Criminal Justice

signed · Maine · Senate Apr 11, 2025

LD 586: An Act To Provide A Court Authority To Issue Proximity Restrictions In Protection From Abuse Orders

LD 586 amends Maine law to allow courts issuing protection from abuse orders to include specific proximity restrictions. Starting January 1, 2026, judges can order defendants to avoid being within a set distance of the plaintiff or to stay away from particular locations like the plaintiff’s home or workplace. This directly affects individuals seeking protection from abuse (plaintiffs) and those subject to such orders (defendants) in Maine court cases. The bill adds this authority to existing protection order provisions without altering the application process.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens victim protection in abuse cases by granting courts authority to impose proximity restrictions, enhancing safety measures within criminal justice system.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence

signed · Maine · House Jan 11, 2026

LD 411: An Act To Amend The Law Governing The Disposition Of Forfeited Firearms

This bill (LD 411) changes Maine law regarding firearms seized as part of criminal cases. It requires all firearms forfeited under certain criminal sentences - including those used in murder or unlawful homicide - to be destroyed by the state, removing a previous exception that allowed third parties to claim ownership. The bill also aligns juvenile court procedures for firearm forfeiture with these updated adult sentencing rules. These changes apply to both adult criminal cases and juvenile proceedings involving firearms used in qualifying offenses.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves third-party claim exception for forfeited firearms, preventing reuse in crimes and strengthening public safety within criminal justice system.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms Juvenile Justice Sentencing

signed · Maine · House Jun 17, 2025

LD 1146: An Act Regarding The Required State Of Mind Relating To Robbery

This bill amends Maine's robbery statute (17-A MRSA §651) to require that an actor must intentionally or knowingly threaten force to commit theft for a robbery conviction. It directly affects individuals charged with robbery in Maine courts, clarifying the mental state required for liability. The key change specifies that threats must be deliberate (not merely causing fear) to meet the "intentionally or knowingly" standard for robbery. This update responds to the U.S. Supreme Court's 2023 decision in *Counterman v. Colorado*, aligning Maine's law with a new federal standard.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeClarifies mental state requirement to protect defendants' rights by requiring intentional threats, aligning with criminal justice reform principles.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Violent Crime

failed · Maine · House Jun 10, 2025

LD 1034: An Act To Decriminalize Personal Possession Of Therapeutic Amounts Of Psilocybin For Adults

LD 1034 would decriminalize the personal possession of up to one ounce of psilocybin for adults aged 21 or older in Maine. Currently, possessing psilocybin is a criminal offense, but this bill removes that penalty for small amounts held by adults. The key provision specifies that possession of one ounce or less of psilocybin by a person 21 years or older would no longer be considered a violation of state law. This change applies solely to personal possession and does not affect the legal status of psilocybin for sale, distribution, or other uses.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeDecriminalizes psilocybin possession for adults, reducing criminal penalties and aligning with drug reform efforts in criminal justice.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

Track

failed · Maine · House Jun 17, 2025

LD 1263: An Act Regarding Penalties For Fentanyl Trafficking When That Trafficking Results In An Overdose Causing Serious Bodily Injury Of A Person

This bill amends Maine law to create a new Class A crime for fentanyl trafficking that directly causes serious bodily injury from an overdose. Specifically, it targets cases where fentanyl trafficked by a defendant contributes to another person's serious injury resulting from an overdose. The law upgrades penalties for fentanyl trafficking causing such injury (currently a Class B crime for other drugs) to a more severe Class A offense. It applies only to fentanyl powder and requires the trafficked drug to be a contributing factor in the injury. This changes the legal classification for these specific cases without altering other trafficking penalties.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill upgrades fentanyl trafficking causing injury to Class A offense (from Class B), increasing penalties. Aligns with 'increases mandatory sentences' indicator for opposing criminal justice reform.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

Track

signed · Maine · House Jun 17, 2025

LD 1725: An Act Regarding The Membership Of And Requirements For County Jail Boards Of Visitors

LD 1725 reduces the required number of members on county jail boards of visitors from seven to five or more. It removes specific membership requirements, including the need for a member with expertise on women's incarceration, a formerly incarcerated woman with child welfare experience, and a mental health professional. The bill also eliminates the requirement for boards to submit annual reports to the legislative committee on criminal justice and public safety, and for sheriffs to provide responses to those reports. These changes directly affect county jail boards of visitors and county sheriffs managing correctional facilities.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeRemoves specialized oversight requirements (mental health, women's incarceration expertise) and eliminates reporting mandates, weakening board oversight of jail operations and accountability.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

failed · Maine · House May 28, 2025

LD 230: An Act To Protect Minors From Harmful Depictions Generated By Artificial Intelligence

This bill prohibits using AI-generated images of specific minors in advertisements without parental consent, requiring written permission for any minor's image in marketing. It creates a civil right for minors or their parents to sue violators for damages and legal fees. The bill also amends criminal laws to classify as a crime the intentional dissemination of AI-generated material depicting minors under 16 (Class C) or under 12 (Class B) engaging in sexually explicit conduct. It directly affects advertisers, content creators, and anyone using AI to generate images of minors, while providing legal recourse for minors and their guardians.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill amends criminal laws to criminalize AI depictions of minors under 16/12 in explicit content (Class C/B), expanding criminalization per OPPOSE indicators.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRegulates AI-generated content to protect minors' privacy and prevent exploitation, enforcing consumer protection in technology use.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

Track

signed · Maine · House May 30, 2025

LD 1598: An Act To Provide Relocation Assistance To Victims Of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault And Sex Trafficking

This bill provides financial assistance to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or sex trafficking for relocation expenses when moving to escape immediate danger. Victims can receive up to $3,000 per incident for actual, unreimbursed relocation costs, with a lifetime maximum of $5,000 if multiple incidents occur. To qualify, a victim must have written certification from a qualified counselor confirming the relocation was part of a safety plan, or a prosecutor must certify the move was necessary to avoid future violence during an ongoing investigation. The assistance is funded through Maine’s Victims’ Compensation Board and applies to crimes defined in the bill’s specific legal descriptions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProvides victim relocation assistance for domestic violence/assault victims, aligning with criminal justice reform by supporting victim safety and rights in legal processes.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Human Trafficking Violent Crime

signed · Maine · Senate May 30, 2025

LD 1836: An Act To Implement The Recommendations Of The Sex Offender Management And Risk Assessment Advisory Commission Regarding Tier Ii Offenses

This bill amends Maine's Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act to reclassify specific offenses as Tier II. It designates unlawful sexual contact involving an unconscious victim (where consent is lacking due to unconsciousness, including penetration) as a Tier II offense under the law. This change affects individuals convicted of such offenses, requiring them to register as Tier II sex offenders. The amendment takes effect October 1, 2025, correcting inconsistencies in the existing registration system. The bill implements a specific recommendation from Maine's Sex Offender Management Advisory Commission.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeReclassifies offenses to stricter Tier II registration, strengthening sex offender enforcement within criminal justice system90% confidence

signed · Maine · House Jan 11, 2026

LD 1126: An Act Requiring Serial Numbers On Firearms And Prohibiting Undetectable Firearms

LD 1126 requires firearms dealers in Maine to permanently mark all firearms they sell with unique serial numbers. It also bans the manufacture, sale, possession, or transfer of "undetectable firearms" (defined as weapons undetectable by standard security scanners under federal law). Violations carry criminal penalties, with stricter charges for possessing such weapons near schools, courthouses, polling places, or government buildings. The law applies directly to firearms dealers and anyone handling undetectable firearms.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill requires firearm serialization and bans undetectable weapons, aiding law enforcement in crime prevention and investigations. Supports law enforcement aspect of criminal justice.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Firearms