An Act Regarding the First Judicial District and the District Court Locations in the Judicial Divisions of Androscoggin and Western Aroostook
Sponsored By: Anne M. Carney (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
Funding cut after Madawaska court closure
Because the Madawaska District Court closed, the law cuts Judicial Department funding. For FY 2025–26, cuts are $5,416 for personal services and $38,640 for other costs (total $44,056). For FY 2026–27, cuts are $6,500 for personal services and $46,368 for other costs (total $52,868). These are ongoing reductions tied to the closure.
Court services move to Lewiston and Fort Kent
The law holds Androscoggin District Court in Lewiston. It holds Western Aroostook District Court in Fort Kent and removes Madawaska as a location. The First Judicial District now has Eastern Aroostook (Caribou) and Western Aroostook (Fort Kent). People near Lewiston and Fort Kent get closer access. People who used Auburn, Madawaska, or Van Buren may need to travel farther.
Judge can move towns between divisions
The Chief Judge can move any town or unorganized area between Eastern and Western Aroostook divisions by order. The court posts any order on the judicial branch website. By January 15, 2026, the Chief Judge sends a report with boundary recommendations to the Judiciary Committee. Your assigned court division can change based on these orders or future laws.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Anne M. Carney
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 436
7/1/2025On motion by Senator ROTUNDO of Androscoggin taken from the Special Appropriations Table PASSED TO BE ENACTED in concurrence.
6/25/2025SenateOn motion by Senator ROTUNDO of Androscoggin PLACED ON THE SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS TABLE pending ENACTMENT in concurrence.
5/27/2025SenatePASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
5/27/2025HouseCONSENT 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-105).In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
5/22/2025HouseReport READ and ACCEPTED.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (S-105) READ and ADOPTED.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-105).Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence.
5/20/2025SenateCARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.
3/21/2025SenateReceived by the Secretary of the Senate on January 6, 2025 and REFERRED to the Committee on JUDICIARY pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2
1/8/2025Senate
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (S-105), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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