Bill > LD688

This bill amends Maine's laws regarding the unauthorized practice of law by creating a specific exemption for sworn law enforcement officers employed by the Department of the Secretary of State. Specifically, the bill allows these law enforcement officers, who are not licensed attorneys, to represent the State in a libel action related to seized catalytic converters under Title 29-A, section 1113, subsection 15. This means that these officers can legally initiate and participate in legal proceedings concerning catalytic converters without being considered as practicing law without a license, which would normally be prohibited. The bill adds this exemption to the existing statutes that already allow certain non-attorney law enforcement officers, such as marine patrol officers, to represent their departments in specific legal proceedings. By creating this narrow exception, the bill provides Secretary of State law enforcement officers with the legal authority to pursue libel actions related to catalytic converter cases without requiring them to be licensed attorneys.

Justice

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=688&snum=132