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MaineLD 537132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)House

An Act to Prohibit the Doxing of a Minor and to Authorize a Related Civil Action

Sponsored By: Melanie Sachs (Democratic)

Became Law

HUMAN RIGHTSHUMAN RIGHTS - PRIVACY

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Doxing linked to protection order law

The law adds doxing of a minor to a list in another state statute. This helps courts treat doxing alongside other listed offenses when using that law. It does not create new criminal penalties, but it supports getting legal protection and relief.

Families can sue for child doxing

The law bans doxing of a minor. Doxing means sharing a child’s private info on purpose or recklessly, ignoring a big risk of harm, and it causes stalking, injury, serious property damage, or fear for safety. A minor, through a parent or other representative, can sue. Courts can order removal or other stops, and award actual and compensatory damages, attorney’s fees, and costs. Punitive damages are available if the doxing was malicious or driven by bias. There are defenses for reporting crimes to police, reporting on unlawful conduct by public officials or police, and speech protected by the U.S. or Maine Constitutions.

Who is a minor and what’s private

The law explains who counts as a minor. It covers anyone under 18, and some 18‑year‑olds who are enrolled in a Maine secondary school. It lists what personal information is protected, like home address, school or employer info, Social Security and ID numbers, medical or school records, and certain photos. It also defines “close relation,” including family, recent housemates, important personal or work contacts, and pets. Harms to these close relations count under the law.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Melanie Sachs

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Ambureen Rana

    Democratic • House

  • Amy Kuhn

    Democratic • House

  • Anne M. Carney

    Democratic • Senate

  • Deqa Dhalac

    Democratic • House

  • Laurie Osher

    Democratic • House

  • Matt Moonen

    Democratic • House

  • Michael Brennan

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 96 • No: 83

Senate vote • 6/10/2025

ACCEPT MAJORITY OUGHT TO PASS AS AMENDED REPORT

Yes: 18 • No: 14

House vote • 6/10/2025

ACC MAJ OTP AS AMENDED REP

Yes: 78 • No: 69

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 417

    6/24/2025

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    6/11/2025Senate

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

    6/10/2025House

  4. Reports ReadOn motion by Senator CARNEY of Cumberland the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-604) Report ACCEPTED. PREVAILED Roll Call Ordered Roll Call Number 441 Yeas 18 - Nays 14 - Excused 3 - Absent 0 Bill READ ONCE. Committee Amendment "A" (H-604) READ and ADOPTED. Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED by Committee Amendment "A" (H-604) in concurrence.

    6/10/2025Senate

  5. Reports READ.On motion of Representative KUHN of Falmouth, the Majority Ought to Pass as Amended Report was ACCEPTED.ROLL CALL NO. 406(Yeas 78 - Nays 69 - Absent 2 - Excused 2)The Bill was READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-604) was READ and ADOPTED.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 ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-604). Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    6/10/2025House

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

    3/21/2025House

  7. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on JUDICIARY in concurrence

    2/11/2025Senate

  8. Committee on Judiciary suggested and ordered printed. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on JUDICIARY.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    2/11/2025House

Bill Text

  • Amendment C-A (H-604), adopted by House & Senate

    PDF

  • Enacted

    PDF

  • Introduced

    PDF

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