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Bill > LD981
ME LD981
ME LD981An Act to Facilitate the Establishment of an Automated Crime Victim Notification System
summary
Introduced
03/11/2025
03/11/2025
In Committee
03/11/2025
03/11/2025
Crossed Over
06/13/2025
06/13/2025
Passed
06/13/2025
06/13/2025
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
132nd Legislature
Bill Summary
Current law requires written notice to be made to victims of crimes in the event that a defendant is released on preconviction bail or released or escaped from custody. This bill allows for that notice to be electronic. The bill requires the County Corrections Professional Standards Council to implement an automated crime victims notification system. The automated system provides a victim with timely notices of an offender's change in incarceration status or custody and notices regarding criminal justice proceedings considered to be in the best interest of crime victims in this State and in the interests of public safety. Finally, the bill provides an appropriation of $575,000 from the General Fund in fiscal year 2025-26 for the purposes of development, support and maintenance of the automated crime victims notification system.
AI Summary
This bill modernizes crime victim notifications in Maine by allowing electronic notification methods alongside traditional mail. The bill defines "electronic notice" as communication delivered via email, text message, or application-based systems, and updates several existing statutes to permit these alternative notification methods for various criminal justice proceedings. It requires the County Corrections Professional Standards Council to establish an automated crime victims notification system that operates 24/7, supports both English and Spanish, and provides real-time updates about an offender's incarceration status, court proceedings, and changes in custody. The system must also include a directory of community-based support services like housing, health resources, domestic violence support, and financial assistance. To implement this system, the bill provides a one-time appropriation of $575,000 from the General Fund in fiscal year 2025-26. The goal is to improve timely communication with crime victims, enhance their access to information, and support their ongoing safety and well-being by providing more flexible and immediate notification options.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800. (on 06/25/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=981&snum=132 |
| Senate: C-A (S-384) | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=SP0408&item=2&snum=132 |
| Fiscal Note: C-A (S-384) | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/bills_132nd/fiscalpdfs/FN098102.pdf |
| Fiscal Note: Text | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/bills_132nd/fiscalpdfs/FN098101.pdf |
| BillText | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=SP0408&item=1&snum=132 |
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