Bill > LD527

This bill establishes a new position of bail officer within the Maine judicial branch to set and execute bail, expanding the existing bail system's personnel. The bill defines a bail officer as a judicial branch employee specifically hired and trained to handle bail proceedings, and also clarifies the definition of a law enforcement officer as a sworn police officer certified by the Maine Criminal Justice Academy. The legislation modifies existing statutes to incorporate bail officers into the bail process, granting them similar authorities to bail commissioners in setting preconviction bail, with some important restrictions. These restrictions include prohibitions on setting bail for serious offenses like murder, domestic violence crimes, and cases where specific additional information is needed. The bill also authorizes courts to impose a surcharge for bail payments made by credit card and requires the Maine Criminal Justice Academy to collaborate with the Chief Judge of the District Court to establish training for law enforcement officers regarding bail bond execution. Additionally, the bill updates various legal references to include bail officers alongside existing bail-related personnel like bail commissioners and law enforcement officers, ensuring consistency across different sections of Maine law.

Justice

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=527&snum=132