LD 1797 Maine House · 132nd Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act To Implement The Recommendations Of The Right To Know Advisory Committee Concerning Denials Of Public Records Requests

LD 1797 requires Maine public agencies to provide written denial notices within 5 business days for public records requests, including the specific statute authorizing the denial. This applies to all state agencies, local governments, and officials handling public records. The bill implements a recommendation from the Right to Know Advisory Committee to clarify the legal basis for denials. It replaces existing requirements to ensure transparency in how denials are justified.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Apr 2025
Committee Review
May 2025
House Passage
May 2025
Senate Passage
May 2025
Signed into Law
Jun 2025
Introduced Apr 24, 2025 Signed Jun 8, 2025
Floor votes

How they voted

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

Actions timeline

Total actions
23
Key actions
5
Committee
6
May 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.
upper
May 27, 2025
Lower · Passed
PASSED TO BE ENACTED.
lower
May 21, 2025
Upper · Passed
On motion by Senator CARNEY of Cumberland the Majority Ought to Pass Report ACCEPTED.
upper
May 20, 2025
Lower · Passed
On motion of Representative KUHN of Falmouth, the Majority Ought to Pass Report was ACCEPTED.
lower
May 19, 2025
Legislature · Passed
Reported Out - OTP/ONTP
legislature
Apr 24, 2025
Committee
On motion by Senator Carney of Cumberland REFERRED to the Committee on Judiciary and ordered printed pursuant to Joint Rule 218, in concurrence.
upper
Apr 24, 2025
Committee
The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on JUDICIARY
lower
Apr 24, 2025
Committee
Representative KUHN for the Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary pursuant to the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 1, section 411, subsection 6, paragraph G reports that the Bill be REFERRED to the Committee on JUDICIARY and printed pursuant to Joint Rule 218.
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Amy Kuhn
Amy Kuhn
DDemocratic
ME
111