDICIARY in concurrence
upper
Apr 17, 2025
Committee
The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on JUDICIARY.
lower
Apr 17, 2025
Lower · Passed
Committee on Judiciary suggested and ordered printed.
lower
1 primary · 9 co-sponsors

Sponsors