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MaineLD 1871132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)Senate

An Act to Permit Sealing Criminal History Record Information of Victims of Sex Trafficking or Sexual Exploitation

Sponsored By: Rachel Talbot Ross (Democratic)

Became Law

CRIMINAL HISTORIESCRIMINAL HISTORIES - CRIMINAL HISTORY RECORDS

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Victim-sealed records not automatically unsealed

If your record was sealed under the victim‑centered path or under the related section 2262‑A, it stays sealed. The usual rule that unseals records after a new conviction does not apply to these sealed records.

Victims can seal trafficking-related convictions

If you were a victim of sex trafficking or sexual exploitation, and your crime was a substantial result of that abuse, the court must seal that conviction. You can file at any time after the conviction. For these motions, any current or past conviction is eligible for review. The law defines sex trafficking and sexual exploitation, including exploitation of minors, people with certain mental disabilities, and people driven by trauma or substance use disorder.

New rules for background check companies

Background check companies must share only complete, up-to-date records. They must update within 30 days or recheck within 90 days. Reports with records collected on or after July 1, 2010 must show the collection date and warn that some items may now be sealed. You can dispute errors for free, and the company must compare to the State’s official record, fix mistakes, and delete sealed or pardoned items within 30 days. If they break these rules, you can recover at least $1,000 or your actual losses, plus costs and attorney’s fees.

One-year wait, older sealing rule repealed

For the general sealing path, you must wait at least one year after you fully complete all sentencing alternatives before meeting eligibility under that rule. The law also repeals a prior subsection of the sealing statute, changing how some people qualify.

Easier court process for victim sealing

For trafficking‑related sealing motions, you and your witnesses can appear by phone or video unless the court requires in‑person. You do not need official papers to prove victim status, but if you have them, they create a presumption. The court can accept affidavits and sworn statements from clergy, medical, legal, or victim‑services professionals. The court may grant your motion without a hearing if the State agrees. If several motions are filed, the court hears them together in one place.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Rachel Talbot Ross

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Adam LEE

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Anne M. Carney

    Democratic • Senate

  • David Boyer

    Republican • House

  • David Sinclair

    Democratic • House

  • Donna Bailey

    Democratic • Senate

  • Eleanor Sato

    Democratic • House

  • Holly Stover

    Democratic • House

  • Kristi Mathieson

    Democratic • House

  • Richard A. Bennett

    Independent • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 111 • No: 70

House vote • 6/17/2025

Enactment

Yes: 89 • No: 58

Senate vote • 6/16/2025

ACCEPT MAJORITY OUGHT TO PASS AS AMENDED REPORT

Yes: 22 • No: 12

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 513

    1/11/2026

  2. HELD BY THE GOVERNOR.

    7/8/2025Senate

  3. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    6/17/2025Senate

  4. PASSED TO BE ENACTED. ROLL CALL NO. 542(Yeas 89 - Nays 58 - Absent 2 - Excused 2)Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/17/2025House

  5. 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-408) 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-408). In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/16/2025House

  6. Reports ReadOn motion by Senator CARNEY of Cumberland the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report ACCEPTED. PREVAILED Roll Call Ordered Roll Call Number 560 Yeas 22 - Nays 12 - Excused 1 - Absent 0 Bill READ ONCE Committee Amendment "A" (S-408) READ and ADOPTED Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED by Committee Amendment "A" (S-408) Sent down for concurrence

    6/16/2025Senate

  7. Received by the Secretary of the Senate on May 1, 2025 and REFERRED to the Committee on JUDICIARY pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2

    5/1/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Amendment C-A (S-408), adopted by House & Senate

    PDF

  • Enacted

    PDF

  • Introduced

    PDF

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