summary
Introduced
01/08/2025
01/08/2025
In Committee
01/08/2025
01/08/2025
Crossed Over
06/05/2025
06/05/2025
Passed
06/10/2025
06/10/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
06/12/2025
06/12/2025
Introduced Session
132nd Legislature
Bill Summary
An Act to Amend the Law Governing Dedimus Justices Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and Whereas, the Governor may appoint in every county persons to be designated as dedimus justices, before whom the oath required by the Constitution of Maine to qualify civil officers may be taken and subscribed; and Whereas, the need for the services that dedimus justices perform is outpacing the number of dedimus justices who can be found to perform the duties of that commission; and Whereas, keeping an accurate account of how many people in this State are commissioned as dedimus justices and how to contact them is critical information for communities across this State who need the service that a dedimus justice performs; and Whereas, this legislation must take effect before the end of the 90-day period to immediately address the shortage of dedimus justices available to qualify civil officers in the State; 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,
AI Summary
This bill amends the law governing dedimus justices, who are officials appointed by the Governor in each county to administer oaths to civil officers. The bill introduces several key provisions: first, it establishes a 7-year term for newly appointed dedimus justices, while exempting those already appointed prior to October 1, 2025. Second, it requires dedimus justices to submit written notice to the Governor and Secretary of State within 30 days of any changes to their personal information, including name, residence, mailing address, email, or telephone number. Third, the bill allows dedimus justices to resign at any time by submitting written notice and returning their commission certificate to the Secretary of State. Additionally, the Secretary of State is required to send a mailing to all existing dedimus justices requesting updated contact information and explaining the new law's changes. The bill is framed as an emergency measure, addressing the shortage of dedimus justices and the need for accurate record-keeping of these officials who play a crucial role in qualifying civil officers by administering constitutional oaths.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Governor's Action: Emergency Signed, Jun 12, 2025 (on 06/12/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=129&snum=132 |
| BillText | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=SP0060&item=3&snum=132 |
| Fiscal Note: | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/bills_132nd/fiscalpdfs/FN012903.pdf |
| Senate: C-A (S-290) | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=SP0060&item=2&snum=132 |
| Fiscal Note: C-A (S-290) | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/bills_132nd/fiscalpdfs/FN012902.pdf |
| Fiscal Note: Text | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/bills_132nd/fiscalpdfs/FN012901.pdf |
| BillText | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=SP0060&item=1&snum=132 |
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