All Roll Calls
Yes: 34 • No: 0
MaineLD 122132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)SenateWALLET
An Act to Update Certain Laws Regarding Extended Care and Adoption
Sponsored By: Anne M. Carney (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
CHILDREN AND FAMILIESCHILDREN AND FAMILIES - FOSTER CARE
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
College and training grants for former foster youth
The law creates a transition grant for former foster youth in college or training. You must be age 23 to 26, have left voluntary extended care at 23, and be enrolled. Grants give support like current extended foster care and include a navigator to help you. Time limits apply: up to 6 years for a 4-year degree and up to 4 years for a 2-year degree. No more than 40 people can get grants at the same time.
Stronger privacy for adoption background checks
The law keeps adoption background‑check results confidential. The Department of Health and Human Services holds them for official use only. The department may not share the results outside the agency.
Advance notice for foster caregivers and teens
The department must give written, dated, signed notice before reviews and hearings to foster, preadoptive, and relative caregivers, and to the child if 14 or older. The notice must say they have a right to be heard. That right means they can testify only, not bring other witnesses, attend other parts, or see case files. A copy of the notice must be filed with the court before the proceeding.
Regular court reviews for extended care
Courts must review extended care cases each year for young adults ages 18 to 20. The department, the court, or the young adult can ask for a review at any time. Judges hear evidence on safety, needed services, and whether both sides follow the agreement, and must issue written findings. Courts can order compliance but cannot order the department to pay for a specific placement.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Anne M. Carney
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 6/4/2025
ACCEPT MAJORITY OUGHT TO PASS AS AMENDED REPORT
Yes: 34 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 272
6/12/2025PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.
6/9/2025SenatePASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
6/9/2025HouseReports READ.On motion of Representative KUHN of Falmouth, the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report was ACCEPTED.The Bill was READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (S-259) was READ and ADOPTED.Under suspension of the rules, the Bill was given its SECOND READING without REFERENCE to the Committee on Bills in the Second Reading.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-259). In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
6/5/2025HouseReports READ On motion by Senator CARNEY of Cumberland The Majority Ought to Pass As Amended Report ACCEPTED. PREVAILED Roll Call Ordered Roll Call Number 348 Yeas 34 - Nays 0 - Excused 1 - Absent 0 Bill READ ONCE. Committee Amendment "A" (S-259) READ and ADOPTED. Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED by Committee Amendment "A" (S-259) Sent down for concurrence
6/4/2025SenateCARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.
3/21/2025SenateThe Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on JUDICIARY.In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
1/8/2025HouseCommittee on JUDICIARY suggested and ordered printed REFERENCE to the Committee on JUDICIARY Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence
1/8/2025Senate
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (S-259), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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