Bill > LD702

This bill establishes January 6th as "A Day to Remember" in Maine, with two primary objectives. First, it requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation honoring democracy's resilience during the January 6, 2021 events in Washington, D.C., and encourages educational institutions, civic organizations, and public libraries to host events and discussions about civic engagement and the rule of law. Second, the bill directs the State Archivist, in collaboration with the Maine Historical Society, to collect and preserve firsthand witness accounts from individuals involved in or present during the January 6, 2021 events, including congressional delegation members, state residents at the U.S. Capitol, law enforcement personnel, and historians. The State Archivist must develop a standardized interview process, record and transcribe interviews with participant consent, create educational materials based on these accounts, and make the interviews and materials publicly accessible through an online archive and physical exhibits. Starting January 6, 2026, the State Archivist will provide an annual report to the Legislature's education committee detailing the progress of the witness account collection and related educational initiatives.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=702&snum=132