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ME LD1022
Bill
AI Summary
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Appropriates $6,400,000 in FY 2025-26 and $9,500,000 in FY 2026-27 to the Maine Civil Legal Services Fund for legal aid to persons with incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level
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Establishes a minimum annual appropriation of $9,500,000 beginning July 1, 2026 to be deposited in the Civil Legal Services Fund each fiscal year
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Requires the Legislature's Judiciary Committee to hold public hearings on civil legal services funding by April 1, 2026 and biennially thereafter, including review of unmet legal representation needs
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Mandates biennial recommendations from the Judiciary Committee to the Governor and Appropriations Committee on funding increases needed to sustain access to justice
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Designated as emergency legislation to take effect immediately upon approval, citing approximately 356,500 Maine residents below 200% federal poverty level facing civil legal issues without representation
Legislative Description
An Act to Protect and Increase Access to Justice in Civil Legal Matters for Persons with Low Incomes
Access
Last Action
CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800.
6/25/2025