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MaineLD 156132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

An Act to Improve Notifications Related to Substance-exposed Infants

Sponsored By: Michele Meyer (Democratic)

Became Law

SUBSTANCE USE DISORDERSUBSTANCE USE DISORDER - EDUCATION

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Family care plans for affected infants

The law defines a family care plan using the federal plan of safe care standard. When the state gets a notification about an affected infant, it works with the caregiver and health providers to create a plan. The plan includes referrals for services for the child or the caregiver. A health care provider may also create a plan on their own. If the state receives a report of abuse or neglect, it follows the usual state process. The Department writes routine rules to run this section.

Old infant-notification laws repealed

The law repeals two older infant-notification sections. Providers and the state now follow the new notification and family care plan rules in this Act.

Reporting rules and safeguards for exposed newborns

Health care providers, including midwives and paid birth assistants, must notify the state if a newborn is affected by substance use, shows withdrawal from prenatal drugs, or has fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. If a provider suspects abuse or neglect, they must file a report and include any family care plan with it. The Department of Health and Human Services receives these notices and sets routine rules to carry them out. A notification alone is not a legal finding of abuse or neglect. A notification does not require prosecutors to bring charges.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Michele Meyer

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 353

    5/1/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    6/13/2025Senate

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

    6/13/2025House

  4. Report READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-650) 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-650), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.

    6/12/2025Senate

  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-650).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/11/2025House

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

    3/21/2025House

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

    1/14/2025Senate

  8. 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.

    1/14/2025House

Bill Text

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