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ME LD1337
ME LD1337An Act to Amend the Maine Human Rights Act Regarding Female Athletes and Safety in Women's Single-sex Shelters
summary
Introduced
03/27/2025
03/27/2025
In Committee
03/27/2025
03/27/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
06/16/2025
06/16/2025
Introduced Session
132nd Legislature
Bill Summary
This bill exempts from the definition of "place of public accommodation" in the Maine Human Rights Act privately owned and operated facilities that provide emergency shelter to women or temporary residence for women who are in reasonable fear of their safety. The bill also amends the provisions in the Maine Human Rights Act governing unlawful educational discrimination to provide that they may not be construed to affect the rights of a female athlete under the federal laws known as Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
AI Summary
This bill amends the Maine Human Rights Act to make two primary changes: First, it excludes privately owned and operated facilities that provide emergency shelter or temporary residence for women who fear for their safety from being classified as "places of public accommodation," which would potentially allow such facilities to have more discretion in who they serve. Second, the bill adds a provision to educational discrimination statutes that explicitly states these provisions cannot be interpreted as limiting the rights of female athletes under Title IX (a federal law that prohibits sex-based discrimination in educational institutions receiving federal funding). The bill appears to address concerns about women's safety in shelters and women's sports, potentially allowing more restrictive policies in these specific contexts. The changes are technical in nature, modifying existing language in state law to create exemptions and clarify interpretations around gender-related accommodations and athletic participation.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (10)
Elizabeth Caruso (R)*,
Russell Black (R),
Billy Bob Faulkingham (R),
Kimberly Haggan (R),
Kathy Javner (R),
Jim Libby (R),
Sheila Lyman (R),
Mathew McIntyre (R),
Marianne Moore (R),
Trey Stewart (R),
Last Action
Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD) (on 06/16/2025)
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=1337&snum=132 |
| BillText | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=HP0872&item=1&snum=132 |
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