Bill > LD149

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to change how the Attorney General of Maine is selected, shifting from being chosen by joint legislative ballot to being directly elected by voters. Currently, the Attorney General is selected by the state legislature, but under this proposed amendment, the position would become an elected office starting in 2026, with elections held biennially (every two years) on the same date and in the same manner as elections for Senators and Representatives. The bill outlines a specific referendum process where municipal officers will notify inhabitants to vote on this constitutional change at a statewide election. Voters will be asked to approve the amendment by voting "Yes" or "No" on a ballot, and if a majority of legal votes support the change, the Governor will proclaim the amendment, which will then become part of the Maine Constitution. The bill also maintains the existing provision that allows the Governor to fill a vacancy in the Attorney General's office through appointment, subject to constitutional confirmation procedures.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=149&snum=132