LD 1970 Maine House · 132nd Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act To Amend The Laws Regarding Consent For Hiv Testing And Disclosure Of Related Medical Information For Insurance Purposes

This bill amends Maine law to allow HIV testing during routine medical care using "general consent" instead of separate informed consent. It defines "general consent" as voluntary agreement after explaining the test is optional and part of the medical procedure, without requiring a separate form. The bill clarifies that medical records can still be shared with insurers for HIV testing reimbursement. It affects patients receiving medical care where HIV testing may occur, removing the prior requirement for specific informed consent documentation. The change streamlines the process while maintaining patient choice and privacy protections.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
May 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2026
House Passage
Mar 2026
Senate Passage
Mar 2026
Signed into Law
Mar 2026
Introduced May 13, 2025 Signed Mar 19, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

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

Actions timeline

Total actions
40
Key actions
10
Committee
12
Mar 19, 2026
Signed into law
Signed by Governor
executive
Mar 10, 2026
Upper · Passed
PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.
upper
Mar 5, 2026
Lower · Passed
PASSED TO BE ENACTED.
lower
Feb 26, 2026
Upper · Passed
Committee Amendment "B" (H-801) READ and ADOPTED.
upper
Feb 26, 2026
Upper · Passed
On motion by Senator BAILEY of York the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report ACCEPTED.
upper
Feb 24, 2026
Lower · Passed
Committee Amendment "B" (H-801) was READ and ADOPTED.
lower
Feb 24, 2026
Lower · Passed
On motion of Representative MATHIESON of Kittery, the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report was ACCEPTED.
lower
Feb 18, 2026
Legislature · Passed
Reported Out - OTP-AM/ONTP
legislature
Jun 12, 2025
Committee
Referred To - HCIFS
legislature
Jun 12, 2025
Committee
On motion by Senator BAILEY of York Bill and accompanying papers COMMITTED to the Committee on HEALTH COVERAGE, INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES in concurrence.
upper
Jun 11, 2025
Committee
Subsequently, on motion of Representative MOONEN of Portland the Bill and accompanying papers were COMMITTED to the Committee on HEALTH COVERAGE, INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES.
lower
Jun 6, 2025
Legislature · Passed
Reported Out - OTP-AM/ONTP
legislature
May 13, 2025
Committee
The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HEALTH COVERAGE, INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES in concurrence
upper
May 13, 2025
Committee
The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HEALTH COVERAGE, INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES.
lower
May 13, 2025
Lower · Passed
Committee on Health Coverage, Insurance and Financial Services suggested and ordered printed.
lower
1 primary · 9 co-sponsors

Sponsors