Bill > LD921

This bill mandates that certain judicial proceedings in Maine's District, Superior, and Supreme Judicial Courts must be conducted electronically, with specific exceptions. Electronic means is defined as using remote audio and video communication technologies to conduct hearings where participants are not physically present in the courtroom. The bill requires electronic proceedings for pretrial conferences, motion hearings, status hearings, mediations, and judicial settlement conferences, unless a court determines that in-person proceedings are necessary to ensure due process and fairness. Criminal trials and civil jury trials requiring physical evidence are exempt from electronic proceedings unless all parties and the court consent. The bill also requires courts to provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with limited technology access or disabilities, which may include hybrid proceedings. The judicial branch must ensure appropriate technology is available in courthouses and provide training for judges, staff, attorneys, parties, and witnesses. The Supreme Judicial Court must submit an annual report to the Legislature detailing the implementation of electronic proceedings, including statistics, cost savings, participant feedback, and recommendations. The bill grants the Supreme Judicial Court broad authority to adopt rules and issue orders to implement these provisions, with a requirement to submit a report by December 3, 2025, identifying any laws rendered ineffective by the new electronic proceedings framework.

Justice

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=921&snum=132