Maine 2023-2024 Regular Session

Maine House Bill LD1903

Introduced
5/9/23  
Refer
5/9/23  
Refer
5/9/23  
Engrossed
2/28/24  

Caption

Resolve, to Create an Advisory Council to Oversee the Review and Technical Revision of the Maine Criminal Code and Other Statutes Establishing Criminal Offenses

Impact

The new advisory council will consist of seven appointed members, including a mixture of legal professionals, civil liberties advocates, and members representing racial justice organizations. By contracting an outside consultant with expertise in criminal law, the council will provide an evidence-based analysis of the current statutes, potentially leading to the elimination of outdated, redundant, or ineffective offenses. This effort is expected to streamline the Maine Criminal Code and enhance its alignment with contemporary public safety requirements.

Summary

Legislative Document 1903 proposes the creation of an advisory council that will oversee a comprehensive review and revision of the Maine Criminal Code and other statutes related to criminal offenses categorized from Class A to Class E. The council aims to assess the relevance and applicability of various statutory provisions, particularly those that have been rarely or never charged in the past decade. This initiative seeks to ensure that Maine's criminal laws remain effective and relevant to current societal needs and public safety considerations.

Sentiment

There is a generally supportive sentiment surrounding LD1903, as it addresses the need for criminal justice reform and the ongoing efforts to ensure laws are just and equitable. However, some stakeholders express concerns about the implications of potential changes to existing laws and how these revisions may affect various communities, particularly marginalized groups. The bill resonates with those advocating for more appropriate and effective criminal justice strategies in the state.

Contention

Points of contention may arise regarding the specific offenses that could be proposed for elimination or modification, as stakeholders have varied opinions on what constitutes an outdated or ineffective law. Additionally, the involvement of the advisory council and its recommendation process will be scrutinized to ensure that it adequately represents the diverse perspectives within Maine's communities, especially in relation to civil liberties and public safety standards.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

ME LD330

Resolve, to Create an Advisory Council to Oversee the Review and Technical Revision of the Maine Criminal Code and Other Statutes Establishing Criminal Offenses

ME A2595

Creates advisory council to oversee revision of core curriculum content standards.

ME S3082

Creates advisory council to oversee revision of New Jersey Student Learning Standards.

ME SB162

Generally revise criminal justice oversight council laws

ME HB07136

An Act Concerning The Revisor's Technical Revisions To The General Statutes.

ME LD259

An Act to Establish the Criminal Records Review Commission in Statute

ME SB00451

An Act Establishing An Advisory Council On Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell Therapy And Other Gene Therapies.

ME LD1773

An Act to Criminalize Certain Offenses Related to Gift Card Thefts

ME SB2286

Relating to the creation of an oversight advisory council on foster care placement.

ME HB5581

Relating to the creation of an oversight advisory council on foster care placement.

Similar Bills

TX SB2075

Relating to the establishment, powers and duties, terms, and governance of certain advisory bodies for programs administered by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

CA AB52

Farmer equity: advisory committees.

CA AB2486

Medi-Cal: Whole Child Model program.

TX SB2312

Relating to the establishment and powers and duties of the Texas Advisory Committee on Geopolitical Conflict.

TX SB2900

Relating to certain advisory entities and work groups under the jurisdiction of the comptroller of public accounts or on which the comptroller's office is represented and to the repeal or redesignation of certain of those entities.

HI HCR179

Urging The aha Moku Advisory Committee To Follow Its Adopted Rules Of Practice, Fulfill Its Statutory Duties, Establish Policies To Assure Consistent Standards Of Administrative And Managerial Accountability; And Convening A Working Group To Make Recommendations.

HI HR169

Urging The aha Moku Advisory Committee To Follow Its Adopted Rules Of Practice, Fulfill Its Statutory Duties, Including Complying With The Sunshine Law, Conduct A Performance Review Of Its Executive Director, And Establish Policies To Assure Consistent Standards Of Administrative And Managerial Accountability; And Requesting The Office Of The Auditor To Conduct A Comprehensive Performance And Financial Audit Of The aha Moku Advisory Committee.