Bill > LD20

This bill makes several changes to the judicial district structure in Maine, specifically affecting Androscoggin and Western Aroostook counties. The bill removes the flexibility for the Chief Judge to choose between Lewiston and Auburn for the Androscoggin District Court, mandating that it will be held in Lewiston. For the Western Aroostook judicial division, the bill eliminates Madawaska as a court location, leaving only Fort Kent as the district court site. The legislation also modifies how certain plantations and territories are defined within these judicial districts, changing references from "Plt." (Plantation) to the full word "Plantation". Additionally, the bill grants the Chief Judge of the District Court the authority to reallocate municipalities or unorganized territories between Western Aroostook and Eastern Aroostook judicial divisions for public convenience. The bill requires the Chief Judge to submit a report by January 15, 2026, with recommendations for potentially redrawing judicial division boundaries. The legislation includes budgetary provisions reflecting the closure of the Madawaska district court, with a reduction in appropriations for personal services and other expenses. These changes aim to streamline and potentially improve the efficiency of the judicial district structure in these regions of Maine.

Justice

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=20&snum=132