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Bill > LD2195
ME LD2195
ME LD2195An Act to Prohibit the Appointment or Assignment of a Private Attorney to Provide Indigent Legal Services Without That Attorney's Consent
summary
Introduced
02/03/2026
02/03/2026
In Committee
02/10/2026
02/10/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
132nd Legislature
Bill Summary
This bill is reported out by the Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary pursuant to Public Law 2025, chapter 40, section 4. The committee has not taken a position on the substance of this bill. By reporting this bill out, the committee is not suggesting and does not intend to suggest that it agrees or disagrees with any aspect of this bill. The committee is reporting the bill out for the sole purpose of having a bill printed that can be referred to the committee for an appropriate public hearing and subsequent processing in the normal course. The committee is taking this action to ensure clarity and transparency in the legislative review of the proposals contained in the bill. The bill prohibits a court from appointing or assigning a private attorney to represent a person who is eligible to receive indigent legal services unless the private attorney consents to the appointment or assignment and the Maine Commission on Public Defense Services determines that the attorney is eligible for the appointment or assignment.
AI Summary
This bill, an Act to Prohibit the Appointment or Assignment of a Private Attorney to Provide Indigent Legal Services Without That Attorney's Consent, aims to change existing law by adding a new section that prevents courts from forcing private attorneys to take cases for individuals who cannot afford legal representation, known as indigent legal services. Specifically, a court, which includes the District Court, Superior Court, or Supreme Judicial Court, cannot appoint or assign a private attorney—meaning an attorney not employed as a public defender, contract counsel, or by the state—to represent an eligible indigent person unless two conditions are met: first, the private attorney must agree to take the case, and second, the Maine Commission on Public Defense Services must determine that the attorney is qualified for the assignment. The Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary, which reviewed this bill, has not taken a stance on its substance, reporting it out solely for the purpose of allowing it to be printed and considered through the normal legislative process, ensuring transparency and clarity.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (0)
No sponsors listed
Last Action
Hearing (13:00:00 2/26/2026 State House, Room 438) (on 02/26/2026)
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=2195&snum=132 |
| BillText | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=SP0896&item=1&snum=132 |
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