ME LD1766

Establishes a statewide Probate Court within Maine's judicial branch with 9 full-time judges appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Legislature, replacing the current system of 16 county-elected part-time probate judges

Implements a phased transition from 2027-2029: four state judges begin January 1, 2027 in Cumberland, Hancock, and Washington counties; remaining counties transition as elected judges' terms expire by December 31, 2028

Creates a Chief Judge of the Probate Court position appointed by the Chief Justice to oversee court operations, assign judges to 8 regional districts, secure courtroom facilities, and manage scheduling

Preserves county Registers of Probate as elected officials who maintain probate records, with counties retaining filing fees to offset registry operating costs

Establishes a 15-member Commission to Evaluate the Incorporation of the Probate Court into the Judicial Branch to review the new system by December 31, 2031 and recommend further integration steps