ME LD1922

Requires the Department of Health and Human Services to seal unsubstantiated or indicated child protection reports immediately upon classification, with records remaining sealed unless a subsequent report is recorded within one year

Mandates sealing of substantiated reports after 3 years if the child was not removed from the home, or 3-5 years if the child was removed, provided no subsequent reports are recorded during that period

Sealed records remain accessible to the department for internal use including legal compliance, future child protective investigations, and other governmental purposes, but are inaccessible to the public

Prohibits sealing of records involving child fatalities, sexual abuse, sex trafficking, or serious physical injuries (including broken bones, torture, suspicious burns, head injuries, or injuries creating substantial risk of death)

Designated as emergency legislation to take effect immediately upon approval, aimed at removing employment barriers for families previously involved in child protective services