Bill > LD1824

This bill amends Maine's public records law to prohibit the public release of certain law enforcement reports and communications related to fatal railroad accidents during the course of an investigation. Specifically, the bill creates a new confidentiality provision that prevents the disclosure of law enforcement reports about a railroad fatality and any communications between law enforcement and railroad company employees involved in the accident. However, the bill does provide limited exceptions to this confidentiality rule, allowing access to these reports and records by: (1) the railroad company responsible for the accident, (2) a railroad company whose employee is mentioned in the documents, and (3) individuals authorized by a judicial order who need the information to perform their duties. The bill also defines key terms such as "railroad," "railroad company," and "railroad line" by referencing existing state law definitions. This legislation aims to protect the sensitivity of ongoing investigations into fatal railroad accidents while still allowing necessary access to relevant parties.

Justice

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1824&snum=132