An Act to Modify Probationary Periods for Dispatchers
Sponsored By: Stephan Bunker (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Municipal dispatchers get minimum probation, written notice
Maine municipal dispatchers must complete at least six months of probation, unless a union contract provides otherwise. Municipalities must adopt a written dispatcher probation policy and share it with dispatchers at hire. Unless a local charter or ordinance says otherwise, statutory cause-and-hearing protections apply only after employees complete reasonable municipal probation. For employees other than dispatchers, probation cannot exceed six calendar months or the municipality's January 1, 1984 length, whichever is longer. The law removes the separate one-year probation requirement for police officers.
State dispatchers face longer probation, clearer rules
Maine's classified state employees must serve at least six months of probation after an initial appointment or promotion. The appointing officer sets the length in consultation with the agency director or commissioner. Agency directors or commissioners can extend dispatcher probation beyond six months, unless a union contract provides otherwise. Agencies must adopt a written dispatcher probation policy and share it with dispatchers at hire. Supervisors must review employees at the end of month three, discussing job tasks, performance, and needed improvements. Employees hired under all applicable laws and procedures receive pay in the same manner as permanent full-time employees. During probation, employees can be fired, suspended, or otherwise disciplined without cause or a hearing beforehand. These disciplinary actions cannot go through the union contract's grievance or arbitration process.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Stephan Bunker
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Grayson Lookner
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 669
4/13/2026PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.
4/6/2026SenatePASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
4/2/2026HouseReport READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-941) 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-941), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.
4/2/2026SenateCONSENT 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-941).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
4/2/2026HouseThe Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY in concurrence
1/7/2026SenateCommittee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety suggested and ordered printed. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
1/7/2026House
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (H-941), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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