ME LD1810

Establishes a 9-member Commission on Judicial Conduct to investigate complaints against active and retired judges of Maine's Supreme Judicial Court, Superior Court, District Court, and Probate Courts

Commission membership includes 3 judicial officers and 3 attorneys appointed by the Chief Justice, plus 3 public members appointed by the Governor, serving staggered 6-year terms

Grants the commission authority to receive complaints, conduct investigations, issue subpoenas, hold hearings, and recommend sanctions to the Supreme Judicial Court including removal, retirement, reprimand, fines, or conditions on judicial duties

Requires the commission to hire an executive director (a licensed attorney) to screen complaints, conduct investigations, employ staff, and prepare an annual report to the Chief Justice and Legislature's Judiciary Committee by January 15th each year

Maintains confidentiality of proceedings until formal charges are filed with the Supreme Judicial Court, with exceptions for cases involving public notoriety or when the judge waives confidentiality