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MaineLD 122132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)SenateWALLET

An Act to Update Certain Laws Regarding Extended Care and Adoption

Sponsored By: Anne M. Carney (Democratic)

Became Law

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.

Stronger court reviews for extended care

Beginning June 12, 2025, the court reviews each eligible extended care case for 18-, 19-, and 20-year-olds at least once a year. The department, the court, or the young person may also ask for a review. At each review, the court hears evidence, looks at the agreement and why care began, and writes findings. It decides on safety, services needed for independent living, and whether each side followed the agreement. The court can order compliance, but cannot require the department to pay for a specific placement.

College and training grants after foster care

Beginning June 12, 2025, DHHS runs a transition grant program for former foster youth. If you are 23 to 26, left extended care at age 23, and are enrolled in college or training, you can get money for school. Grants can last up to 6 years for a 4-year degree or 4 years for a 2-year degree. No more than 40 people receive grants at the same time. The program also provides a postsecondary navigator and has an advisory committee that reports each year.

Stronger privacy for adoption checks

Beginning June 12, 2025, DHHS keeps adoption background check results confidential. The agency cannot share them outside DHHS, except with a court handling an adoption petition. This protects the privacy of people in adoption checks.

Clear notice for foster care hearings

Beginning June 12, 2025, DHHS must send a dated, signed written notice before foster care reviews and hearings. It must go to the foster parent, preadoptive parent, and relative caregiver, and to the child if age 14 or older. The notice says they can testify. It does not let them bring other witnesses, attend other parts, or see case records. DHHS may not send notice to a parent whose rights were ended, and must file a copy with the court.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Anne M. Carney

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 34 • No: 0

Senate vote • 6/4/2025

ACCEPT MAJORITY OUGHT TO PASS AS AMENDED REPORT

Yes: 34 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 272

    5/1/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    6/9/2025Senate

  3. PASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/9/2025House

  4. Reports 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.

    6/5/2025House

  5. Reports 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

    6/4/2025Senate

  6. CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.

    3/21/2025Senate

  7. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on JUDICIARY.In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    1/8/2025House

  8. Committee on JUDICIARY suggested and ordered printed REFERENCE to the Committee on JUDICIARY Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence

    1/8/2025Senate

Bill Text

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