Bill > LD2290

Introduced Session

An Act to Correct Inconsistencies, Conflicts and Errors in the Laws of Maine Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and Whereas, acts of this and previous Legislatures have resulted in certain technical inconsistencies, conflicts and errors in the laws of Maine; and Whereas, these inconsistencies, conflicts and errors create uncertainties and confusion in interpreting legislative intent; and Whereas, it is vitally necessary that these uncertainties and this confusion be resolved in order to prevent any injustice or hardship to the citizens of Maine; and Whereas, Public Law 2023, chapter 193, An Act to Establish an Exception to the Hearsay Rule for Forensic Interviews of a Protected Person, established an exception to the hearsay rule for the recordings of forensic interviews of minors and of certain adults with disabilities conducted at child advocacy centers, as long as specific due process protections are diligently followed; and Whereas, trial courts across the State have reached disparate decisions regarding whether the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 1, section 302 affects whether Public Law 2023, chapter 193 applied to pending proceedings; and Whereas, citizens of the State rely on the Legislature to enact statutes that will be interpreted consistently; and Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

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Emergency Enacted, Apr 22, 2024 (on 04/22/2024)

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