Criminal Justice (Violent Crime)

failed · Maine · Senate Apr 29, 2026

LD 1911: An Act To Automatically Seal Criminal History Record Information For Certain Crimes

LD 1911 (An Act to Automatically Seal Criminal History Record Information for Certain Crimes) automatically seals eligible criminal convictions from public records without requiring individuals to file a separate court petition. It applies to people convicted of certain Class E and D crimes (like non-violent drug offenses or minor property crimes), excluding domestic violence, crimes involving firearms, assault, stalking, or specific drug convictions under Title 17-A. The Administrative Office of the Courts will manage this process, automatically sealing records for qualifying cases after a waiting period (e.g., less than 20 years since conviction for some offenses). This directly affects Mainers with eligible past convictions who previously had to navigate a complex court process to seal their records. The bill does not apply to serious offenses like Class A crimes or convictions involving family violence.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAutomatically seals non-violent criminal records, reducing barriers to reintegration and aligning with criminal justice reform goals to lower recidivism.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Violent Crime

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died · Maine · Senate Apr 29, 2026

LD 549: An Act To Establish A Statewide Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Kit Tracking System And Update Certain Requirements Regarding Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Kits

This bill establishes a statewide tracking system for sexual assault forensic examination kits (SAKs) and updates storage requirements. It requires hospitals to notify law enforcement when an exam is completed but the victim hasn't reported the assault, mandating 20 years of secure storage for unreported kits (previously 8 years). Victims who later decide to report can request kit processing with consent, and results must remain anonymous. For victims unable to decide within 60 days, courts may authorize extended storage or processing after considering public safety and likelihood of recovery. The emergency designation addresses a federal grant deadline to prevent interruption of an existing tracking initiative.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExtends SAK storage to 20 years, mandates victim consent for processing, ensures anonymity, and improves evidence handling - advancing victim rights and evidence integrity in criminal justice.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Violent Crime

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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

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

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

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signed · Maine · House May 23, 2025

LD 1651: An Act To Remove The Term "Alleged" When Referring To Victims Of Sexual Assault In The Maine Revised Statutes

LD 1651 removes the word "alleged" from Maine law when referring to victims of sexual assault in two specific statutes: §3360-M (covering forensic exam payments) and §2905-B (addressing examinations for unconscious victims). The bill changes legal language from "alleged victims" to "victims" without altering existing procedures for forensic examinations, victim compensation, or healthcare protocols. This update aims to eliminate language that could imply doubt about the victim's experience, aligning with victim-centered approaches in legal contexts. The bill directly affects how Maine statutes describe sexual assault victims in these two sections of the Maine Revised Statutes.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves 'alleged' to affirm victims' status, reducing stigma and supporting victim-centered justice reform in sexual assault cases.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Victims' Rights Violent Crime

failed · Maine · House Jun 18, 2025

LD 532: An Act To Protect Health Care Workers By Addressing Assaults In Health Care Settings

LD 532 expands Maine's assault law to specifically protect all health care workers in hospital emergency rooms. The bill defines assault on these workers as a Class C crime, covering anyone employed or contracted by a state-licensed health care entity (including hospitals and clinics) while performing their job in the emergency room. This change directly affects health care workers in Maine's emergency departments by strengthening legal consequences for assaults against them. The key provision amends existing statute §752-F to broaden the definition beyond previous limitations, ensuring all licensed health care workers in emergency settings receive the same legal protection.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands assault law to protect health care workers, strengthening penalties for assaults in ERs under criminal justice framework95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill classifies assaults on healthcare workers in ERs as Class C crimes, directly protecting medical staff through strengthened legal safeguards in healthcare settings.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExpands assault law to protect health care workers in ERs, strengthening workplace safety protections for a key labor group.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Violent Crime Hospitals

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died · Maine · Senate Apr 29, 2026

LD 1816: An Act To Establish A Statewide Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Kit Tracking System And Conduct An Inventory Of Existing Forensic Examination Kits In The Possession Of Law Enforcement

LD 1816 establishes a statewide tracking system for evidence kits used in sexual assault cases and requires law enforcement to inventory all existing kits currently held by them. It mandates that all completed kits be stored for 20 years - regardless of whether the victim reports the crime to police - and creates a system accessible to hospitals and law enforcement to track each kit's status. The Department of Public Safety will operate the tracking system, which must collect specific details for each kit to ensure proper handling and accessibility. This system aims to prevent kit loss or mismanagement, supporting victims who may later decide to report an assault.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens evidence handling in sexual assault cases by mandating statewide tracking, 20-year storage of kits regardless of reporting, and inventory - improving case resolution and victim rights within criminal justice.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Policing Violent Crime

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failed · Maine · House Feb 24, 2026

LD 1572: An Act Regarding Prosecution Standards For Nonfatal Strangulation Or Suffocation In Domestic Violence Cases

LD 1572 strengthens legal protections in domestic violence cases involving nonfatal strangulation or suffocation. It requires prosecutors to pursue these cases without dismissal or unnecessary delay, prohibits plea deals for lesser charges, and allows victim statements to be admitted as evidence without the victim’s presence. The bill directly affects victims, prosecutors, courts, and law enforcement by mandating annual training on strangulation/suffocation for legal professionals and clarifying that such acts constitute aggravated assault (Class B or Class A crimes) under Maine law. Key provisions include defining strangulation/suffocation in legal terms, requiring prosecutors to review cases for aggravation, and banning plea agreements for repeat offenders in these cases. These changes aim to ensure consistent prosecution of severe domestic violence incidents.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates prosecution of domestic violence strangulation cases without dismissal, prohibits plea deals for lesser charges, and admits victim statements - directly strengthening victim protection and accountability in criminal justice.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Violent Crime

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