An Act To Establish The Option Of Sentencing Alternatives For Primary Caregivers
This bill creates a sentencing alternative to imprisonment for defendants convicted of certain offenses who are primary caregivers. It directly affects individuals responsible for minors, elderly people (60+), or those with physical/mental disabilities. To qualify, a defendant must file a motion with an affidavit within 10 days of conviction, prompting the court to consider alternatives like probation or community service. The court must then make written findings weighing the offense, defendant's history, family circumstances, and impact on dependents before deciding. This change applies only to offenses that may result in jail time but don't require it.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Jun 2025
House Passage
Jun 2025
Senate Passage
Jun 2025
Signed into Law
Jun 2025
Introduced Jan 21, 2025
Signed Jun 22, 2025
Floor votes · House Jun 5, 2025
How they voted
This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
28
Key actions
9
Committee
7
Jun 9, 2025
Upper · Passed
PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.
upper
Jun 9, 2025
Lower · Passed
PASSED TO BE ENACTED.
lower
Jun 5, 2025
Lower · Passed
Committee Amendment "A" (S-253) was READ and ADOPTED.
lower
Jun 5, 2025
Lower · Passed
On motion of Representative KUHN of Falmouth, REPORT A Ought to Pass as Amended was ACCEPTED.
lower
Jun 5, 2025
House · Passed
House Vote: pass (65-61-10)
house
Jun 4, 2025
Upper · Passed
Committee Amendment "A" (S-253) READ and ADOPTED.
upper
Jun 4, 2025
Upper · Passed
On motion by Senator CARNEY of Cumberland Report A Ought to Pass As Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-253) Report ACCEPTED. PREVAILED
upper
Jun 3, 2025
Legislature · Passed
Reported Out - OTP-AM/ONTP/OTP-AM
legislature
Jan 21, 2025
Committee
The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on JUDICIARY.
lower
Jan 21, 2025
Upper · Passed
Committee on JUDICIARY suggested and ordered printed REFERENCE to the Committee on JUDICIARY Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence
upper
1 primary · 6 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about LD 246
Scope: ME
Hi! I can help you understand LD 246. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline