ME LD966

Authorizes the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Attorney General, disability protection and advocacy agencies, licensed hospitals, and nonprofit legal services organizations for the elderly to access confidential probate court records related to minor guardianships, adult guardianships, conservatorships, and protective arrangements

Access is limited to authorized employees or legal counsel carrying out official public interest functions, and recipients must use information only for intended purposes while complying with confidentiality laws

Requires the Supreme Judicial Court to adopt amendments to Maine Rules of Probate Procedure specifying how entities designate authorized employees and how registers of probate provide access

Enacted as emergency legislation, taking effect April 1, 2025, with substantive provisions effective January 15, 2026 or when court rules are adopted, whichever is earlier

Mandates the Supreme Judicial Court submit progress reports to the Judiciary Committee by May 1, 2025 and June 1, 2025 on rulemaking implementation