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ME LD2194

Bill

Status

Introduced

2/3/2026

Primary Sponsor

Unknown

Origin

Senate

132nd Legislature

AI Summary

  • Expands the Maine Commission on Public Defense Services' authority to evaluate, train, supervise, and compensate court-appointed attorneys in several additional proceeding types beyond traditional indigent defense
  • Adds coverage for attorneys representing juveniles petitioning for emancipation, children in child protection proceedings, and indigent respondents in extreme risk protection order proceedings under both "yellow flag" and "red flag" laws
  • Includes attorneys appointed to represent persons subject to involuntary commitment or involuntary treatment proceedings under the commission's purview
  • Authorizes compensation for attorneys representing nonparty witnesses in criminal or civil proceedings when constitutionally required
  • Requires the commission to compensate attorneys for indigent parents or guardians in child protection cases through the conclusion of proceedings, including when cases resolve with parental rights and responsibilities orders

Legislative Description

An Act to Clarify Responsibility for Compensation of Court-appointed Attorneys in Certain Proceedings

Legal Services

Last Action

Voted: Divided Report

2/26/2026

Committee Referrals

Judiciary2/3/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available