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MaineLD 533132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)House

An Act to Allow Residents of the Department of Corrections to Opt In to Additional Restitution for Their Victims

Sponsored By: Nina Milliken (Democratic)

Became Law

VICTIMS OF CRIMEVICTIMS OF CRIME - VICTIMS RIGHTS

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Mandatory victim fund fees on convictions

Courts must add a victim fund fee to each conviction. It is $70 for murder or Class A, B, or C crimes, and $40 for Class D or E crimes. It is $2,000 for aggravated sex trafficking and $1,000 for sex trafficking. It is $1,000 for the first and $2,000 for later convictions for engaging a person for prostitution. It is $1,000 for the first and $2,000 for later convictions for commercial sexual exploitation of a minor or a person with a mental disability. The court cannot waive this fee. It counts as part of the fine. Money goes to the Victims' Compensation Fund. At commitment, the court tells the Department of Corrections or the sheriff about any unpaid balance.

New account for victim reparations

The Department of Corrections runs a new Victims' Reparative Account. Offenders can deposit money for a named victim. The Victim Services Coordinator tries to find and notify the victim. A victim who claims the money can use it for any purpose. Records of deposits, claims, and use are confidential, except to the victim or staff who need them. If money is not claimed within 5 years, the department may take admin costs and sends the rest to the Victims' Compensation Fund. The law provides $500 in 2025-26 and $500 in 2026-27 to set up the account. The department pays routine administrative costs.

Rules for voluntary offender donations

Offenders must direct donations to a specific victim through the account. They cannot donate if it would affect their ability to pay court-ordered restitution to all victims. Once deposited, the money cannot be taken back. Depositing is voluntary. No threats, penalties, rewards, or favors are allowed. The department cannot use the choice to donate as a plus or a minus. Offenders may not disclose a donation, including to seek clemency. If an offender discloses, the facility chief must bar future donations.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Nina Milliken

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 528

    5/1/2026

  2. HELD BY THE GOVERNOR.

    7/8/2025Senate

  3. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    6/17/2025Senate

  4. PASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/17/2025House

  5. Report READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-736) 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-736), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.

    6/16/2025Senate

  6. CONSENT 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-736).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/16/2025House

  7. Carried over, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.

    3/21/2025House

  8. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY in concurrence

    2/11/2025Senate

  9. Committee 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.

    2/11/2025House

Bill Text

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