ME LD1941

Reestablishes parole eligibility in Maine for individuals sentenced after May 1, 1976, requiring inmates to serve at least 1/3 of their sentence or 20 years (whichever is less) for definite terms, or at least 20 years for life sentences with parole possibility.

Expands and renames the State Parole Board to the Maine Parole Board, increasing membership from 5 to 7 members with required representation including a formerly incarcerated individual, mental health professional, attorney, and domestic/sexual violence treatment expert.

Requires parole decisions to be based primarily on actuarial evidence-based risk assessments, developed in consultation with the Permanent Commission on the Status of Racial, Indigenous and Tribal Populations to address racial bias concerns.

Establishes comprehensive victim rights including notification of parole applications and hearings, ability to testify in person or submit written statements, and option to request hearings be held outside correctional facilities.

Delays implementation for current inmates until at least 5 years after the effective date, and requires sex offenders and domestic violence offenders to complete intensive evidence-based treatment programming before becoming parole-eligible.