An Act to Update Maine's Mandated Reporting Laws
Sponsored By: Michele Meyer (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
Child investigations must consider ongoing treatment
A licensed mental health professional must report concerns learned while treating a child or someone responsible for that child. The professional may ask the department to consider how an investigation or resulting action affects ongoing treatment. The department must take reasonable steps to work with the professional and avoid harming treatment as much as possible. This does not remove the professional's reporting duty.
Infant providers must report suspected abuse
Covered health care providers must report suspected infant abuse or neglect immediately, no later than 24 hours after suspicion arises. Coverage includes professionals licensed under Maine Title 32, chapters 31, 36, 48, 56, 81, or 83. It also includes anyone paid to help deliver a child, including midwives. If the infant has a family care plan developed under Maine's child welfare law, a copy must accompany the report.
More workers must report child abuse
Maine expands who must report known or reasonably suspected child abuse, neglect, likely abuse or neglect, and suspicious child deaths. Reports must reach the Department of Health and Human Services immediately, no later than 24 hours after knowledge or suspicion arises. Covered professional roles include school staff, health practitioners, medical examiners, camp leaders and counselors, child care staff, and social workers. They also include court-appointed child advocates and guardians, sexual assault counselors, domestic violence advocates, mental health professionals, police, and municipal code officers. Religious affiliates in administrative or trusted roles must report, whether paid or unpaid. Health practitioners include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, podiatrists, optometrists, chiropractors, dentists, dental staff, physician assistants, and emergency medical services providers. Mental health professionals include psychiatrists, licensed psychologists, licensed clinical or certified social workers, and community service providers defined by Maine law. Whenever possible, the person with first-hand information makes the report. Required reporters must complete department-approved training at least every 2 years, instead of every 4 years.
Worker protections and child abuse reporting
Required reporters working in institutions, agencies, or facilities must immediately notify the leader or designated agent so a report is made. A designated agent who must report is responsible for meeting the law's requirements; staff can also report directly to the department. Internal procedures must follow state law, and the old written-confirmation and 24-hour backup-report requirements are removed. When reported abuse, neglect, or a suspicious death is caused by someone not responsible for the child, the department must notify prosecutors. Required reporters may also contact the appropriate district attorney's office directly. Employers cannot retaliate against employees for reporting. The law repeals Maine's former reporting-penalty provision and removes related penalty language, but preserves licensing boards' enforcement authority.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Michele Meyer
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Henry L. Ingwersen
Democratic • Senate
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 667
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-907) 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-907), 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-907).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
3/30/2026HouseThe Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES in concurrence
1/7/2026SenateCommittee 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.
1/7/2026House
Bill Text
Amendment C-A (H-907), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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