Bill
Bill > LD1978
summary
Introduced
05/13/2025
05/13/2025
In Committee
05/13/2025
05/13/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
06/05/2025
06/05/2025
Introduced Session
132nd Legislature
Bill Summary
This bill adds an exception to immunity for governmental entities to provide that the State and a political subdivision of the State, including a city, town, county or school district, is liable for intentional and negligent acts or omissions relating to an employee or an agent of the governmental entity who commits a sexual act against a minor or engages in a sexual act with a minor while acting in or under the scope; description; authority whether actual, implied or apparent; mandate; directive; permission; or other indicia of the employer-employee relationship, whether on or off government premises. This bill also removes the statute of limitations to allow actions against a governmental entity or an employee or agent of a governmental entity based upon sexual acts toward minors regardless of the date of the sexual act and regardless of whether the statute of limitations on such actions expired prior to the effective date of this legislation.
AI Summary
This bill removes governmental immunity for sexual acts committed against minors by government employees or agents, creating a new legal exception that allows victims to sue state and local government entities (including cities, towns, counties, and school districts) for intentional or negligent acts involving sexual misconduct. The bill specifically waives the statute of limitations for such cases, meaning victims can file lawsuits regarding sexual acts against minors regardless of when the acts occurred or whether previous legal time limits had already expired. The legislation defines a "sexual act towards a minor" by referencing an existing legal definition in section 752-C, subsection 2, and allows claims against the governmental entity whether the sexual act occurred on or off government premises. By removing previous legal protections, the bill aims to hold government organizations accountable for sexual misconduct by their employees or agents, giving victims broader opportunities to seek legal recourse and potentially receive compensation for harm suffered.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Pursuant to Joint Rule 310.3 Placed in Legislative Files (DEAD) (on 06/05/2025)
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=1978&snum=132 |
| BillText | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=HP1321&item=1&snum=132 |
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