FrankGoortani/open-us-law huggingface dataset:
Maine Const. art. 4, § 17 — Maine Constitution / Article 4 / Section 17
Proceedings for people's veto. 1. Petition procedure; petition for people's veto. Upon written petition of electors, the number of which shall not be less than 10% of the total vote for Governor cast 
Status: in_force

Section 17. Proceedings for people's veto. 1. Petition procedure; petition for people's veto. Upon written petition of electors, the number of which shall not be less than 10% of the total vote for Governor cast in the last gubernatorial election preceding the filing of such petition, and addressed to the Governor and filed in the office of the Secretary of State by the hour of 5:00 p.m., on or before the 90th day after the recess of the Legislature, or if such 90th day is a Saturday, a Sunday, or a legal holiday, by the hour of 5:00 p.m., on the preceding day which is not a Saturday, a Sunday, or a legal holiday, requesting that one or more Acts, bills, resolves or resolutions, or part or parts thereof, passed by the Legislature but not then in effect by reason of the provisions of the preceding section, be referred to the people, such Acts, bills, resolves, or resolutions or part or parts thereof as are specified in such petition shall not take effect until 30 days after the Governor shall have announced by public proclamation that the same have been ratified by a majority of the electors voting thereon at a statewide or general election.

2. Effect of referendum. The effect of any Act, bill, resolve or resolution or part 
or parts thereof as are specified in such petition shall be suspended upon the filing of such 
petition. If it is later finally determined, in accordance with any procedure enacted by the 
Legislature pursuant to the Constitution, that such petition was invalid, such Act, bill, 
resolve or resolution or part or parts thereof shall then take effect upon the day following 
such final determination. 
3. Referral to electors; proclamation by Governor. As soon as it appears that 
the effect of any Act, bill, resolve, or resolution or part or parts thereof has been suspended 
by petition in manner aforesaid, the Governor by public proclamation shall give notice 

thereof and of the time when such measure is to be voted on by the people, which shall be at the next statewide or general election, whichever comes first, not less than 60 days after such proclamation. If the Governor fails to order such measure to be submitted to the people at the next statewide or general election, the Secretary of State shall, by proclamation, order such measure to be submitted to the people at such an election and such order shall be sufficient to enable the people to vote.
Maine Const. art. 5, § 7 — Maine Constitution / Article 5 / Section 7
Commander in chief. The Governor shall be commander in chief of the army and navy of the State, and of the militia, except when the same are called into the actual service of the United States.
Status: in_force

Section 7. Commander in chief. The Governor shall be commander in chief of the army and navy of the State, and of the militia, except when the same are called into the actual service of the United States.
Maine Const. art. 1, § 10 — Maine Constitution / Article 1 / Section 10
Bailable offenses; habeas corpus. No person before conviction shall be bailable for any of the crimes which now are, or have been denominated capital offenses since the adoption of the Constitution, w
Status: in_force

Section 10. Bailable offenses; habeas corpus. No person before conviction shall be bailable for any of the crimes which now are, or have been denominated capital offenses since the adoption of the Constitution, when the proof is evident or the presumption great, whatever the punishment of the crimes may be. And the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in cases of rebellion or invasion the public safety may require it.
Maine Const. art. 4, § 15 — Maine Constitution / Article 4 / Section 15
Constitutional conventions. The Legislature shall, by a 2/3 concurrent vote of both branches, have the power to call constitutional conventions, for the purpose of amending this Constitution.
Status: in_force

Section 15. Constitutional conventions. The Legislature shall, by a 2/3 concurrent vote of both branches, have the power to call constitutional conventions, for the purpose of amending this Constitution.
Maine Const. art. 9, § 22 — Maine Constitution / Article 9 / Section 22
Revenues generated by fisheries and wildlife management. The amount of funds appropriated in any fiscal year to the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, or any successor agency responsible for
Status: in_force

Section 22. Revenues generated by fisheries and wildlife management. The amount of funds appropriated in any fiscal year to the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, or any successor agency responsible for fisheries and wildlife management, other than commercial marine fisheries management, may not be less than the total revenues collected, received or recovered by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, or successor agency, from license and permit fees, fines, the sale, lease or rental of property, penalties and all other revenue sources pursuant to the laws of the State administered by the department or successor agency, except that revenues received from the Federal Government may be allocated as provided by federal or state law and the Legislature may establish special funds and deposit revenues collected, received or recovered by the department or successor agency into those special funds, provided that the revenues are allocated and expended only for the purposes of those special funds as provided by law.
Maine Const. art. 1, § 4 — Maine Constitution / Article 1 / Section 4
Freedom of speech and publication; libel; truth given in evidence;
Status: in_force

Section 4. Freedom of speech and publication; libel; truth given in evidence; 
jury determines law and fact. Every citizen may freely speak, write and publish 
sentiments on any subject, being responsible for the abuse of this liberty; no laws shall be 
passed regulating or restraining the freedom of the press; and in prosecutions for any 
publication respecting the official conduct of people in public capacity, or the qualifications 
of those who are candidates for the suffrages of the people, or where the matter published 
is proper for public information, the truth thereof may be given in evidence, and in all 
indictments for libels, the jury, after having received the direction of the court, shall have 
a right to determine, at their discretion, the law and the fact.
Maine Const. art. 4, § 14 — Maine Constitution / Article 4 / Section 14
Corporations, formed under general laws. Corporations shall be formed under general laws, and shall not be created by special Acts of the Legislature, except for municipal purposes, and in cases where
Status: in_force

Section 14. Corporations, formed under general laws. Corporations shall be formed under general laws, and shall not be created by special Acts of the Legislature, except for municipal purposes, and in cases where the objects of the corporation cannot otherwise be attained; and, however formed, they shall forever be subject to the general laws of the State.
Maine Const. art. 9, § 6 — Maine Constitution / Article 9 / Section 6
Tenure of office. The tenure of all offices, which are not or shall not be otherwise provided for, shall be during the pleasure of the Governor.
Status: in_force

Section 6. Tenure of office. The tenure of all offices, which are not or shall not be otherwise provided for, shall be during the pleasure of the Governor.
Maine Const. art. 1, § 19 — Maine Constitution / Article 1 / Section 19
Right of redress for injuries. Every person, for an injury inflicted on the person or the person's reputation, property or immunities, shall have remedy by due course of law; and right and justice sha
Status: in_force

Section 19. Right of redress for injuries. Every person, for an injury inflicted on the person or the person's reputation, property or immunities, shall have remedy by due course of law; and right and justice shall be administered freely and without sale, completely and without denial, promptly and without delay.
Maine Const. art. 2, § 2 — Maine Constitution / Article 2 / Section 2
Electors exempt from arrests on election days. Electors shall, in all cases, except treason, felony or breach of the peace, be privileged from arrest on the days of election, during their attendance a
Status: in_force

Section 2. Electors exempt from arrests on election days. Electors shall, in all cases, except treason, felony or breach of the peace, be privileged from arrest on the days of election, during their attendance at, going to, and returning therefrom.
Maine Const. art. 1, § 11 — Maine Constitution / Article 1 / Section 11
Attainder, ex post facto and contract-impairment laws prohibited. The Legislature shall pass no bill of attainder, ex post facto law, nor law impairing the obligation of contracts, and no attainder sh
Status: in_force

Section 11. Attainder, ex post facto and contract-impairment laws prohibited. The Legislature shall pass no bill of attainder, ex post facto law, nor law impairing the obligation of contracts, and no attainder shall work corruption of blood nor forfeiture of estate.
Maine Const. art. 10, § 7 — Maine Constitution / Article 10 / Section 7
Original sections 1, 2, 5, of Article X not to be printed; section 5 in full force. SECTION HISTORY CR 2023, c. 1 (RP).
Status: in_force

Section 7. Original sections 1, 2, 5, of Article X not to be printed; section 5 in full force. SECTION HISTORY CR 2023, c. 1 (RP).



# ARTICLE 1.
Maine Const. art. 1, § 14 — Maine Constitution / Article 1 / Section 14
Corporal punishment under military law. No person shall be subject to corporal punishment under military law, except such as are employed in the army or navy, or in the militia when in actual service 
Status: in_force

Section 14. Corporal punishment under military law. No person shall be subject to corporal punishment under military law, except such as are employed in the army or navy, or in the militia when in actual service in time of war or public danger.
Maine Const. art. 9, § 18 — Maine Constitution / Article 9 / Section 18
Limitation on use of funds of Maine State Retirement System. All of the assets, and proceeds or income therefrom, of the Maine State Retirement System or any successor system and all contributions and
Status: in_force

Section 18. Limitation on use of funds of Maine State Retirement System. All of the assets, and proceeds or income therefrom, of the Maine State Retirement System or any successor system and all contributions and payments made to the system to provide for retirement and related benefits shall be held, invested or disbursed as in trust for the

exclusive purpose of providing for such benefits and shall not be encumbered for, or diverted to, other purposes. Funds appropriated by the Legislature for the Maine State Retirement System are assets of the system and may not be diverted or deappropriated by any subsequent action.

Section 18-A. Funding of retirement benefits under the Maine Public Employees Retirement System. Beginning with the fiscal year starting July 1, 1997, the normal cost of all retirement and ancillary benefits provided to participants under the Maine Public Employees Retirement System must be funded annually on an actuarially sound basis. Unfunded liabilities may not be created except those resulting from experience losses. Unfunded liability resulting from experience losses must be retired over a period not exceeding 20 years.

Section 18-B. Payment of unfunded liabilities of the Maine State Retirement System. Each fiscal year beginning with the fiscal year starting July 1, 1997, the Legislature shall appropriate funds that will retire in 31 years or less the unfunded liabilities of the Maine State Retirement System that are attributable to state employees and teachers. The unfunded liabilities referred to in this section are those determined by the Maine State Retirement System's actuaries and certified by the Board of Trustees of the Maine State Retirement System as of June 30, 1996.
Maine Const. art. 4, § 10 — Maine Constitution / Article 4 / Section 10
Members not to be appointed to certain offices. No Senator or Representative shall, during the term for which the Senator or Representative shall have been elected, be appointed to any civil office of
Status: in_force

Section 10. Members not to be appointed to certain offices. No Senator or Representative shall, during the term for which the Senator or Representative shall have been elected, be appointed to any civil office of profit under this State, which requires the approval of the Legislature for appointment or which shall have been created, or the emoluments of which increased during such term, except such offices as may be filled by elections by the people.
Maine Const. art. 10, § 6 — Maine Constitution / Article 10 / Section 6
Constitution to be arranged by Chief Justice of the Supreme
Status: in_force

Section 6. Constitution to be arranged by Chief Justice of the Supreme 
Judicial Court; Constitution to be enrolled and printed with laws; supreme law of the 
State. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court shall arrange the Constitution, as 
amended, under appropriate titles and in proper articles, parts and sections, omitting all 
sections, clauses and words not in force and making no other changes in the provisions or 
language thereof, and shall submit the same to the Legislature; and such arrangement of 
the Constitution shall be made and submitted to the regular session of the Legislature in 
1973 and every 10 years thereafter unless sooner authorized by the Legislature; and the 
draft and arrangement, when approved by the Legislature, shall be enrolled on parchment 
and deposited in the office of the Secretary of State; and printed copies thereof shall be 
prefixed to the books containing the Revised Statutes of the State. And the Constitution, 
with the amendments made thereto, in accordance with the provisions thereof, shall be the 
supreme law of the State.
Maine Const. art. 4, § 3 — Maine Constitution / Article 4 / Section 3
Submission of reapportionment plan to Clerk of House; Legislature's action on commission's plan. The apportionment plan of the commission established under Article IV, Part Third, Section 1-A shall be
Status: in_force

Section 3. Submission of reapportionment plan to Clerk of House; Legislature's action on commission's plan. The apportionment plan of the commission established under Article IV, Part Third, Section 1-A shall be submitted to the Clerk of the House no later than June 1st of the year in which apportionment is required. In the preparation of legislation implementing the plan, the commission, following a unanimous decision by commission members, may adjust errors and inconsistencies in accordance with the standards set forth in this Constitution, so long as substantive changes are not made. The Legislature shall enact the submitted plan of the commission or a plan of its own by a vote of 2/3 of the Members of each House by June 11th of the year in which apportionment is required. Such action shall be subject to the Governor's approval as provided in Article IV, Part Third, Section 2.

In the event that the Legislature shall fail to make an apportionment by June 11th, the Supreme Judicial Court shall, within 60 days following the period in which the Legislature is required to act, but fails to do so, make the apportionment. In making such apportionment, the Supreme Judicial Court shall take into consideration plans and briefs filed by the public with the court during the first 30 days of the period in which the court is required to apportion.

The Supreme Judicial Court shall have original jurisdiction to hear any challenge to an apportionment law enacted by the Legislature, as registered by any citizen or group thereof. If any challenge is sustained, the Supreme Judicial Court shall make the apportionment.
Maine Const. art. 4, § 7 — Maine Constitution / Article 4 / Section 7
To choose own officers. The House of Representatives shall choose their speaker, clerk and other officers.
Status: in_force

Section 7. To choose own officers. The House of Representatives shall choose their speaker, clerk and other officers.
Maine Const. art. 7, § 3 — Maine Constitution / Article 7 / Section 3
Adjutant General. The Adjutant General shall be appointed by the Governor. But the Adjutant General shall also perform the duties of quartermaster general and paymaster general until otherwise directe
Status: in_force

Section 3. Adjutant General. The Adjutant General shall be appointed by the Governor. But the Adjutant General shall also perform the duties of quartermaster general and paymaster general until otherwise directed by law.
Maine Const. art. 9, § 23 — Maine Constitution / Article 9 / Section 23
State park land. State park land, public lots or other real estate held by the State for conservation or recreation purposes and designated by legislation implementing this section may not be reduced 
Status: in_force

Section 23. State park land. State park land, public lots or other real estate held by the State for conservation or recreation purposes and designated by legislation implementing this section may not be reduced or its uses substantially altered except on the vote of 2/3 of all the members elected to each House. The proceeds from the sale of such land must be used to purchase additional real estate in the same county for the same purposes.
Maine Const. art. 7, § 2 — Maine Constitution / Article 7 / Section 2
Qualifications and selection. The Legislature shall, by law, designate the qualifications necessary for holding a commission in the militia and shall prescribe the mode of selection of officers for th
Status: in_force

Section 2. Qualifications and selection. The Legislature shall, by law, designate the qualifications necessary for holding a commission in the militia and shall prescribe the mode of selection of officers for the several grades.
Maine Const. art. 9, § 21 — Maine Constitution / Article 9 / Section 21
State mandates. For the purpose of more fairly apportioning the cost of government and providing local property tax relief, the State may not require a local unit of government to expand or modify tha
Status: in_force

Section 21. State mandates. For the purpose of more fairly apportioning the cost of government and providing local property tax relief, the State may not require a local unit of government to expand or modify that unit's activities so as to necessitate additional expenditures from local revenues unless the State provides annually 90% of the funding for these expenditures from State funds not previously appropriated to that local unit of

government. Legislation implementing this section or requiring a specific expenditure as an exception to this requirement may be enacted upon the vote of 2/3 of all members elected to each House. This section must be liberally construed.
Maine Const. art. 5, § 13 — Maine Constitution / Article 5 / Section 13
Convene the Legislature on extraordinary occasions, and adjourn it in case of disagreement; may change the place of meeting. The Governor may, on extraordinary occasions, convene the Legislature; and 
Status: in_force

Section 13. Convene the Legislature on extraordinary occasions, and adjourn it in case of disagreement; may change the place of meeting. The Governor may, on extraordinary occasions, convene the Legislature; and in case of disagreement between the 2 Houses with respect to the time of adjournment, adjourn them to such time, as the Governor shall think proper, not beyond the day of the next regular session; and if, since the last adjournment, the place where the Legislature were next to convene shall have become dangerous from an enemy or contagious sickness, may direct the session to be held at some other convenient place within the State.
Maine Const. art. 4, § 22 — Maine Constitution / Article 4 / Section 22
Election officers and officials, how governed. Until the Legislature shall enact further laws not inconsistent with the Constitution for applying the people's veto and direct initiative, the election 
Status: in_force

Section 22. Election officers and officials, how governed. Until the Legislature shall enact further laws not inconsistent with the Constitution for applying the people's veto and direct initiative, the election officers and other officials shall be governed by the provisions of this Constitution and of the general law, supplemented by such reasonable action as may be necessary to render the preceding sections self executing. The Legislature may enact laws not inconsistent with the Constitution to establish procedures for determination of the validity of written petitions. Such laws shall include provision for judicial review of any determination, to be completed within 100 business days from the date of filing of a written petition in the office of the Secretary of State, except that, if a petition is filed within 30 calendar days before or after a general election, the judicial review must be completed within 100 business days after the 30th calendar day following that general election. CR 2023, c. 2 (AMD) SECTION HISTORY: CR 2023, c. 2 (AMD)
Maine Const. art. 10, § 4 — Maine Constitution / Article 10 / Section 4
Amendments to Constitution. The Legislature, whenever 2/3 of both Houses shall deem it necessary, may propose amendments to this Constitution; and when any amendments shall be so agreed upon, a resolu
Status: in_force

Section 4. Amendments to Constitution. The Legislature, whenever 2/3 of both Houses shall deem it necessary, may propose amendments to this Constitution; and when any amendments shall be so agreed upon, a resolution shall be passed and sent to the selectmen of the several towns, and the assessors of the several plantations, empowering and directing them to notify the inhabitants of their respective towns and plantations, in the manner prescribed by law, at the next biennial meetings in the month of November, or to meet in the manner prescribed by law for calling and holding biennial meetings of said inhabitants for the election of Senators and Representatives, on the Tuesday following the first Monday of November following the passage of said resolve, to give in their votes on the question, whether such amendment shall be made; and if it shall appear that a majority

of the inhabitants voting on the question are in favor of such amendment, it shall become a part of this Constitution.
Maine Const. art. 4, § 9 — Maine Constitution / Article 4 / Section 9
Either House may originate bills; revenue bills. Bills, orders or resolutions, may originate in either House, and may be altered, amended or rejected in the other; but all bills for raising a revenue 
Status: in_force

Section 9. Either House may originate bills; revenue bills. Bills, orders or resolutions, may originate in either House, and may be altered, amended or rejected in the other; but all bills for raising a revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives, but the Senate may propose amendments as in other cases; provided, that they shall not, under color of amendment, introduce any new matter, which does not relate to raising a revenue.
Maine Const. art. 2, § 4 — Maine Constitution / Article 2 / Section 4
Time of state election; absentee voting. The election of Senators and Representatives shall be on the Tuesday following the first Monday of November biennially forever and the election of Governor sha
Status: in_force

Section 4. Time of state election; absentee voting. The election of Senators and Representatives shall be on the Tuesday following the first Monday of November biennially forever and the election of Governor shall be on the Tuesday following the first Monday of November every 4 years. The Legislature under proper enactment shall authorize and provide for voting by citizens of the State absent therefrom in the Armed Forces of the United States or of this State and for voting by other citizens absent or physically incapacitated for reasons deemed sufficient.