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MaineLD 1406132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)House

An Act to Amend Certain Definitions in the Child and Family Services and Child Protection Act

Sponsored By: Michele Meyer (Democratic)

Became Law

CHILDREN AND FAMILIESCHILDREN AND FAMILIES - ABUSE AND NEGLECT

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Broader child abuse definition protects kids

Beginning June 10, 2025, Maine expands what counts as child abuse or neglect. The law covers threats or harm from physical, mental, or emotional injury, and sexual abuse or exploitation. It includes lack of food, clothing, shelter, schooling, or medical care when a caregiver can provide them or has been offered lawful and reasonable resources. Truancy that results from caregiver neglect now counts. Child sex trafficking counts as abuse even if the trafficker is not the caregiver. These rules let child protective services act to protect affected children.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Michele Meyer

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Michael Brennan

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 240

    5/1/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED - Emergency - 2/3 Elected Required, in concurrence.

    6/3/2025Senate

  3. This being an emergency measure, a two-thirds vote of all the members elected to the House was necessary.PASSED TO BE ENACTED.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/3/2025House

  4. Report READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-419) READ and ADOPTED, in concurrence.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-419), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.

    6/2/2025Senate

  5. CONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-419).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/2/2025House

  6. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES in concurrence

    4/1/2025Senate

  7. Committee on Health and Human Services suggested and ordered printed. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    4/1/2025House

Bill Text

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