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MaineLD 385132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)SenateWALLET

An Act to Protect Communications by Alleged Victims Regarding Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, Cyberbullying or Discrimination from Litigation

Sponsored By: Stacy F. Brenner (Democratic)

Became Law

HUMAN RIGHTSHUMAN RIGHTS - FREE SPEECH

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Stronger shield for victims reporting misconduct

The law shields certain communications about sexual assault, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, cyberbullying, or discrimination as defined in Maine law. Your statement is protected if you speak without malice and you had a reasonable basis to file a complaint. Protection applies even if you never filed one. The law also protects statements made in Maine Human Rights Act cases and in school Title IX complaint processes.

Clearer definitions of harassment and discrimination

The law clarifies key terms in this area. It defines cyberbullying; discrimination, including harassment, aiding or failing to prevent it, and retaliation; sexual assault; sexual harassment (like unwelcome advances, sexual remarks, or unwanted touching); and sexual misconduct. It also defines “person” and “governmental unit,” so individuals, schools, employers, and agencies know who is covered.

Protection limited to public-concern speech

The law protects speech under this section only when it is on a matter of public concern. This gives stronger cover for public-interest speech. Private, purely personal disputes are less likely to be protected.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Stacy F. Brenner

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Anne M. Carney

    Democratic • Senate

  • Deqa Dhalac

    Democratic • House

  • Eleanor Sato

    Democratic • House

  • Victoria Doudera

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 72 • No: 70

House vote • 6/5/2025

ACC MAJ OUGHT TO PASS REP

Yes: 72 • No: 70

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 403

    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. Reports READ.On motion of Representative KUHN of Falmouth, the Majority Ought to Pass Report was ACCEPTED.ROLL CALL NO. 336(Yeas 72 - Nays 70 - Absent 7 - Excused 2)The Bill was READ ONCE.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 ENGROSSEDIn concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/5/2025House

  5. Reports READ On motion by Senator CARNEY of Cumberland The Majority Ought to Pass Report ACCEPTED Bill READ ONCE Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED. Sent down for concurrence

    6/4/2025Senate

  6. CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.

    3/21/2025Senate

  7. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on JUDICIARY.In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    2/4/2025House

  8. Committee on JUDICIARY suggested and ordered printed REFERENCE to the Committee on JUDICIARY Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence

    2/4/2025Senate

Bill Text

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