Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a new, optional program to assess the needs of juveniles involved with law enforcement before they enter the formal justice system. The key mechanism allows officers to refer youth to a state department for a strengths-based evaluation that identifies necessary support services, provided the juvenile and their parents or guardians consent to the assessment. If consent is given, the process aims to connect families with resources to prevent further involvement in the justice system; if consent is refused, officers may proceed with standard arrest or detention procedures. Additionally, the bill ensures that statements made during this voluntary assessment cannot be used as evidence against the juvenile in court if a legal petition is filed based on the same incident.
Sponsored bills
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Office of New Americans within the Office of Policy Innovation and the Future to help immigrants integrate into Maine's economy and communities. The office will be led by a director who will hire staff, manage a budget, and report on progress while working with an advisory council of 19 members, including at least 10 immigrants. Key activities include collecting data, coordinating with government agencies, and promoting programs such as English language learning, professional licensure support, and legal services access. The office will also advise state leaders on policies that affect immigrants and provide biennial reports starting in 2026.
Maddy summaryLD 2237 allocates $17.3 million to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services to expand mental health crisis intervention services available around the clock. The funding specifically supports mobile response teams by hiring peer support specialists, recovery coaches, and behavioral health liaisons, while also covering travel costs and critical incident response. Additionally, the bill amends the text to ensure the Public Utilities Commission coordinates with relevant agencies in the implementation of these safety measures. These changes aim to provide more immediate and accessible mental health support to individuals in crisis situations across the state.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates the New Maine Resident Service Coordination Program within the Department of Economic and Community Development to assist new residents with state services. It requires the department to submit a progress report by January 1, 2024, which may lead to further legislation based on its findings. The bill also authorizes funding for two staff positions and related costs to support the program's operations.
Maddy summaryThis bill directs the Maine Department of Health and Human Services to provide emergency funding to two organizations to prevent the loss of behavioral health services in Androscoggin County and surrounding areas. The legislation allocates $8.9 million to St. Mary's Regional Medical Center to cover operating losses and sustain acute care services, as well as $1.9 million to Spurwink Services to help it acquire Tri-County Mental Health Services. All funds must be disbursed by July 1, 2024, ensuring that critical mental health resources remain available to the community.
Maddy summaryThis bill is a joint resolution that officially recognizes May 2024 as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Month in Maine. It honors the diverse history and contributions of these communities to the state and country, noting their significant growth in population and participation in the workforce. The text highlights specific historical events, such as the arrival of early Chinese families and the immigration of Southeast Asian refugees, while also acknowledging recent increases in hate crimes against Asians. Ultimately, the measure serves as a formal tribute to the cultural and civic impact of these groups rather than enacting new laws or policies.
Maddy summaryThis bill creates a Public Art Fund within the Maine Arts Commission to provide one-time grants for installing or performing publicly accessible art. The legislation authorizes a $5,000,000 appropriation from the state's General Fund for the 2023-24 fiscal year, with funds that are not used in that year carried forward to the next fiscal year. This change specifically reduces the originally proposed funding amount from $6,000,000 to $5,000,000.
Maddy summaryThis bill amends an existing outdoor education program to require providers to follow state licensing rules for guides and trip leaders. Specifically, it mandates that anyone leading outdoor school activities in Maine must hold the appropriate licenses for guides, youth camp leaders, or educational trip leaders as defined by state law. The change ensures that all participants in the Outdoor School for All Maine Students Program are supervised by qualified, licensed professionals.
Maddy summaryThis joint resolution formally recognizes June 19, 2024, as Juneteenth in Maine, a day commemorating the end of chattel slavery in the United States. The bill acknowledges the historical significance of the event, noting that it marks the day Union General Gordon Granger announced freedom to enslaved people in Texas in 1865. By passing this resolution, the state legislature encourages residents to participate in Juneteenth observances and honors the legacy of the holiday, which became an official state holiday in Maine in 2022.
Maddy summaryThis joint resolution designates June 28, 2024, as Maine Acadian Day to honor the history and cultural contributions of Acadians and Franco-Americans in the state. The measure acknowledges the legacy of French settlers who established the first European community in Maine and endured the forced deportation of the Acadian people in the 18th century. By officially recognizing this date, the legislature aims to celebrate the significant role these communities play in Maine's heritage, particularly in the Saint John Valley region.