Criminal Justice

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

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

signed · Maine · House Apr 26, 2026

LD 1941: An Act To Implement Recommendations Of The Commission To Examine Reestablishing Parole

LD 1941 reestablishes Maine's State Parole Board, which was previously abolished, by amending statutes to create a 7-member board within the Department of Corrections. Key provisions require the board to include at least one formerly incarcerated person, a mental health professional, an attorney, and someone with expertise in treating sexual violence offenses, while also mandating that the board's racial and gender composition reflect the demographics of individuals in state correctional facilities. The bill also requires the board to provide annual training on parole evaluation best practices and mandates the Department of Corrections to submit an annual report starting in 2026, including data on implementing the new parole system. This legislation directly affects individuals in state correctional facilities who may seek parole under the reestablished system.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeReestablishes parole board with inclusive composition (formerly incarcerated, mental health expert) to promote rehabilitation and reduce recidivism, aligning with criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

failed · Maine · House May 28, 2025

LD 1499: An Act To Revoke The Tax-Exempt Status Of An Organization That Fails To Report Sexual Assaults Committed By Employees, Board Members, Volunteers Or Affiliates

This bill requires Maine tax-exempt organizations (like charities, religious groups, and nonprofits) to report all sexual assault allegations involving their employees, board members, volunteers, or affiliates to law enforcement. If an organization fails to report two separate, substantiated allegations within a 10-year period, Maine’s Bureau of Revenue Services must revoke its tax-exempt status. Organizations have 30 days to appeal the revocation, and may apply for reinstatement after 5 years by proving compliance with reporting rules, implementing child protection policies, and cooperating with past investigations. The law applies specifically to entities qualifying under federal tax code 501(c).

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCloses tax exemption loophole for non-reporting, enforcing fiscal compliance by revoking tax status for violations85% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates reporting of sexual assaults to law enforcement, enhancing accountability and victim protection within criminal justice system85% confidence

Sub-Topics Violent Crime

Track

failed · Maine · House Jun 9, 2025

LD 1147: An Act Regarding The Required State Of Mind Relating To The Threatening Display Or Carrying Of A Concealed Weapon

This bill amends Maine's law on threatening weapon displays and concealed carry to require that a person must intentionally or knowingly conceal a weapon or display one in a threatening manner to face criminal liability. It directly affects individuals who carry weapons in public, updating the mental state requirement to align with a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling (Counterman v. Colorado, 2023). The key change specifies that negligence or accidental actions no longer suffice for prosecution - only deliberate or aware conduct qualifies under the statute. The law applies to all concealed weapons, including firearms, knives, and other deadly weapons typically used for attack or defense.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAmends law to require intentional/knowing conduct for weapon charges, aligning with SCOTUS ruling to reduce over-criminalization and protect civil rights.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Firearms

Track

signed · Maine · House Jul 1, 2025

LD 1427: An Act Extending The Statute Of Limitations On Criminal Actions Involving Aggravated Sex Trafficking

LD 1427 extends the statute of limitations for prosecuting aggravated sex trafficking (a Class A or B crime) from 6 years to 20 years after the crime occurs. It applies to cases committed on or after the bill's effective date or where prosecution had not yet been barred by the previous 6-year limit. This change provides victims and prosecutors with a longer timeframe to pursue justice for these serious crimes without altering statutes for other offenses.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExtends prosecution window for sex trafficking victims, strengthening justice access without altering other laws. Aligns with victim protection and accountability indicators.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking