Bill
Bill > LD889
ME LD889
ME LD889An Act to Clarify the Release of Information by the Department of Health and Human Services in the Law Regarding Automatic Referrals
summary
Introduced
03/04/2025
03/04/2025
In Committee
03/04/2025
03/04/2025
Crossed Over
06/10/2025
06/10/2025
Passed
06/12/2025
06/12/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
06/17/2025
06/17/2025
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
132nd Legislature
Bill Summary
An Act to Clarify the Release of Information by the Department of Health and Human Services in the Law Regarding Automatic Referrals Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and Whereas, individuals who are eligible to enroll in certain state programs will be referred to other programs for which they are eligible through an automatic referral project created by Public Law 2023, chapter 412; and Whereas, individuals must be able to opt out of information sharing, and establishing that ability requires a statutory change; and Whereas, the Department of Health and Human Services and other state agencies, quasi-state agencies and other entities are currently developing and implementing the project, and this legislation must take effect immediately to avoid any delays; 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 clarifies the information sharing process for the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in an automatic referral project created by a previous law. Specifically, the bill modifies the requirements for releasing an individual's information when they are applying for or recertifying state assistance programs. Under the proposed changes, the DHHS must obtain authorization from the recipient of assistance to share their information, but the prior requirement of "express" authorization is removed. The bill mandates that the department create a simplified process allowing individuals to opt out of information sharing at the time of application, recertification, or at another time of their choosing. The legislation is considered an emergency measure, meaning it will take effect immediately upon approval, which is intended to support the ongoing development of the automatic referral project and ensure individuals have control over their personal information sharing. This bill aims to provide more flexibility and individual choice in the information sharing process while maintaining the goal of helping eligible individuals access appropriate state assistance programs.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Governor's Action: Emergency Signed, Jun 18, 2025 (on 06/18/2025)
Official Document
bill text
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=889&snum=132 |
| BillText | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=HP0575&item=3&snum=132 |
| Fiscal Note: | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/bills_132nd/fiscalpdfs/FN088903.pdf |
| House: C-A (H-615) | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=HP0575&item=2&snum=132 |
| Fiscal Note: C-A (H-615) | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/bills_132nd/fiscalpdfs/FN088902.pdf |
| Fiscal Note: Text | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/bills_132nd/fiscalpdfs/FN088901.pdf |
| BillText | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=HP0575&item=1&snum=132 |
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