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MaineLD 1801132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)Senate

An Act to Make Technical Changes to the Laws Governing the Maine Commission on Public Defense Services

Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable

Became Law

CRIMINAL PROCEDURECRIMINAL PROCEDURE - APPOINTED COUNSEL

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Clear roles for indigent defense lawyers

The law defines two types of commission lawyers: employed counsel for civil cases, and public defenders for criminal and juvenile cases. The Maine Commission on Public Defense Services must run a system that uses its own lawyers and private lawyers. It can appoint or contract with attorneys to give high‑quality, effective help to people who qualify for indigent services. This clarifies who may represent you and how cases are staffed.

Confidential records help assign and oversee counsel

If the commission asks, courts must share certain confidential records so it can assign, evaluate, or supervise counsel. Those records stay confidential and can be used only for that purpose. Training and evaluation materials the commission creates or gets are confidential too. The commission can share them as needed to do its job without waiving confidentiality. These rules support better oversight and training while protecting private information.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

There is no primary sponsor on record.

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 415

    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. 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" (S-250).In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/4/2025House

  5. Report READ and ACCEPTED.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (S-250) READ and ADOPTED.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-250).Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence.

    6/3/2025Senate

  6. Report was READ and ACCEPTED.The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on JUDICIARYIn concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    4/30/2025House

  7. Reported by Senator CARNEY of Cumberland for the Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary pursuant to the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 4, section 1804, subsection 3, paragraph H.Report READ and ACCEPTED.REFERRED to the Committee on Judiciary and ordered printed pursuant to Joint Rule 218.Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence.

    4/29/2025Senate

Bill Text

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