4 M.R.S. § 177 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 5 / Section 177
4 §177. Service of process statewide
Status: in_force

All process of the District Court shall run throughout the State, and may be served outside of the division from which issued with the same effect as if served within such division.
4 M.R.S. § 203 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 7 / Section 203
4 §203. Rights of claimants under heir
Status: in_force

Any person claiming under an heir at law has the same rights as the heir in all proceedings in probate courts, including rights of appeal.
4 M.R.S. § 651-A — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 15 / Section 651-A
4 §651-A. Production of reviewable record
Status: in_force

The Supreme Judicial Court shall prescribe rules that ensure the production of a reviewable record of proceedings before all state courts within the Judicial Department. [PL 1991, c. 528, Pt. E, §3 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 528, Pt. RRR (AFF); PL 1991, c. 591, Pt. E, §3 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 1610 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 33 / Section 1610
4 §1610. Revenue refunding securities
Status: in_force

The authority may provide by resolution for the issuance of revenue refunding securities of the authority for the purpose of refunding any obligations of the authority or for the purpose of the refinancing of existing indebtedness, then outstanding, that has been issued or incurred under this Act or otherwise, including the payment of any redemption premium and any interest accrued or to accrue to the date of redemption of those obligations and, if considered advisable by the authority, for the additional purpose of construction or enabling the construction of improvements, extensions, enlargements or additions of the project, projects or part of any project in connection with which the obligations to be refunded were issued. The authority may provide by resolution for the issuance of securities of the authority for the combined purpose of refunding any obligations or revenue refunding securities then outstanding or for the purpose of the refinancing of existing indebtedness that has been issued or incurred under this Act, or otherwise, including the payment of any redemption premium on that indebtedness and any interest accrued or to accrue to the date of redemption of the obligations and paying all or any part of the cost of selling the securities or acquiring or constructing or enabling the acquisition or construction of any additional project, projects or part of any project, or any improvements, extensions, enlargements or additions of any project, projects or part of any project. The issuance of the securities, the maturities and other details of the securities, the rights and remedies of the holders of the securities and the rights, powers, privileges, duties and obligations of the authority with respect to the securities, are governed by this Act. [PL 1997, c. 523, §18 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 193 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 6 / Section 193
4 §193. System of law libraries
Status: in_force

There must be a system of law libraries accessible to all citizens within the State. [PL 2013, c. 533, §3 (AMD).]

These libraries must be located in: Androscoggin County, Auburn; Aroostook County, Caribou; Aroostook County, Houlton; Cumberland County, Portland; Franklin County, Farmington; Hancock County, Ellsworth; Kennebec County, Augusta; Knox County, Rockland; Lincoln County, Wiscasset; Oxford County, South Paris; Penobscot County, Bangor; Piscataquis County, Dover-Foxcroft; Sagadahoc County, Bath; Somerset County, Skowhegan; Waldo County, Belfast; Washington County, Machias; and York County, Alfred. [PL 2001, c. 250, §2 (RPR).]

All funds appropriated by the Legislature for the use and benefit of the law libraries must be paid to the Administrative Office of the Courts and must be disbursed by that office. [PL 2013, c. 533, §3 (AMD).]

The libraries located at Bangor and Portland are to serve as regional court law library centers. The State Court Administrator or the State Court Administrator's designee shall allocate specific funds, in addition to the resources received by the other law libraries, to the regional court law library centers in Bangor and Portland to purchase legal resources, library equipment and supplies and necessary personnel. Both regional court libraries must receive the same funds. [PL 2013, c. 533, §3 (AMD).]

All other law libraries must have access to the regional court law library centers for the resources not available locally. [PL 2011, c. 204, §2 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 433 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 8-B / Section 433
4 §433. Veterans treatment courts
Status: in_force

1. Definition. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, "veterans treatment court" means a specialized sentencing docket in select criminal cases in which the defendant is a veteran or member of the United States Armed Forces to enable veterans agencies and social services agencies to provide treatment for that defendant. The court does not provide treatment but contracts or collaborates with experienced and expert treatment providers. [PL 2011, c. 500, §1 (NEW).]

2. Chief Justice may establish. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court may establish veterans treatment courts for veterans and members of the United States Armed Forces. The Supreme Judicial Court may adopt administrative orders and court rules of practice and procedure as necessary. [PL 2011, c. 500, §1 (NEW).]

3. Federal funding; contracts; cooperative agreements. The State Court Administrator, district attorneys, the Department of the Attorney General, the Department of Corrections, the Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management, the Department of Public Safety, the Department of Health and Human Services and private service agencies may seek federal funding as it becomes available for the establishment, maintenance and expansion of veterans treatment courts and for the provision by participating agencies of treatment to participating veterans. The Administrative Office of the Courts may enter into contracts and cooperative agreements with the departments and agencies to provide treatment and other social services to participants. The departments and agencies shall collaborate and, to the extent possible, provide financial and other assistance to the judicial branch in order to establish and maintain veterans treatment courts. [PL 2011, c. 500, §1 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 173-A — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 5 / Section 173-A
4 §173-A. Costs taxable for the State in civil violation or traffic infraction proceedings
Status: in_force

Costs in the amount of $25 shall be automatically taxable for the State in civil violation and traffic infraction proceedings for failure to pay a fine imposed for the commission of a civil violation or traffic infraction within 30 days of entry of judgment or within 30 days of the date fixed for a final installment payment if the fine is to be paid under a plan approved under Title 14, section 3141, subsection 4 . [PL 1987, c. 708, §1 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 1619 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 33 / Section 1619
4 §1619. Gifts and contributions
Status: in_force

The authority may accept gifts and contributions as provided in section 1604, subsection 25 , for the purpose of designing, constructing, reconstructing, renovating or acquiring a project, projects or part of any project, including facilities for the Supreme Judicial Court, in accordance with section 1606, subsection 2 . The authority may accept gifts for the purpose of furnishing a project, projects or part of any project, including the facilities of the Supreme Judicial Court. Furnishings include, but are not limited to, paintings, artifacts, furniture and similar articles. [RR 2005, c. 2, §3 (COR).]

1. Acceptance of money. The authority, in accepting gifts of money, federal funds or other types of income, shall place this money in a special account for the purpose for which it is provided. The authority may invest the money as provided in this chapter, subject to any limitations imposed by the donor. [PL 1989, c. 221, §3 (NEW).]

2. Acceptance of furnishings. The authority, in accepting furnishings for court facilities, shall allocate the furnishings as directed by the donor. [PL 1989, c. 221, §3 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 192 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 6 / Section 192
4 §192. Personnel
Status: in_force

The State Court Administrator shall employ and shall supervise a professionally trained person, who is designated the State Court Library Supervisor. The supervisor has general supervision of the professional functions of all county law libraries and shall visit all libraries whenever necessary, meet with county law library committees, coordinate activities with the court administrator's offices, advise staff members of the clerks of courts and carry out any additional duties assigned by the State Court Administrator. [PL 2013, c. 533, §2 (AMD).]

The law libraries in locations without employees are maintained by the offices of the clerks of courts and the duties of each clerk's office are specified by the State Court Administrator. [PL 2013, c. 533, §2 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 152 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 5 / Section 152
4 §152. District Court; civil jurisdiction
Status: in_force

The District Court has jurisdiction in the following civil matters: [PL 1999, c. 731, Pt. ZZZ, §4 (AMD); PL 1999, c. 731, Pt. ZZZ, §42 (AFF).]

1. Jurisdiction exercised by trial justices and municipal courts. The civil jurisdiction exercised by all trial justices and municipal courts in the State on September 16, 1961; [PL 1983, c. 796, §1 (RPR).]

2. Civil actions for money damages. Original jurisdiction, concurrent with that of the Superior Court, of all civil actions when no equitable relief is demanded, except those actions for which exclusive jurisdiction is vested in the Superior Court by statute; [PL 1999, c. 731, Pt. ZZZ, §4 (AMD); PL 1999, c. 731, Pt. ZZZ, §42 (AFF).]

3. Civil actions to enforce liens. Original jurisdiction, concurrent with the Superior Court, of all civil actions to enforce liens under Title 10, chapter 603 and under Title 35‑A, section 706 , and the court shall determine the amount pursuant to Title 10, section 3258 ; [PL 1999, c. 731, Pt. ZZZ, §4 (AMD); PL 1999, c. 731, Pt. ZZZ, §42 (AFF).]

4. Exclusive jurisdiction. Original jurisdiction, not concurrent with that of the Superior Court, of mental health commitment hearings under Title 34‑B, chapter 3, subchapter 4 , habitual truancy actions under Title 20‑A, chapters 119 and 211 under which equitable relief may be granted and small claims actions under Title 14, chapter 738 ; [PL 2013, c. 21, §1 (RPR).]

5. Other actions. Original jurisdiction, concurrent with that of the Superior Court, of the following types of actions, and in these actions the District Court may grant equitable relief: A. [PL 1999, c. 731, Pt. ZZZ, §4 (RP); PL 1999, c. 731, Pt. ZZZ, §42 (AFF).] B. Actions to quiet title to real estate under Title 14, sections 6651 to 6658 ; [PL 1983, c. 796, §1 (RPR).] C. Actions to quiet title to real estate under Title 36, section 946 ; [PL 1983, c. 796, §1 (RPR).] D. Actions for breach of implied warranty and covenant of habitability under Title 14, section 6021 ; [PL 1983, c. 796, §1 (RPR).] E. Actions to foreclose mortgages under Title 14, chapter 713, subchapter VI ; [PL 1985, c. 293, §1 (AMD).] F. Actions for restitution under Title 5, section 213 ; [PL 1989, c. 392, §1 (AMD).] G. Actions for illegal evictions under Title 14, section 6014 ; [PL 1989, c. 392, §1 (AMD).] H. Actions for the foreclosure of mortgages of real and personal property and for redemption of estates mortgaged; [PL 1989, c. 392, §1 (NEW).] I. Actions to compel the specific performance of written contracts and to cancel and compel the discharge of written contracts, whether under seal or otherwise, when full performance or payment has been made to the contracting party; [PL 1989, c. 392, §1 (NEW).] J. Actions for relief in cases of fraud, duress, unjust enrichment, trust, accident or mistake; [PL 1989, c. 392, §1 (NEW).] K. Actions concerning nuisance and waste; [PL 1989, c. 392, §1 (NEW).] L. Actions concerning partnership, and between partners or part owners of vessels and of other real and personal property to adjust all matters of the partnership and between the part owners, compel contribution, make final decrees and enforce their decrees by proper process in cases where all interested persons within the jurisdiction of the court are made parties; [PL 1989, c. 392, §1 (NEW).] M. [PL 1999, c. 731, Pt. ZZZ, §4 (RP); PL 1999, c. 731, Pt. ZZZ, §42 (AFF).] N. Civil actions for redelivery of goods or chattels taken or detained from the owner and secreted or withheld so that the goods or chattels cannot be replevied, and in civil actions by creditors to reach and apply in payment of a debt any property, right, title or interest, legal or equitable, of a debtor or debtors, which cannot be attached on writ or taken on execution in a civil action, and any property or interest conveyed in fraud of creditors; [PL 1989, c. 392, §1 (NEW).] O. Actions in which the pleading demands a judgment: (1) To exclude a person from a vested or contingent interest in or lien upon specific property within the State; (2) That a vested or contingent interest in or lien upon specific property within the State be enforced; (2-A) That real property be partitioned by sale; or (3) Otherwise affecting title to any real property; [PL 1999, c. 547, Pt. A, §1 (AMD).] P. Actions to compel the compliance with court orders including the right to appoint persons to sign instruments as provided for in the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure; [PL 1989, c. 392, §1 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 919, §§1, 18 (AMD).] Q. Actions in which the equitable relief is sought through an equitable defense, a counterclaim, a cross-claim or other responsive pleading or reply permitted by the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure; [PL 2011, c. 80, §1 (AMD).] R. Actions to enforce access to health care under Title 22, section 1715 ; and [PL 2011, c. 80, §2 (AMD).] S. Actions under the Uniform Arbitration Act, Title 14, chapter 706 . [PL 2011, c. 80, §3 (NEW).] Nothing in this subsection may be construed to affect the right of any party to remove an action to the Superior Court in accordance with the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure; [PL 2011, c. 80, §§1-3 (AMD).]

5-A. Actions involving minors under Title 18-C. Except as provided in paragraph C , exclusive, continuing jurisdiction of actions for guardianship, adoption, change of name or other matters involving custody or other parental rights with respect to a minor child brought under Title 18‑C under the following circumstances: if proceedings under the Maine Juvenile Code brought against the minor child are pending in the District Court; if proceedings involving custody or other parental rights with respect to the minor child, including but not limited to adoption, divorce, parental rights and responsibilities, grandparents' rights, protective custody, change of name, guardianship, parentage or termination of parental rights, are pending in the District Court; or if the minor child is or was the subject of an order issued by the District Court terminating parental rights, appointing a guardian, including a permanency, emergency or interim guardian, awarding parental rights to a 3rd party or granting an adoption. This subsection does not apply if the only proceedings pending in the District Court involving custody or other parental rights with respect to the minor child are protection from abuse or protection from harassment proceedings unless one of the other grounds for exclusive, continuing jurisdiction are met under this subsection. For purposes of this subsection, a proceeding is pending if a complaint, petition or post-judgment motion has been filed and the final judgment or final order on that complaint, petition or post-judgment motion has not yet been issued. A. The District Court presiding over any matter involving custody or other parental rights with respect to a minor child shall require all parties to disclose whether they have knowledge of: (1) Any interim or final order then in effect concerning custody or other parental rights with respect to the minor child; (2) Any proceeding under the Maine Juvenile Code brought against the minor child pending in the District Court or any proceeding involving custody or other parental rights with respect to the minor child pending before any court of this State or another state, including before a probate court in this State; or (3) Any other related action pending before any court of this State or another state, including before a probate court in this State. [PL 2023, c. 63, §1 (AMD).] B. Except as provided in paragraph C , if the District Court presiding over any matter under the Maine Juvenile Code brought against a minor child and any matter involving custody or other parental rights with respect to a minor child becomes aware that a proceeding for guardianship, adoption or change of name or another matter involving custody or other parental rights with respect to the minor child under Title 18‑C is pending in a probate court in this State, the District Court shall notify the Probate Court and take appropriate action to facilitate a transfer of the matter from the Probate Court. If a matter is transferred to the District Court under this paragraph, the District Court has continuing, exclusive jurisdiction over the matter and over any future proceedings for guardianship, adoption or change of name or other matter involving custody or other parental rights with respect to the minor child brought under Title 18‑C , except to the extent that the District Court's jurisdiction is precluded by the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. [PL 2023, c. 63, §1 (AMD).] C. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, a probate court shall retain jurisdiction over an action for guardianship, adoption, change of name or other matter involving custody or other parental rights with respect to a minor child brought under Title 18‑C that would otherwise be within the exclusive, continuing jurisdiction of the District Court under this subsection and may not transfer that matter to the District Court under paragraph B if: (1) At the time the proceeding under the Maine Juvenile Code or the proceeding involving custody or other parental rights with respect to the minor child that would otherwise trigger the District Court's continuing, exclusive jurisdiction is initiated, the testimonial hearing on the Title 18‑C matter has concluded and the Probate Court has that matter under advisement; and (2) The Probate Court has not determined that the District Court is the more appropriate forum for the Title 18‑C proceeding; [PL 2023, c. 63, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 63, §1 (AMD).]

6. Environmental laws. [PL 1989, c. 878, Pt. A, §6 (RP); PL 1993, c. 349, §3 (AMD).]

6-A. Environmental laws. Original jurisdiction, concurrent with that of the Superior Court, to grant equitable relief and impose penalties in proceedings involving alleged violations of a local environmental ordinance or regulation or a state environmental law or rule, including, but not limited to, the following: A. The laws pertaining to the Maine Land Use Planning Commission, Title 12, chapter 206‑A ; [PL 1989, c. 878, Pt. A, §7 (NEW); PL 2011, c. 682, §38 (REV).] B. The minimum lot size law, Title 12, sections 4807 to 4807‑G ; [PL 1989, c. 878, Pt. A, §7 (NEW).] C. Shoreland zoning ordinances enacted under Title 30‑A, section 3001 , and in accordance with Title 38, sections 435 to 446 ; [PL 2011, c. 120, §1 (AMD).] D. The plumbing and subsurface waste water disposal rules adopted by the Department of Health and Human Services under Title 22, section 42 ; [PL 1989, c. 878, Pt. A, §7 (NEW); PL 2003, c. 689, Pt. B, §6 (REV).] E. Laws pertaining to public water supplies, Title 22, chapter 601, subchapter IV ; [PL 1999, c. 731, Pt. ZZZ, §4 (AMD); PL 1999, c. 731, Pt. ZZZ, §42 (AFF).] F. Local ordinances enacted under Title 22, section 2642 , and in accordance with Title 30‑A, section 3001 ; [PL 1989, c. 878, Pt. A, §7 (NEW).] G. Local land use ordinances enacted under Title 30‑A, section 3001 ; [PL 1989, c. 878, Pt. A, §7 (NEW).] H. Local building codes adopted pursuant to Title 30‑A, section 3001 , and in accordance with Title 30‑A, chapter 185, subchapter I ; [PL 1989, c. 878, Pt. A, §7 (NEW).] I. Automobile junkyards, Title 30‑A, chapter 183, subchapter I ; [PL 1989, c. 878, Pt. A, §7 (NEW).] J. Regulation and inspection of plumbing, Title 30‑A, chapter 185, subchapter III ; [PL 1989, c. 878, Pt. A, §7 (NEW).] K. Malfunctioning domestic waste water disposal units, Title 30‑A, section 3428 ; [PL 1989, c. 878, Pt. A, §7 (NEW).] L. The subdivision law, Title 30‑A, chapter 187, subchapter IV ; local subdivision ordinances enacted under Title 30‑A, section 3001 ; and subdivision regulations adopted under Title 30‑A, section 4403 ; [PL 1989, c. 878, Pt. A, §7 (NEW).] M. Local zoning ordinances enacted under Title 30‑A, section 3001 , and in accordance with Title 30‑A, section 4352 ; [PL 1989, c. 878, Pt. A, §7 (NEW).] N. All laws administered by the Department of Environmental Protection, Title 38, chapters 2 to 16 ; [PL 1989, c. 878, Pt. A, §7 (NEW).] O. Local ordinances regarding air pollution control enacted pursuant to Title 38, section 597 ; [PL 2005, c. 240, §1 (AMD).] P. The laws pertaining to harbors in Title 38, chapter 1, subchapter 1 ; local harbor ordinances adopted in accordance with Title 38, section 7 and regulations adopted by municipal officers pursuant to Title 38, section 2 ; and [PL 2005, c. 240, §2 (AMD).] Q. Local ordinances and ordinance provisions regarding storm water, including, but not limited to, ordinances and ordinance provisions regulating nonstorm water discharges, construction site runoff and postconstruction storm water management, enacted as required by the federal Clean Water Act and federal regulations and by state permits and rules; [PL 2005, c. 240, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2011, c. 120, §1 (AMD); PL 2011, c. 682, §38 (REV).]

7. Air quality laws. [PL 1989, c. 311, §2 (RP).]

8. Consent to minor's abortion. Original jurisdiction, concurrent with that of the Probate Court, to grant equitable relief in proceedings brought under Title 22, section 1597‑A ; [PL 1999, c. 547, Pt. B, §5 (AMD); PL 1999, c. 547, Pt. B, §80 (AFF).]

9. Licensing jurisdiction. Except as provided in Title 5, section 10004 ; Title 8, section 279‑B ; Title 10, section 8003 ; Title 20‑A, sections 10712 and 10713 ; Title 29‑A ; Title 32, chapters 2‑B , 114 and 135 ; and Title 35‑A, section 3132 , exclusive jurisdiction upon complaint of an agency or, if the licensing agency fails or refuses to act within a reasonable time, upon complaint of the Attorney General to revoke or suspend licenses issued by the agency. The District Court has original jurisdiction upon complaint of a licensing agency to determine whether renewal or reissuance of a license of that agency may be refused. The District Court has original concurrent jurisdiction to grant equitable relief in proceedings initiated by an agency or the Department of the Attorney General alleging any violation of a license or licensing laws or rules. Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, a licensing agency may not reinstate or otherwise affect a license suspended, revoked or modified by the District Court pursuant to a complaint filed by the Attorney General without the approval of the Attorney General; [PL 2009, c. 112, Pt. B, §1 (AMD).]

10. Appellate jurisdiction. [PL 2009, c. 112, Pt. B, §2 (RP).]

11. Actions for divorce, separation or annulment. Original jurisdiction, not concurrent with the Superior Court, of actions for divorce, annulment of marriage or judicial separation and proceedings under Title 19‑A , except as otherwise specifically provided. Actions for divorce, annulment or separation pending in the Superior Court may be transferred, upon agreement of the parties, from the Superior Court to the District Court in accordance with rules adopted by the Supreme Judicial Court. An action so transferred remains in the District Court, which has exclusive jurisdiction thereafter, subject to the rights of appeal to the Law Court as to matters of law; [PL 1999, c. 731, Pt. ZZZ, §4 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 731, Pt. ZZZ, §42 (AFF).]

12. Property matters between spouses. Original jurisdiction, not concurrent with the Superior Court, of actions to hear and determine property matters between spouses as provided in Title 19‑A, section 806 and to make all necessary orders and decrees relating to these matters, to issue all necessary process to enforce the orders and decrees and to cause all the orders and decrees to be enforced. This subsection does not apply to or affect actions initiated in the Superior Court before the effective date of this subsection; [PL 1999, c. 731, Pt. ZZZ, §4 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 731, Pt. ZZZ, §42 (AFF).]

13. Desertion and nonsupport. Jurisdiction over complaints for desertion and nonsupport or nonsupport of dependents in the district where either the spouse, the dependent or the respondent resides; [PL 2007, c. 670, §1 (AMD).]

14. Civil violations. Jurisdiction over all civil violations, as provided in Title 17‑A, section 9 , and traffic infractions; [PL 2019, c. 366, §1 (AMD).]

15. Restoration of right to possess firearms. Exclusive jurisdiction to conduct de novo review of a determination by the Commissioner of Public Safety pursuant to Title 15, section 393, subsection 4‑A ; and [PL 2019, c. 366, §2 (AMD).]

16. At-risk noncitizen children; petitions and motions. Jurisdiction over petitions and motions regarding the protection, well-being, care and custody of unmarried noncitizens under 21 years of age pursuant to Title 19‑A, section 1511 and Title 22, chapter 1071, subchapter 17. [PL 2025, c. 347, §1 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 554 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 13 / Section 554
4 §554. Accounting by clerks
Status: in_force

Clerks of judicial courts shall account monthly for all fees received by them or payable to them by virtue of their office, except those portions of fees collected for passports and naturalization proceedings that are payable to the Federal Government, specify the items and pay the whole amount of the same to the Treasurer of State at such times and in such manner as the Chief Justice of the Superior Court or the Chief Justice's designee from time to time specifies. [PL 2015, c. 44, §2 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 754 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 15 / Section 754
4 §754. Correction of mistakes in transcript
Status: in_force

Manifest errors or mistakes in any transcript may be corrected, under the direction of the judge, according to the facts. When an error or mistake is alleged by the party conducting the hearing or examination or by that party's counsel, or by the person testifying or submitting to examination or by that person's counsel, and those parties cannot agree whether or not there is such an error or mistake as alleged, or what correction should be made, the judge shall decide whether or not such an error or mistake exists, and may allow or disallow a correction according as the judge may find the fact. In such case the judge shall annex to the transcript a certificate signed by the judge stating the alleged error or mistake and by whom alleged, and the correction allowed or disallowed. In case such parties mutually agree that there is an error or mistake in the transcript, and in like manner agree what the correction should be, the transcript may be corrected according to such agreement, but such correction must be stated and made in the presence of the judge. Changes or alterations may not be made in any transcript except in the presence of the judge or the person appointed by the judge to take the examination. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §21 (COR).]
4 M.R.S. § 52 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 1 / Section 52
4 §52. Justice not to sit in review of case tried before that justice
Status: in_force

A justice may not sit in the law court upon the hearing of any cause tried before that justice or take any part in the decision of that cause. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §3 (COR).]
4 M.R.S. § 1923 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 39 / Section 1923
4 §1923. Examination of notary public
Status: in_force

1. Examination required. An applicant for a notary public commission who at the time of application does not hold a commission in this State must pass an examination administered by the Secretary of State or an entity approved by the Secretary of State. The examination must be based on the course of study described in subsection 2 . [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

2. Course of study. The Secretary of State or an entity approved by the Secretary of State shall offer regularly a course of study to applicants for notary public commissions in this State. The course must cover the laws, rules, procedures and ethics relevant to notarial acts. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]
4 M.R.S. § 755 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 15 / Section 755
4 §755. Appointment of reporter by judge
Status: in_force

When an examination is taken before some person appointed by the judge to take it, the judge may appoint a reporter to attend such examination for the purposes mentioned in section 751 , and the duties of such reporter shall be the same as in examinations before the judge. The powers and duties of any person appointed by the judge to take an examination shall be the same at such examination as those of the judge, and the same proceedings for the correction or alteration of transcripts may be had before such person as before the judge.
4 M.R.S. § 173 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 5 / Section 173
4 §173. Costs and fees; criminal
Status: in_force

The following provisions shall apply to the District Court:

1. Definitions and limitations. This section applies only to costs and fees arising from the criminal and civil violation proceedings in the District Court. When any criminal or civil violation case is appealed from such court to the Superior Court, the latter may tax and impose costs from its proceeding, which may not include any fees or costs arising from the proceedings or arrest in the lower court. This section may not be interpreted to prohibit a court from filing a case upon payment of costs without a conviction or adjudication; except that upon motion at any time by either party, the court shall bring a filed case forward and proceed to a disposition of the pending complaint. This section may not be interpreted to deprive a law enforcement officer of compensation for that officer's services and expenses, but this section may shift the responsibility for providing such compensation. The term "law enforcement officer" means any person who by virtue of that person's public employment is vested by law with a duty to enforce any criminal law of this State by making arrests, whether that duty extends to all crimes or is limited to specific crimes, or with a duty to enforce any law of this State establishing a civil violation. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §6 (COR).]

2. Defendant not to be sentenced to pay costs of court as such. The District Court may not, in any criminal proceeding, sentence any defendant to pay costs of court as such, but may take the costs into consideration and include in any fine imposed a sum adequate to cover all or any part of them without reference to such costs and without taxing them, provided the maximum fine for the particular offense is not exceeded. [PL 1975, c. 731, §8 (AMD).]

2-A. Costs in traffic infraction or civil violation cases. The Chief Judge shall establish costs to be paid by a defendant to reopen a traffic infraction or civil violation case after the case has been disposed of by default resulting from the defendant's failure to file a timely answer or the defendant's failure to appear in court. In addition to other penalties provided by law, the court may impose on the defendant reasonable costs for the defendant's failure to answer or the defendant's failure to appear in court. [PL 1991, c. 733, §2 (AMD).]

3. Reports and records of costs and fees. [PL 1979, c. 127, §15 (RP).]

4. Distribution of fees and fines. [PL 1997, c. 750, Pt. A, §1 (RP).]

4-A. Law enforcement officer services, reimbursement and compensation. The court shall reimburse or compensate municipalities and counties for law enforcement officer services as follows. A. The court shall reimburse the municipality or county that employs the law enforcement officer a flat fee of $50 for each day or part of a day that a law enforcement officer is physically present for a scheduled trial in District Court, whether or not the officer is called upon to give testimony. [PL 1999, c. 731, Pt. CCCC, §1 (AMD).] B. The court shall pay a municipality or county a flat fee of $50 for each day or part of a day that a municipal or county law enforcement officer, designated by the municipality or county as its court officer, is physically present in a District Court in order to adequately handle that municipality's or county's case load. The court officer required to be present at an arraignment may be an officer other than the arresting officer if the municipality or county has designated the officer to handle the arraignment case load of that municipality or county. In addition, one or more municipalities may designate either a municipal law enforcement officer or a county law enforcement officer to represent the municipalities at arraignments. [PL 1999, c. 731, Pt. CCCC, §1 (AMD).] C. The sheriffs of the several counties shall designate and furnish deputy sheriffs to serve as bailiffs in each division of the District Court within their counties if requested by the Chief Judge. A deputy sheriff designated as bailiff must be approved by the Chief Judge and may not serve as a court officer for any law enforcement agency. Compensation for reasonable and necessary expenses, as agreed to by the parties, must be paid by the District Court. In a municipality where a police officer has been furnished to serve as a bailiff, the Chief Judge may continue to authorize the use of a police officer as a bailiff and the District Court shall compensate the municipality. A person appointed to serve as bailiff may not serve as court officer for a municipal police department as provided in this subsection. [PL 1997, c. 750, Pt. A, §2 (NEW).] [PL 1999, c. 731, Pt. CCCC, §1 (AMD).]

4-B. Law Enforcement Agency Reimbursement Fund. The Law Enforcement Agency Reimbursement Fund is established as a nonlapsing, dedicated fund within the Administrative Office of the Courts. A. The Administrative Office of the Courts shall use the fund to reimburse municipalities and counties pursuant to subsection 4‑A . [PL 1997, c. 750, Pt. A, §2 (NEW).] B. Six percent of fines and forfeitures collected for traffic infractions must be deposited in the fund as provided in Title 29‑A, section 2602, subsection 4, paragraphs A and B . [PL 1997, c. 750, Pt. A, §2 (NEW).] C. The balance remaining in the fund at the end of the fiscal year must be transferred to the General Fund. [PL 1997, c. 750, Pt. A, §2 (NEW).] D. If there is a deficit in the fund at the end of the fiscal year, the Treasurer of State shall transfer a sufficient amount from the General Fund to balance the fund. [PL 1997, c. 750, Pt. A, §2 (NEW).] [PL 1997, c. 750, Pt. A, §2 (NEW).]

5. Disbursement to appointed counsel. In any proceeding where the court has appointed counsel, that appointed counsel shall be reimbursed by the court for reasonable disbursements made in behalf of the client, including but not limited to witness fees, sheriff's fees and travel, upon approval of these disbursements by the court. [PL 1977, c. 114, §9 (RPR).]
4 M.R.S. § 108 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 3 / Section 108
4 §108. Seal; form of summonses, writs and processes; facsimile signature of clerk
Status: in_force

The Justices of the Superior Court shall establish a seal for said court. All summonses, writs and other processes of said court shall be in the name of the State under the seal of said court. They shall be signed by any one of the clerks and obeyed and executed throughout the State. The clerk in any county may sign and issue any such summons, writ or other process for an action in the Superior Court in any other county in which the action might legally be brought. A facsimile of the signature of the clerks of the Superior Courts imprinted by or at their direction upon any writ, summons, subpoena, order or notice or order of attachment, except executions and criminal process, shall have the same validity as their written signature.
4 M.R.S. § 1357 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 27 / Section 1357
4 §1357. Payment of regular retirement allowances
Status: in_force

1. Normal method of payment. Payment of all regular retirement allowances shall begin on the first day of the month following the month in which the member becomes eligible to receive payment of regular retirement allowance under section 1351 or 1353, subsection 7 . A full month's allowance shall be paid to the beneficiary or estate of the recipient for the month in which the member dies. All regular retirement allowances shall be paid for life in equal monthly installments, unless an alternative method of payment under one of the options of subsection 2 has been elected. Upon the death of a former member who was in service as a judge prior to December 1, 1984, and who is 50 years of age or older on that date and who is the recipient of a retirement allowance under the normal method of payment, the surviving spouse who is the named beneficiary at the date of retirement shall become entitled to 1/2 of the amount being paid at the time of the member's death which payment shall continue for the remainder of the spouse's lifetime. Upon the death of a former member who was in service as a judge prior to December 1, 1984, and who is 50 years of age or older on that date and who becomes the recipient of a disability retirement allowance, the surviving spouse who is the named beneficiary shall become entitled to 1/2 the amount that the member would have been entitled to as a service retirement allowance under the normal method of payment as of the date of the member's death. [PL 1989, c. 133, §34 (AMD).]

2. Optional methods of payment. In lieu of payment under subsection 1 , a qualifying member may elect to receive a regular retirement allowance under one of the options set out in this subsection. The optional allowance is a reduced allowance computed actuarially on the basis of the option selected. The qualifying member may elect one of the options by written request to and approval of the executive director prior to the commencement of payment of a regular retirement allowance. The election may be revoked by written notice to the executive director at any time before the regular retirement allowance commences. For the purposes of this subsection, "qualifying member" means a member or a former member who has been receiving a disability retirement benefit and changes to service retirement under section 1353, subsection 7 . A. Under Option 1, the qualifying member may elect to have a reduced retirement benefit paid to the qualifying member while alive and at the qualifying member's death to have the excess, if any, of the qualifying member's accumulated contributions at the time of retirement over the portion of the total retirement benefit payments actually made to the qualifying member while alive, which is the actuarial equivalent of the accumulated contributions, paid in a lump sum to the beneficiary that the qualifying member has nominated by written designation duly acknowledged and filed with the chief executive officer on a form provided or specified by the Maine Public Employees Retirement System or, if no one has been nominated as beneficiary, to the qualifying member's estate. [PL 2025, c. 221, §8 (AMD).] B. Under Option 2, the qualifying member may elect to have a reduced retirement benefit payable to the qualifying member while alive and at the qualifying member's death to have the benefit continued in the same amount for the life of the beneficiary that the qualifying member has nominated by written designation duly acknowledged and filed with the chief executive officer at the time of retirement on a form provided or specified by the Maine Public Employees Retirement System, if the beneficiary survives the qualifying member. [PL 2025, c. 221, §8 (AMD).] C. Under Option 3, the qualifying member may elect to have a reduced retirement benefit payable to the qualifying member while alive and at the qualifying member's death to have the benefit continued at 1/2 the amount for the life of the beneficiary that the qualifying member has nominated by written designation duly acknowledged and filed with the chief executive officer at the time of retirement on a form provided or specified by the Maine Public Employees Retirement System, if the beneficiary survives the qualifying member. [PL 2025, c. 221, §8 (AMD).] D. Under Option 4, the qualifying member may elect to have a reduced retirement benefit payable to the qualifying member while alive and at the qualifying member's death to have some benefit other than that available under paragraph B or C payable to the beneficiary that the qualifying member has designated, if the beneficiary survives the qualifying member. The total value of the benefit paid to the qualifying member during the qualifying member's life plus the benefit paid after the qualifying member's death is the actuarial equivalent of the benefit that the qualifying member would have received without optional modification. The method used to determine the benefit must be approved by the board of trustees, and the beneficiary must be designated by written designation, duly acknowledged and filed with the chief executive officer on a form provided or specified by the Maine Public Employees Retirement System. [PL 2025, c. 221, §8 (AMD).] E. Under Option 5, the qualifying member may elect to have a reduced retirement benefit payable in part to the qualifying member and in part to the beneficiary, who must be the sole beneficiary, while both are alive and, at the death of either, to have the higher benefit paid to the survivor for the survivor's life. The total value of the benefit paid to the qualifying member and beneficiary, during the qualifying member's life, plus the benefit to be paid after the death of either is the actuarial equivalent of the benefit that the qualifying member would have received without optional modification. The method used to determine the benefit must be approved by the board of trustees, and the beneficiary must be designated by written designation, duly acknowledged and filed with the chief executive officer on a form provided or specified by the Maine Public Employees Retirement System. [PL 2025, c. 221, §8 (AMD).] F. Under Option 6, the qualifying member may elect to have a reduced retirement benefit payable to the qualifying member while alive and, at the qualifying member's death, to have the benefit continued in the same amount for the life of the beneficiary, who must be the sole beneficiary, that the qualifying member has designated by written designation, duly acknowledged and filed with the chief executive officer on a form provided or specified by the Maine Public Employees Retirement System, if the beneficiary survives the qualifying member. If the qualifying member's beneficiary predeceases the qualifying member, the qualifying member's benefit must be changed, effective the first day of the month following the date of the beneficiary's death, to be the actuarial equivalent of the benefit that the qualifying member would have received without optional modification. The reduced retirement benefit must be actuarially calculated to reflect the fact that the benefit may be changed to the larger amount should the beneficiary predecease the member. [PL 2025, c. 221, §8 (AMD).] G. Under Option 7, the qualifying member may elect to have a reduced retirement benefit payable to the qualifying member while alive and, at the qualifying member's death, to have the benefit continued at 1/2 that amount for the life of the beneficiary, who must be the sole beneficiary, that the qualifying member has designated by written designation, duly acknowledged and filed with the chief executive officer on a form provided or specified by the Maine Public Employees Retirement System, if the beneficiary survives the qualifying member. If the qualifying member's beneficiary predeceases the qualifying member, the qualifying member's benefit must be changed, effective the first day of the month following the date of the beneficiary's death, to the actuarial equivalent of the benefit that the qualifying member would have received without optional modification. The reduced retirement benefit must be actuarially calculated to reflect the fact that the benefit may be changed to the larger amount should the beneficiary predecease the member. [PL 2025, c. 221, §8 (AMD).] H. Under Option 8, the qualifying member may elect to have a reduced retirement benefit payable to the qualifying member while alive and, at the qualifying member's death, to have some benefit other than that available under paragraph B or C payable to the beneficiary, who must be the sole beneficiary, that the member has designated by written designation, duly acknowledged and filed with the chief executive officer on a form provided or specified by the Maine Public Employees Retirement System, if the beneficiary survives the qualifying member. The total value of the benefit paid to the qualifying member plus the benefit paid after the qualifying member's death is the actuarial equivalent of the benefit that the qualifying member would have received without optional modification. If the qualifying member's beneficiary predeceases the qualifying member, the qualifying member's benefit must be changed, effective the first day of the month following the date of the beneficiary's death, to be the actuarial equivalent of the benefit that the qualifying member would have received without optional modification. The reduced retirement benefit must be actuarially calculated to reflect the fact that the benefit may be changed to the larger amount should the beneficiary predecease the member. [PL 2025, c. 221, §8 (AMD).] [PL 2025, c. 221, §8 (AMD).]

3. Change of beneficiary. If the recipient of a service retirement benefit has elected an optional method of payment under subsection 2, paragraphs B to H , and has designated someone other than a spouse or ex-spouse as sole beneficiary, the recipient is permitted a one-time change in the designated beneficiary except as provided in paragraph D , but may not change the already elected payment option or the amount of the benefits under that option, by filing a written designation of the new beneficiary, duly notarized, with the executive director on a form provided or specified by the Maine Public Employees Retirement System. The change of beneficiary permitted by this subsection may only be made prior to the death of the prior designated beneficiary. A. The benefit payable to the recipient and the new beneficiary must be paid under the same payment option. The amount of the recipient's benefit may not change, and the amount of the new beneficiary's benefit must be the same as the amount of the prior beneficiary's benefit. [PL 2009, c. 415, Pt. A, §3 (RPR).] B. The effective date of the designation of the new beneficiary is the date the designation is received by the executive director. As of the first day of the month following the effective date of the designation of the new beneficiary, the prior beneficiary is no longer entitled to any benefit payment and, if concurrent payment under subsection 2, paragraph E has been elected, the new beneficiary's benefit must become effective on the same date. [PL 2009, c. 415, Pt. A, §3 (RPR).] C. The new beneficiary's entitlement to benefits ceases on the earlier of: (1) The date of the new beneficiary's death; or (2) The date established when the amount of the prior beneficiary's benefit was established, which is the initial commencement date of benefits to the retiree increased by the life expectancy of the prior beneficiary computed in years and months using actuarial equivalence assumptions recommended by the system's actuary. Payment of benefits to the new beneficiary must cease as of the first day of the month following the earlier of subparagraph (1) or (2). [PL 2009, c. 415, Pt. A, §3 (RPR).] D. A recipient who exercises a one-time option under this subsection may revert back to the original designated beneficiary, who will be treated as the new beneficiary for purposes of paragraphs A to C . [PL 2009, c. 415, Pt. A, §3 (RPR).] [PL 2009, c. 415, Pt. A, §3 (RPR).]

4. Notice to spouse. A qualifying member who is married on the effective date of retirement, who elects the method of payment under subsection 1 and is not covered by the automatic spousal benefits provisions in that subsection, or who elects a method of payment other than that provided under subsection 1 and who designates a beneficiary other than the qualifying member's spouse must notify the spouse that the spouse is not the beneficiary. Proof that the spouse has been notified must be provided: A. By written certification of the spouse, duly notarized, on a form provided or specified by the Maine Public Employees Retirement System indicating that notice has been received from the qualifying member; or [PL 2007, c. 491, §59 (AMD).] B. When notice has been given, but certification by the spouse has not been provided, by written certification of the qualifying member, duly notarized, on a form provided or specified by the Maine Public Employees Retirement System indicating that notice has been given to the spouse. [PL 2007, c. 491, §60 (AMD).] Payment of the qualifying member's service benefit may not commence until certification has been received by the executive director. [PL 2007, c. 491, §§59, 60 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 184 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 5 / Section 184
4 §184. Licensing and appellate actions
Status: in_force

1. Notice and hearing. In any action within the District Court's jurisdiction under section 152, subsection 9 , all parties must be afforded an opportunity for hearing after reasonable notice. [PL 2001, c. 471, Pt. D, §6 (AMD).]

2. Complaint filed. On commencement of any case, a written complaint must be filed with the District Court. Except as provided in Title 22, section 1558 , and Title 28‑A, section 803 , a copy of the complaint and summons must be served on the defendant either by personal delivery in hand, by leaving it with a person of suitable age or discretion at the defendant's dwelling place or usual place of abode or by sending it by certified mail to the defendant's last known address. If a summons is required, it must inform the defendant of the time limit for filing an answer to the complaint and the consequences of failing to do so. The complaint must contain a conclusion indicating the violation of a statute or rule, citing the statute or rule violated and stating the relief requested. [PL 2001, c. 471, Pt. D, §6 (AMD).]

3. Witness sworn. At the hearing, before any testimony is received, the presiding judge shall swear in the witness. [PL 1999, c. 547, Pt. B, §10 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 547, Pt. B, §80 (AFF).]

4. Official record. The presiding judge shall prepare an official record, including testimony and exhibits, in each case but need not have a transcript of the testimony prepared unless required for rehearing or appeal. The record of the hearing may be taken by stenographic notes or by mechanical or electronic recording. [PL 1999, c. 547, Pt. B, §10 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 547, Pt. B, §80 (AFF).]

5. Disposition by agreement. On approval of the presiding judge, disposition of any case may be made by agreement or consent decree. [PL 1999, c. 547, Pt. B, §10 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 547, Pt. B, §80 (AFF).]

6. Emergency proceedings. The District Court has jurisdiction to revoke temporarily or suspend a license without notice or hearing upon the verified complaint or complaint accompanied by affidavits of a licensing agency or the Attorney General. The verified complaint or complaint accompanied by affidavits must demonstrate that summary action is necessary to prevent an immediate threat to the public health, safety or welfare. Upon issuance of an order revoking or suspending a license under this section, the District Court shall schedule a hearing on the agency's complaint. The hearing may be advanced on the docket and receive priority over other cases when the court determines that the interests of justice so require. Any order temporarily suspending or revoking a license expires within 30 days of issuance unless renewed by the court after such hearing as it may determine necessary. This subsection may not be considered to abridge or affect the jurisdiction of the Superior Court or District Court to issue injunctive relief or to exercise such other powers as may be authorized by law or rule of the court. [PL 2011, c. 559, Pt. A, §3 (AMD).]

7. Decisions. After hearing, on default or by agreement of the parties, the District Court may suspend, revoke or modify the license of any party properly served with process or, if the applicable law so provides, the court may order issuance of a license to an applicant according to the terms of the applicable law. The District Court may take any other action with relation to the party that could have been taken before the enactment of former section 1155 by the agency involved in the hearing. Every final decision of the District Court must be in writing or stated in the record and must include findings of fact and conclusions of law sufficient to apprise the parties and any interested member of the public of the basis for the decision. A copy of the decision must be delivered or promptly mailed to each party to the proceeding or their representatives of record. Written notice of the party's rights to review of the decision and of the action required and the time within which that action must be taken in order to exercise the right of review must be given to each party together with the decision. [PL 1999, c. 547, Pt. B, §10 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 547, Pt. B, §80 (AFF).]

8. Fines. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this chapter, the District Court may impose a fine of a specific sum, which may not be less than $50 nor more than $1,500 for any one offense or as may be provided by the statutes relating to the licensing question. Such a fine may be imposed instead of or in addition to any suspension, revocation or modification of a license by the court. Section 1057 applies to any fine imposed by this subsection. [PL 1999, c. 547, Pt. B, §10 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 547, Pt. B, §80 (AFF).]

9. Rules of procedure. The Supreme Judicial Court may adopt, amend, repeal or modify rules governing the forms of complaints, pleadings and motions and the practice, procedure and evidence in and appeals from the District Court. The rules may not abridge or enlarge the substantive rights of any litigant. The rules must be filed with the Secretary of State in the manner required by Title 5, section 8056, subsection 1, paragraph B . [PL 1999, c. 547, Pt. B, §10 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 547, Pt. B, §80 (AFF).]
4 M.R.S. § 28 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 1 / Section 28
4 §28. Additional fee revenue dedicated
Status: in_force

The judicial branch may credit 6%, up to a maximum of $800,000 per fiscal year, of fee revenue collected pursuant to administrative orders of the court to a nonlapsing Other Special Revenue Funds account to support the capital expenses of the judicial branch. If the fee revenue from the judicial branch is less than the amount budgeted as undedicated fee revenue for the General Fund, the amount credited to the Other Special Revenue Funds account during the fiscal year must be reduced by a percentage equal to the percentage by which General Fund undedicated fee revenue is under budget. [PL 2023, c. 412, Pt. KKK, §1 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 17 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 1 / Section 17
4 §17. Duties of State Court Administrator
Status: in_force

The State Court Administrator, subject to the supervision and direction of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, is responsible for administration and management of the court system. The State Court Administrator shall: [PL 1993, c. 675, Pt. C, §2 (AMD).]

1. Continuous survey and study. Carry on a continuous survey and study of the organization, operation, condition of business, practice and procedure of the Judicial Department. The State Court Administrator shall make recommendations to the Chief Justice to improve administration and management of the court system, including recommendations concerning the number of judges and other judicial personnel required for the efficient administration of justice; [PL 1993, c. 675, Pt. C, §3 (AMD).]

1-A. Long-range planning. Develop and recommend to the Chief Justice long-range plans for the Judicial Department and operations of the courts; [PL 1993, c. 675, Pt. C, §4 (NEW).]

2. Examine the status of dockets. Examine the status of dockets of all courts so as to determine cases and other judicial business that have been unduly delayed. From such reports, the administrator shall indicate which courts are in need of additional judicial personnel and make recommendations to the Chief Justice, to the Chief Justice of the Superior Court and to the Chief Judge of the District Court concerning the assignment or reassignment of personnel to courts that are in need of such personnel. The administrator shall also carry out the directives of the Chief Justice as to the assignment of personnel in these instances; [PL 1983, c. 269, §§1, 9 (AMD).]

3. Investigate complaints. Investigate complaints with respect to the operation of the courts and relating to court and judicial security. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, complaints and investigative files that relate to court and judicial security are confidential. Nothing in this section precludes dissemination of such information to another criminal justice agency; [PL 2007, c. 597, §2 (AMD).]

4. Examine statistical systems. Examine the statistical systems of the courts and make recommendations for a uniform system of judicial statistics. The administrator shall also collect and analyze statistical and other data relating to the business of the courts; [PL 1975, c. 408, §5-A (NEW).]

5. Prescribe uniform administrative and business methods, etc. Prescribe uniform administrative and business methods, systems, forms, docketing and records to be used in the Supreme Judicial Court, in the Superior Court and in the District Court; [PL 1983, c. 269, §§2, 9 (AMD).]

6. Implement standards and policies set by the Chief Justice. Implement standards and policies set by the Chief Justice regarding hours of court, the assignment of term parts and justices; [PL 1977, c. 544, §3 (AMD).]

7. Act as supervisor of fiscal unit. Act as supervisor of the fiscal unit of the Administrative Office of the Courts and in so doing ensure that the fiscal unit: A. Maintains fiscal controls and accounts of funds appropriated for the Judicial Department; [PL 1995, c. 560, Pt. I, §1 (AMD).] B. Prepares all requisitions for the payment of state money appropriated for the maintenance and operation of the Judicial Department; [PL 1995, c. 560, Pt. I, §1 (AMD).] C. Prepares budget estimates and submissions of state appropriations necessary for the maintenance and operation of the Judicial Department and makes appropriate recommendations; [PL 1995, c. 560, Pt. I, §1 (AMD).] D. Collects statistical and other data and makes reports to the Chief Justice, to the Chief Justice of the Superior Court and to the Chief Judge of the District Court relating to the expenditures of public money for the maintenance and operation of the Judicial Department; [PL 1997, c. 24, Pt. II, §1 (AMD).] E. Develops and implements a uniform set of accounting and budgetary accounts, based on generally accepted fiscal and accounting procedures, for the Supreme Judicial Court, for the Superior Court and for the District Court; and [PL 1997, c. 24, Pt. II, §1 (AMD).] F. Periodically studies the feasibility of continuing any agreement with the State Tax Assessor by which the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Bureau of Revenue Services performs revenue-collecting services for the Judicial Department and, if it is determined that this would be in the best interests of the State, continues such an agreement. [RR 2011, c. 1, §2 (COR).] [RR 2011, c. 1, §2 (COR).]

8. Examine arrangements for use and maintenance of court facilities. Examine the arrangements for the use and maintenance of court facilities and supervise the purchase, distribution, exchange and transfer of judicial equipment and supplies thereof; [PL 1975, c. 408, §5-A (NEW).]

9. Act as secretary. Act as secretary to the Judicial Conference; [PL 1975, c. 408, §5-A (NEW).]

10. Submit an annual report. Submit an annual report to the Chief Justice, Legislature and Governor of the activities and accomplishments of the office for the preceding calendar year; [PL 1975, c. 408, §5-A (NEW).]

11. Maintain liaison. Maintain liaison with the executive and the legislative branches and other public and private agencies whose activities impact the Judicial Department; [PL 1975, c. 408, §5-A (NEW).]

12. Prepare and plan clerical offices. Prepare and plan for the organization and operation of clerical offices serving the Superior Court and the District Court; [PL 1983, c. 269, §§4, 9 (AMD).]

13. Implement preservice and inservice educational and training programs. Develop and implement preservice and inservice educational and training programs for nonjudicial personnel of the Judicial Department; [PL 1987, c. 137, §1 (AMD).]

14. Perform duties and attend other matters. Perform other duties and attend to other matters consistent with the powers delegated to the State Court Administrator by the Chief Justice and the Supreme Judicial Court; [PL 1991, c. 622, Pt. L, §4 (AMD).]

15. Provide for court security. Plan and implement arrangements for safe and secure court premises to ensure the orderly conduct of judicial proceedings. A. The State Court Administrator may contract for the services of qualified individuals as needed on a per diem basis to perform court security-related functions and services. (1) For the purposes of this subsection, "qualified individuals" means municipal law enforcement officers, deputy sheriffs and other individuals who are certified pursuant to Title 25, section 2804‑B or 2804‑C and have successfully completed additional training in court security provided by the Maine Criminal Justice Academy or equivalent training. (2) When under contract pursuant to this paragraph and then only for the assignment specifically contracted for, qualified individuals have the same duties and powers throughout the counties of the State as sheriffs have in their respective counties. (3) Qualified municipal law enforcement officers and deputy sheriffs performing contractual services pursuant to this paragraph continue to be employees of the municipalities and counties in which they are employed. (4) Qualified individuals other than municipal law enforcement officers or deputy sheriffs performing contractual services pursuant to this paragraph may not be considered employees of the State for any purpose, except that they must be treated as employees of the State for purposes of the Maine Tort Claims Act and the Maine Workers' Compensation Act of 1992. They must be paid reasonable per diem fees plus reimbursement of actual, necessary and reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of their duties, consistent with policies established by the State Court Administrator. [PL 2011, c. 380, Pt. TT, §1 (AMD).] B. The State Court Administrator may employ other qualified individuals to perform court security-related functions and services as court security officers. (1) Court security officers employed under this paragraph must be certified pursuant to Title 25, section 2803‑A, subsection 8‑B . (2) When on assignment for court security functions, court security officers have the same powers and duties throughout the counties of the State as sheriffs have in their respective counties. (3) Court security officers employed under this paragraph are state employees for all purposes. [PL 2003, c. 400, §1 (NEW).] C. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the plans, arrangements and files involving court security matters are confidential. Nothing in this section precludes dissemination of that information to another criminal justice agency; [PL 2003, c. 400, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2011, c. 380, Pt. TT, §1 (AMD).]

16. Report on out-of-state travel. Submit to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over appropriations and financial affairs a quarterly report on out-of-state travel activity of the Judicial Department. The report must be submitted within 15 days after the end of each quarter and must include, for each individual who has been authorized to travel, the destination, purpose and cost by funding source of each trip; [PL 2021, c. 684, §1 (AMD).]

17. Statement of fiscal effect on judicial system. Apply the following requirements when the State Court Administrator prepares statements pertaining to the impact that executive orders and proposed legislation have upon judicial system resources, including the cost or savings to the judicial system. The State Court Administrator, in preparing such impact statements, shall make inquiry of the Chief Justice of the Superior Court, the Chief Judge of the District Court, a statewide association of prosecuting attorneys, a statewide association of criminal defense attorneys, a statewide association of trial attorneys and any other parties, as appropriate, in order to provide the most accurate estimate of the judicial branch impact of such legislation, by fiscal year. A. The State Court Administrator shall furnish the statements to the legislative staff office designated to collect and assemble fiscal information for use of legislative committees under Title 3, section 163‑A, subsection 10 and to: (1) The Governor for judicial impact statements on executive orders; and (2) The appropriate committee of the Legislature for the information of its members for proposed legislation. [PL 1993, c. 675, Pt. C, §9 (NEW).] B. The statement on a particular executive order prepared by the State Court Administrator must be included in the executive order if the executive order has a fiscal impact on the judicial system, as determined by the State Court Administrator. [PL 1993, c. 675, Pt. C, §9 (NEW).] C. The statement on proposed legislation prepared by the State Court Administrator must be considered in the preparation of the fiscal note included in a committee amendment or other amendment if the legislation or amendment has a fiscal impact on the judicial system, as determined by the State Court Administrator; and [PL 2021, c. 684, §2 (AMD).] [PL 2021, c. 684, §2 (AMD).]

18. Statewide electronic warrant system. Establish a secure system for the application, issuance and return of arrest warrants and search warrants that is electronic and that provides access to authorized users statewide. A. For the purposes of this subsection, "electronic signature" means an electronic sound, symbol or process attached to or logically associated with a document and executed or adopted by a person with the intent to sign the document, including but not limited to an electronic representation of an actual handwritten signature that is captured at the time of signature by the person or is digitally reproduced from a previously saved signature. [PL 2021, c. 684, §3 (NEW).] B. The statewide electronic warrant system established pursuant to this subsection must: (1) Provide for personal appearance and authorization by means of telecommunication or electronic communication; (2) Provide for secure access for authorized users, at varying levels of authorization, and guard the integrity of an application and all information and documents related to the application; (3) Provide for submission of information and evidence to support the application in electronic form; (4) Require a showing of probable cause based on oath or affirmation. An oath or affirmation may be provided in electronic format; (5) Provide for use of an electronic signature by the applicant; (6) Provide a method for the issuing official to disapprove, approve or approve with modifications the application, the means for using an electronic signature by the issuing official and a mechanism for electronic issuance; (7) Provide a mechanism for the applicant to obtain the issued arrest warrant or search warrant and a mechanism for return by the applicant when the warrant has been executed or, if the warrant was not served within the time period stated in the warrant, a mechanism to return the warrant unserved; and (8) Provide a mechanism for the retention of all information submitted to or communicated by or within the system. [PL 2021, c. 684, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 684, §3 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 8-A — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 1 / Section 8-A
4 §8-A. Rules on courts records and unclaimed property
Status: in_force

The Supreme Judicial Court may prescribe, repeal, add to, amend or modify rules or orders: [PL 1981, c. 241 (NEW).]

1. Records. To establish retention and disposition schedules for the fiscal, managerial and court records of all the judicial courts of the State, and to authorize the disposition of such records as have no archival, historical or judicial value to the State to warrant permanent preservation, and to authorize the transfer to the Maine State Archives of such records, upon any reasonable terms and conditions as the State Archivist and the Supreme Judicial Court may agree, to be kept in accordance with the Archives and Records Management Law; and [PL 1981, c. 241 (NEW).]

2. Unclaimed property. To provide, after reasonable notice to interested parties or their attorneys, for the transfer to the Treasurer of State for disposition as unclaimed property in the manner provided by Title 33, chapter 45 of property in the possession or custody of the courts of this State as a result of civil or criminal litigation. [PL 2019, c. 498, §1 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 1305-A — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 27 / Section 1305-A
4 §1305-A. Refund of accumulated contributions
Status: in_force

1. Conditions for refund. If the service of any member has terminated, except by death or by retirement under this chapter, the member must be paid the amount of the member's accumulated contributions under the following conditions: A. The member must have properly applied for a refund of accumulated contributions; [PL 2007, c. 137, §7 (NEW).] B. Payment must be made after termination of service and not more than 60 days after receipt of the application and receipt of the last payroll upon which the name of the member appears; [PL 2025, c. 221, §5 (AMD).] C. An application for refund is void if the member filing the application returns to membership in any retirement program administered by the Maine Public Employees Retirement System before issuance of the payment; and [PL 2007, c. 491, §47 (AMD).] D. Only accumulated contributions made by the member or picked up by the employer may be refunded to that member under this subsection. [PL 2007, c. 137, §7 (NEW).] [PL 2025, c. 221, §5 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 1236 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 27 / Section 1236
4 §1236. Legal adviser
Status: in_force

The Attorney General or an assistant designated by the Attorney General is the legal adviser of the Board of Trustees of the Judicial Retirement Program. [PL 2007, c. 491, §40 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 1506 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 31 / Section 1506
4 §1506. Immunity from civil liability
Status: in_force

A person serving as a court appointed special advocate for the Judicial Department or as Director, deputy director or regional volunteer coordinator of the Court Appointed Special Advocate Program is immune from any civil liability, as are employees of governmental entities, under the Maine Tort Claims Act, Title 14, chapter 741 , for acts performed within the scope of that person's administrative duties, and is entitled to quasi-judicial immunity for acts performed within the scope of the person's duties as a guardian ad litem. [PL 2001, c. 253, §2 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 1555 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 32 / Section 1555
4 §1555. Appointment of guardians ad litem in Title 18-C and Title 19-A cases
Status: in_force

1. Appointment of guardian ad litem. In proceedings to determine parental rights and responsibilities and guardianship of a minor under Title 18‑C and in contested proceedings pursuant to Title 19‑A, section 904 , 1653 or 1803 in which a minor child is involved, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem for the child when the court has reason for special concern as to the welfare of the child. The court may appoint a guardian ad litem on the court's own motion, on the motion of one of the parties or upon agreement of the parties. A. A court may appoint, without any findings, any person listed on the roster. In addition, when a suitable guardian ad litem included on the roster is not available for appointment, a court may, for good cause shown and after consultation with the parties, appoint an attorney admitted to practice in this State who, after consideration by the court of all of the circumstances of the particular case, in the opinion of the appointing court has the necessary skills and experience to serve as a guardian ad litem. For the purposes of this paragraph, good cause may include the appointment of a guardian ad litem on a pro bono basis. [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).] B. In determining whether to make an appointment, the court shall consider: (1) The wishes of the parties; (2) The age of the child; (3) The nature of the proceeding, including the contentiousness of the hearing; (4) The financial resources of the parties; (5) The extent to which a guardian ad litem may assist in providing information concerning the best interests of the child; (6) Whether the family has experienced a history of domestic abuse; (7) Abuse of the child by one of the parties; and (8) Other factors the court determines relevant. [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. C, §11 (AMD); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]

2. Order. An appointment of a guardian ad litem must be by court order. A. The appointment order must be written on a court-approved form and must specify the guardian ad litem's length of appointment, the specific duties for the particular case, including the filing of a written report, and fee arrangements. [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).] B. The guardian ad litem has no authority to perform and may not be expected to perform any duties beyond those specified in the appointment order, unless subsequently ordered to do so by the court. [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).] C. If, in order to perform any specified duties, the guardian ad litem needs information concerning the child or parents, the court may order the parents to sign an authorization form allowing the release of the necessary information. The court order may specify that the guardian ad litem must be allowed access to the child by the caretakers of the child, whether the caretakers are individuals, authorized agencies or child care providers. [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).] D. When appointment of the guardian ad litem or the fee arrangements for payment of the guardian ad litem are not agreed to by the parties, the court shall state in the appointment order its findings, based on the criteria stated in this section, supporting the appointment of the guardian ad litem and the fee payment order. [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).]

3. Payment for services; fees and billing; enforcement. The order under subsection 2 must specify that payment for the services of the guardian ad litem is the responsibility of the parties, with the terms of payment specified in the order. A. The fee arrangements in the order must specify hourly rates or a flat fee, the timing of payments to be made and by whom and the maximum amount of fees that may be charged for the case without further order of the court. If the payments ordered to be made before the guardian ad litem commences the investigation, if any, are not paid as ordered, the guardian ad litem shall notify the court, and the court may vacate the appointment order or take such other action it determines appropriate under the circumstances. [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).] B. In determining the responsibility for payment, the court shall consider: (1) The income of the parties; (2) The marital and nonmarital assets of the parties; (3) The division of property made or anticipated as part of the final divorce or separation; (4) Which party requested appointment of a guardian ad litem; and (5) Other factors considered relevant by the court, which must be stated with specificity in the appointment order. [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).] C. The guardian ad litem shall use standardized billing, itemization requirements and time reporting processes as established by the division. The guardian ad litem may collect fees, if a collection action is necessary, pursuant to Title 14 and may not pursue collection in the action in which the guardian ad litem is appointed. [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).]

4. Best interests of the child. In performance of duties specified in the appointment order, the guardian ad litem shall use the standard of the best interests of the child. [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).]

5. Wishes of the child. The guardian ad litem shall make the wishes of the child known to the court if the child has expressed them, regardless of the recommendation of the guardian ad litem. [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).]

6. Report. The guardian ad litem shall provide a copy of each report ordered by the court to the parties and the court at least 14 days before each report is due. A guardian ad litem shall provide a copy of the final written report to the parties and the court at least 14 days in advance of the final hearing. Reports are admissible as evidence and subject to cross-examination and rebuttal, whether or not objected to by a party. Any objections to a report must be filed at least 7 days before the applicable hearing. [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 1913 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 39 / Section 1913
4 §1913. Notarial act under federal authority
Status: in_force

1. Notarial act under federal authority recognized. A notarial act performed under federal law has the same effect under the laws of this State as if performed by a notarial officer of this State, if the act performed under federal law is performed by: A. A judge, clerk or deputy clerk of a federal court; [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] B. An individual in military service or performing duties under the authority of military service who is authorized to perform notarial acts under federal law; [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] C. An individual designated a notarizing officer by the United States Department of State for performing notarial acts overseas; or [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] D. Any other individual authorized by federal law to perform the notarial act. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

2. Prima facie evidence. The signature and title of an individual acting under federal authority and performing a notarial act are prima facie evidence that the signature is genuine and that the individual holds the designated title. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

3. Signature and title conclusive. The signature and title of an officer described in subsection 1, paragraph A , B or C conclusively establish the authority of the officer to perform the notarial act. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]
4 M.R.S. § 1933 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 39 / Section 1933
4 §1933. Effective date
Status: in_force

This chapter takes effect July 1, 2023. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]
4 M.R.S. § 23 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 1 / Section 23
4 §23. Court personnel and compensation
Status: in_force

The Supreme Judicial Court shall prescribe by rule a personnel classification plan for all courts in the Judicial Department. [PL 1975, c. 408, §7 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 1926 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 39 / Section 1926
4 §1926. Prohibited acts
Status: in_force

1. Acts not authorized. A notary public commission does not authorize an individual to: A. Assist persons in drafting legal records, give legal advice or otherwise practice law; [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] B. Act as an immigration consultant or an expert on immigration matters; [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] C. Represent a person in a judicial or administrative proceeding relating to immigration to the United States, United States citizenship or related matters; or [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] D. Receive compensation for performing any of the activities listed in this subsection. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

2. False or deceptive advertising prohibited. A notary public may not engage in false or deceptive advertising. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

3. Restricted titles. A notary public who is not an attorney licensed to practice law in this State may not use the title "notario" or "notario publico." [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

4. Advertising requirements. A notary public who is not an attorney licensed to practice law in this State may not advertise or represent that the notary public may assist persons in drafting legal records, give legal advice or otherwise practice law. If a notary public who is not an attorney licensed to practice law in this State in any manner advertises or represents that the notary public offers notarial services, whether orally or in a record, including broadcast media, print media and the Internet, the notary public shall include the following statement, or an alternate statement authorized or required by the Secretary of State, in the advertisement or representation, prominently and in each language used in the advertisement or representation: "I am not an attorney licensed to practice law in this State. I am not allowed to draft legal records, give advice on legal matters, including immigration, or charge a fee for those activities." If the form of advertisement or representation is not broadcast media, print media or the Internet and does not permit inclusion of the statement required by this subsection because of size, the statement must be displayed prominently or provided at the place of performance of the notarial act before the notarial act is performed. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

5. Access to original records. Except as otherwise allowed by law, a notary public may not withhold access to or possession of an original record provided by a person who seeks performance of a notarial act by the notary public. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

6. Civil violation. Any violation of this section constitutes a civil violation for which a fine of not more than $5,000 may be adjudged. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

7. Civil action. In addition to any other remedy that may be available, a person who is aggrieved by a violation of this section may initiate a civil action in the Superior Court against the violator for injunctive relief or damages or both. If a court finds a violation of this section, the court may award to the person: A. An amount equal to actual damages sustained by the person as a result of the violation; [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] B. An amount equal to 3 times the actual damages; and [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] C. The costs of the action together with reasonable attorney's fees as determined by the court. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

8. Attorney General action. If the Attorney General has reason to believe that a person in the State has engaged in or is engaging in activities that violate this section, the Attorney General may initiate an action in the Superior Court to enforce this section. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]
4 M.R.S. § 471 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 10 / Section 471
4 §471. Judicial Conference of Maine
Status: in_force

There is a Judicial Conference of Maine, referred to in this section as "the conference," composed of judges and justices who shall advise and consult with the Supreme Judicial Court and the Chief Justice on matters affecting the administration of the Judicial Department, who shall review and discuss proposals from the Chief Justice and the State Court Administrator that affect the administration of the Judicial Department and who shall meet at least once each year for that purpose. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §14 (COR).]

A member of the conference may not receive any compensation for that member's services, but the conference and the several members thereof are allowed, out of judicial appropriation, such expenses for clerical and other services and travel incidentals as the State Court Administrator approves. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §14 (COR).]
4 M.R.S. § 501 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 11 / Section 501
4 §501. Appointment; fees
Status: in_force

In all cases in the Supreme Judicial or in the Superior Court in which the court appoints one or more persons, not exceeding 3, as referees, masters or auditors, to hear the same, their fees and necessary expenses, including stenographic services as determined by the Chief Justice or the Chief Justice's designee, must be paid by the State on presentation of the proper certificate of the clerk of courts for the county in which such case is pending, or by such of the parties, or out of any fund or subject matter of the action, which is in the custody and control of the court, or by apportionment among such sources of payment, as the court may direct. The amount thereof must be fixed by the court upon the coming in of the report. These referees, masters and auditors shall notify the parties of the time and place of hearing and have power to adjourn. Witnesses may be summoned and compelled to attend and may be sworn by the referees, masters or auditors. When there is more than one referee, master or auditor, all must hear, but a majority may report, stating whether all did hear. Their report may be recommitted. They may be discharged and others appointed. [PL 2009, c. 166, §1 (AMD).]

No fee or compensation other than necessary expenses may be paid any Justice of the Supreme Judicial or of the Superior Court for services as referee, master or auditor, but this provision does not apply to an Active Retired Justice. [PL 2009, c. 166, §1 (AMD).]

No per diem fee, other than necessary expenses, may be paid any Official Court Reporter for services in these cases. [PL 2009, c. 166, §1 (AMD).]

A referee appointed to hear a dispute concerning real property must report the referee's decision within one year of appointment by the court unless good cause for extending this period is shown. [PL 2009, c. 166, §1 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 454 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 9 / Section 454
4 §454. Maine Criminal Justice Sentencing Institute
Status: in_force

There is established a Maine Criminal Justice Sentencing Institute under the administrative supervision of the State Court Administrator to provide a continuing forum for the regular discussion of the most appropriate methods of sentencing convicted offenders and adjudicated juveniles by judges in the criminal justice system, prosecutors, law enforcement and correctional personnel, representatives of advisory and advocacy groups and such representatives of the defense bar as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court may invite. All Supreme Judicial Court, Superior Court and District Court Judges, all District Attorneys and attorneys within the Criminal Division of the Office of the Attorney General are, and such other criminal justice personnel as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court may authorize may be, members of the institute. [PL 1999, c. 547, Pt. B, §11 (AMD); PL 1999, c. 547, Pt. B, §80 (AFF).]

When sufficient funding is allocated by the Legislature, the institute shall meet, at the call of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, for a 2-day period to discuss recommendations for changes in the sentencing authority and policies of the State's criminal and juvenile courts, in response to current law enforcement problems and the available alternatives for criminal and juvenile rehabilitation within the State's correctional system. Inasmuch as possible the deliberations of the institute must be open to the general public. [PL 2013, c. 159, §9 (AMD).]

Members of the institute are not entitled to receive compensation for their services, but are allowed, out of any appropriation or other fund made available for the purpose, such expenses for clerical and other services, travel and incidentals as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court may authorize. [PL 1997, c. 134, §6 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 1352 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 27 / Section 1352
4 §1352. Retirement benefits
Status: in_force

1. Amount. The service retirement allowance of a member is determined under the provisions of this chapter in effect on the member's date of final termination of service. Subject to the maximum benefit provided for in subsection 3‑A and the minimum benefit provided for in subsection 4 , the total amount of the retirement allowance of a member retired in accordance with section 1351 is equal to the sum of: A. 1/50 of the member's average final compensation multiplied by the number of years of membership service, from December 1, 1984 to June 30, 1998 and creditable service allowed under section 1302, subsection 3 ; [PL 1997, c. 643, Pt. M, §12 (AMD).] B. The earned benefit for prior service as a judge as determined by subsection 2 ; and [PL 1997, c. 643, Pt. M, §12 (AMD).] C. Three percent of the member's average final compensation multiplied by the number of years of membership service beginning July 1, 1998. [PL 1997, c. 643, Pt. M, §12 (NEW).] [PL 2001, c. 439, Pt. VV, §1 (AMD).]

2. Benefit for service prior to December 1, 1984. The earned benefit for judicial service prior to December 1, 1984, is equal to the years of service prior to December 1, 1984, not to exceed 10 years, divided by 10, multiplied by 75% of the salary as of November 30, 1984, for the position from which the judge retired. [PL 1997, c. 643, Pt. M, §12 (AMD).]

3. Maximum benefit. [PL 2001, c. 439, Pt. VV, §2 (RP).]

3-A. Maximum benefit. Except as provided in subsection 4 , a judge in service on December 1, 1984, or appointed on or after December 1, 1984, may not receive a benefit that exceeds 70% of that judge's average final compensation, not including adjustments under section 1358 . The benefit amount of any judge retired prior to the effective date of this subsection whose benefit amount was limited according to the terms of former subsection 3 must be recalculated according to this subsection and the recalculated amount must be paid retroactive to the judge's effective date of retirement. [PL 2001, c. 439, Pt. VV, §3 (NEW).]

4. Minimum benefit. Each judge in service on December 1, 1984, who is 50 years of age or older on that date is entitled to a minimum benefit equal to 75% of the salary as of June 30, 1984, for the position from which the judge retired, increased by 6% compounded annually, for each year or part of a year served subsequent to June 30, 1984, up to and including June 30, 1989. For each year or part of a year served after June 30, 1989, the allowance is increased by an amount equal to the cost-of-living factor granted the previous September, as determined pursuant to section 1358 , compounded annually. [PL 1997, c. 643, Pt. M, §12 (AMD).]

5. Termination of benefits. [PL 2021, c. 548, §3 (RP).]

6. Service beyond age 70. [PL 1989, c. 133, §28 (RP).]
4 M.R.S. § 561 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 13 / Section 561
4 §561. Taking illegal fees
Status: in_force

A clerk who exacts or receives more than that clerk's lawful fees commits a civil violation for which a fine of $50 may be adjudged. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §16 (COR).]
4 M.R.S. § 1922 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 39 / Section 1922
4 §1922. Notary public commission; qualifications; no immunity or benefit
Status: in_force

1. Application. An individual qualified under subsection 2 may apply to the Secretary of State for a notary public commission. The applicant shall comply with and provide the information required by rules established by the Secretary of State and pay any application fee. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

2. Qualifications. An applicant for a notary public commission must: A. Be at least 18 years of age; [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] B. Be a resident of or have a place of employment or practice in this State; [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] C. Be able to read and write English; [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] D. Not be disqualified to receive a commission under section 1924 ; and [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] E. Have passed the examination required under section 1923, subsection 1 . [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

3. Oath required. Before issuance of a notary public commission, an applicant for the commission shall take and subscribe the following oath or affirmation before a dedimus justice: "I, (name), do swear that I will support the United States Constitution and the Constitution of Maine, so help me God. I, (name), do swear that I will faithfully discharge, to the best of my abilities, the duties incumbent on me as a notary public according to the Constitution of Maine and the laws of this State, so help me God." When a person is conscientiously scrupulous of taking an oath, the word "affirm" may be substituted for the word "swear" and the words "this I do under penalty of perjury" may be substituted for the words "so help me God." [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

4. Commission issued. The Secretary of State shall issue to an applicant who has complied with this section a notary public commission valid for a term of 7 years. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

5. No immunity or benefit. A commission issued under subsection 4 authorizes the notary public to perform notarial acts. The commission does not provide the notary public any immunity or benefit conferred by the laws of this State on public officials or employees. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]
4 M.R.S. § 421 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 8 / Section 421
4 §421. Establishment
Status: in_force

1. Programs. The Judicial Department may establish substance use disorder treatment programs in the Superior Courts and District Courts and may adopt administrative orders and court rules to govern the practice, procedure and administration of these programs. Substance use disorder treatment programs must include local judges and must be community based and operated separately from juvenile drug courts. [PL 2017, c. 407, Pt. A, §2 (AMD).]

2. Goals. The goals of the substance use disorder treatment programs authorized by this chapter include the following: A. To reduce substance use and dependency among criminal offenders; [PL 2017, c. 407, Pt. A, §2 (AMD).] B. To reduce criminal recidivism; [PL 1999, c. 780, §1 (NEW).] C. To increase personal, familial and societal accountability of offenders; [PL 1999, c. 780, §1 (NEW).] D. To promote healthy and safe family relationships; [PL 1999, c. 780, §1 (NEW).] E. To promote effective interaction and use of resources among justice system personnel and community agencies; [PL 2023, c. 522, §1 (AMD).] F. To reduce the overcrowding of prisons; and [PL 2023, c. 522, §2 (AMD).] G. To ensure that substance use disorder treatment programs are available statewide and accessible to residents in rural areas of the State. [PL 2023, c. 522, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 522, §§1-3 (AMD).]

3. Collaboration. The following shall collaborate with and, to the extent possible, provide financial assistance to the Judicial Department in establishing and maintaining substance use disorder treatment programs: A. District attorneys, the Department of the Attorney General and statewide organizations representing prosecutors; [PL 1999, c. 780, §1 (NEW).] B. Defense attorneys, including statewide organizations representing defense attorneys; [PL 1999, c. 780, §1 (NEW).] C. The Department of Corrections; [PL 1999, c. 780, §1 (NEW).] D. The Department of Health and Human Services; [PL 1999, c. 780, §1 (NEW); PL 2001, c. 354, §3 (AMD); PL 2003, c. 689, Pt. B, §6 (REV).] E. The Department of Public Safety; [PL 1999, c. 780, §1 (NEW).] F. The Department of Education; [PL 1999, c. 780, §1 (NEW).] G. The business community; [PL 1999, c. 780, §1 (NEW).] H. Local service agencies; and [PL 1999, c. 780, §1 (NEW).] I. Statewide organizations representing drug court professionals. [PL 1999, c. 780, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2017, c. 407, Pt. A, §2 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 6 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 1 / Section 6
4 §6. Active Retired Justices
Status: in_force

Any Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, who has retired from the court under this chapter in effect prior to December 1, 1984, or any Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court who retires or terminates service on the court in accordance with chapter 27 , except for a disability retirement, is eligible for appointment as an Active Retired Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court as provided. The Governor may, subject to review by the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over judiciary and to confirmation by the Legislature, appoint any eligible justice as an Active Retired Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court for a term of 7 years, unless sooner removed, and that justice may be reappointed for a like term. Any justice appointed and designated as an Active Retired Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court constitutes a part of the court from which the Justice retired and has the same jurisdiction and is subject to the same restrictions as before retirement, except that the Active Retired Justice may act only in the cases and matters and hold court only at the terms and times as directed and assigned by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court. The Chief Justice is empowered and authorized to assign and designate an Active Retired Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court as to that justice's services and may direct as to which term of the Law Court the Active Retired Justice attends, and order the Active Retired Justice to hear all matters and issue all orders, notices, decrees and judgments in vacation that any Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court is authorized to hear or issue. [PL 2019, c. 475, §35 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 31 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 1 / Section 31
4 §31. Purpose
Status: in_force

It is declared to be the public policy of the State and it is the purpose of this subchapter to promote the continued improvement of the relationship between the Judicial Department and its employees by providing a uniform basis for recognizing the right of judicial employees to join labor organizations of their own choosing and to be represented by these organizations in matters concerning their employment relations with the Judicial Department. [PL 1983, c. 412, §1 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 1406 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 29 / Section 1406
4 §1406. Survivor benefits
Status: in_force

1. Survivors' benefits. Any spouse or any child or children of a judge who died prior to December 1, 1984, shall continue to receive 3/8 of the currently effective annual salary as follows: A. To the surviving spouse, as long as that spouse is not the dependent of another person; or [PL 1983, c. 853, Pt. C, §§ 15, 18 (NEW).] B. To the child or children of the deceased judge under 18 years of age if there is no surviving spouse or upon the death of the surviving spouse or if the surviving spouse is or becomes the dependent of another person, payable until the youngest child reaches age 18. If more than one child under 18 years of age is eligible for this benefit, it shall be divided equally among them. [PL 1983, c. 853, Pt. C, §§ 15, 18 (NEW).] [PL 1983, c. 853, Pt. C, §§ 15, 18 (NEW).]

2. Benefit upon death of judge. Upon the death of a judge, 3/8 of the currently effective annual salary shall be paid as follows: A. To the surviving spouse, as long as that spouse is not the dependent of another person; or [PL 1983, c. 853, Pt. C, §§ 15, 18 (NEW).] B. To the child or children of the deceased judge under 18 years of age if there is no surviving spouse or upon the death of the surviving spouse or if the surviving spouse is or becomes the dependent of another person, payable until the youngest child reaches age 18. If more than one child under 18 years of age is eligible for this benefit, it shall be divided equally among them. [PL 1983, c. 853, Pt. C, §§ 15, 18 (NEW).] [PL 1983, c. 853, Pt. C, §§ 15, 18 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 8 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 1 / Section 8
4 §8. Power to prescribe general rules
Status: in_force

The Supreme Judicial Court has the power to prescribe, by general rules, for the Probate, District and Superior Courts of Maine, the forms of process, writs, pleadings and motions and the practice and procedure in civil actions at law. Said rules may neither abridge, enlarge nor modify the substantive rights of any litigant. They take effect on such date not less than 6 months after their promulgation as the Supreme Judicial Court may fix. After their promulgation the Supreme Judicial Court may repeal, amend, modify or add to them from time to time with or without a waiting period. After the effective date of said rules as promulgated or amended, all laws in conflict therewith are of no further force or effect. [PL 1999, c. 547, §2 (AMD); PL 1999, c. 547, §80 (AFF).]

The Supreme Judicial Court may at any time write the general rules prescribed by it for cases in equity and those in actions at law so as to secure one form of civil action and procedure for both. In such union of rules the right of trial by jury as at common law and declared by the Constitution of the United States and amendments thereto and by the Constitution of the State of Maine and amendments thereto shall be preserved to the parties inviolate. Such united rules shall not take effect until 6 months after their promulgation and thereafter all laws and rules in conflict therewith shall be of no further force or effect. [PL 1977, c. 694, §1 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 1804 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 37 / Section 1804
4 §1804. Commission responsibilities
Status: in_force

1. Executive director. The commission shall hire an executive director. The executive director must be an attorney licensed to practice law in this State; be a member in good standing of the bar of the State; and have experience in the legal field, including, but not limited to, the provision of indigent legal services. [PL 2023, c. 638, §5 (AMD).]

2. Rulemaking. The commission shall adopt rules governing the delivery of indigent legal services by assigned counsel, contract counsel, employed counsel and public defenders. The rules adopted by the commission must include: A. Standards governing eligibility for indigent legal services. The eligibility standards must take into account the possibility of a defendant's or civil party's ability to make periodic installment payments toward counsel fees and the cost of private legal services in the relevant geographic area; [PL 2023, c. 344, §1 (AMD).] B. Standards prescribing minimum experience, training and other eligibility requirements for attorneys to be eligible to serve as assigned counsel, contract counsel, employed counsel and public defenders; [PL 2023, c. 638, §6 (AMD).] C. Standards for assigned counsel, contract counsel, employed counsel and public defender caseloads; [PL 2023, c. 638, §6 (AMD).] D. Standards for the evaluation of assigned counsel, contract counsel, employed counsel and public defenders. The commission shall review the standards developed pursuant to this paragraph at least every 5 years, or earlier upon the recommendation of the executive director; [PL 2023, c. 638, §6 (AMD).] E. Standards for independent, high-quality, effective and efficient representation of clients whose cases present conflicts of interest; [PL 2023, c. 638, §6 (AMD).] F. Standards for the reimbursement of expenses incurred by assigned counsel, contract counsel, employed counsel and public defenders, including attendance at training events provided by the commission; and [PL 2023, c. 638, §6 (AMD).] G. Other standards considered necessary and appropriate to ensure the delivery of high-quality, effective and efficient indigent legal services. [PL 2023, c. 638, §6 (AMD).] [PL 2023, c. 638, §6 (AMD).]

3. Duties. The commission shall: A. Develop and maintain a system that employs employed counsel and public defenders, uses appointed private attorneys and contracts with individual attorneys or groups of attorneys to provide high-quality, effective and efficient indigent legal services. The commission shall consider other programs necessary to provide high-quality, effective and efficient indigent legal services; [PL 2025, c. 415, §3 (AMD).] B. Develop and maintain an assigned counsel voucher review and payment authorization system that includes disposition information; [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. UUUU, §3 (AMD).] C. Establish processes and procedures consistent with commission standards to ensure that office and contract personnel use information technology and caseload management systems so that detailed expenditure and indigent legal services caseload data are accurately collected, recorded and reported; [PL 2023, c. 638, §8 (AMD).] D. To ensure an adequate pool of qualified attorneys, develop training and evaluation programs for attorneys throughout the State to provide representation in criminal, juvenile, child protective, involuntary commitment and all other types of proceedings for which parties may be eligible to receive indigent legal services; [PL 2023, c. 638, §9 (RPR).] E. Establish minimum eligibility standards to ensure that attorneys who provide indigent legal services are capable of providing high-quality, effective and efficient representation in the case types to which they are assigned, recognizing that high-quality, effective and efficient representation in each of these types of cases requires counsel with experience and specialized training in that field; [PL 2023, c. 638, §10 (AMD).] F. Establish rates of compensation for assigned counsel and contract counsel; [PL 2023, c. 344, §3 (AMD).] G. Establish a method for accurately tracking, monitoring and enforcing caseload standards for assigned counsel, contract counsel, employed counsel and public defenders; [PL 2023, c. 638, §11 (AMD).] H. By January 15th of each year, submit to the Legislature, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court and the Governor an annual report on the operation, needs and costs of the indigent legal services system. The report must include: (1) An evaluation of contracts; services provided by contract counsel, assigned counsel, employed counsel and public defenders; any contracted professional services; and cost containment measures; and (2) An explanation of the relevant law changes to the indigent legal services covered by the commission and the effect of the changes on the quality of representation and costs. The joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over judiciary matters may report out legislation on matters related to the report; [PL 2023, c. 638, §12 (AMD).] I. Approve and submit a biennial budget request to the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Bureau of the Budget, including supplemental budget requests as necessary; [PL 2013, c. 159, §11 (AMD).] J. Develop an administrative review and appeal process for attorneys who are aggrieved by a decision of the executive director, or the executive director's designee, determining: (1) Whether an attorney meets the minimum eligibility requirements to receive assignments or to receive assignments in specialized case types pursuant to any commission rule setting forth eligibility requirements; (2) Whether an attorney previously found eligible is no longer eligible to receive assignments or to receive assignments in specialized case types pursuant to any commission rule setting forth eligibility requirements; and (3) Whether to grant or withhold a waiver of the eligibility requirements set forth in any commission rule. All decisions of the commission, including decisions on appeals under subparagraphs (1), (2) and (3), constitute final agency action. All decisions of the executive director, or the executive director's designee, other than decisions appealable under subparagraphs (1), (2) and (3), constitute final agency action; [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. UUUU, §5 (AMD).] K. Pay appellate counsel; [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. UUUU, §6 (AMD).] L. Establish processes and procedures to acquire investigative and expert services that may be necessary for a case, including contracting for such services; [PL 2019, c. 427, §3 (AMD).] M. Establish procedures for handling complaints about the performance of counsel providing indigent legal services; [PL 2021, c. 481, §2 (AMD).] N. Develop a procedure for approving requests by counsel for authorization to file a petition as described in section 1802, subsection 4, paragraph D ; [PL 2023, c. 394, Pt. A, §1 (AMD).] O. Establish a system to audit financial requests and payments that includes the authority to recoup payments when necessary. The commission may summon persons and subpoena witnesses and compel their attendance, require production of evidence, administer oaths and examine any person under oath as part of an audit. Any summons or subpoena may be served by registered mail with return receipt. Subpoenas issued under this paragraph may be enforced by the Superior Court; and [PL 2023, c. 394, Pt. A, §2 (AMD).] P. Develop and maintain a registry of names, telephone numbers and other contact information for attorneys who provide legal services to persons who are incarcerated. The commission shall on a weekly basis provide these names, telephone numbers and other contact information to all sheriffs' offices and to the Department of Corrections. On the Monday following transmission of the information, the sheriffs' offices and the Department of Corrections have constructive notice that communications to and from these attorneys by residents of jails and correctional facilities are subject to the attorney-client privilege. The attorneys' names, telephone numbers and other contact information are confidential. [PL 2023, c. 394, Pt. A, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2025, c. 415, §3 (AMD).]

4. Powers. The commission may: A. Establish and maintain a principal office and other offices within the State as it considers necessary; [PL 2009, c. 419, §2 (NEW).] B. Meet and conduct business at any place within the State; [PL 2009, c. 419, §2 (NEW).] C. Use voluntary and uncompensated services of private individuals and organizations as may from time to time be offered and needed; [PL 2009, c. 419, §2 (NEW).] D. Adopt rules to carry out the purposes of this chapter. Rules adopted pursuant to this paragraph are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A , except that rules adopted to establish rates of compensation for assigned counsel and contract counsel under subsection 3, paragraph F are major substantive rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A ; [PL 2023, c. 638, §13 (AMD).] E. Appear in court and before other administrative bodies represented by its own attorneys; and [PL 2023, c. 638, §14 (AMD).] F. Notwithstanding Title 5, chapter 155 , through employed counsel and public defenders, retain investigative and expert services that are reasonably necessary for case-specific purposes. For purposes of this paragraph, investigative and expert services are for case-specific purposes if the services relate to a specific case and not to the ongoing activities of the commission, or its employees, that do not relate to a specific case. Nothing in this paragraph affects the applicability of Title 5, chapter 155 to the purchase of services, supplies, materials and equipment by the commission or its employees for purposes that are not case-specific purposes. [PL 2023, c. 638, §15 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 638, §§13-15 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 18-B — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 1 / Section 18-B
4 §18-B. Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Service
Status: in_force

1. Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Service. There is established within the Administrative Office of the Courts a Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Service to provide alternative dispute resolution, referred to in this section as "ADR," services in the courts throughout the State. [PL 1995, c. 560, Pt. I, §3 (NEW).]

2. ADR providers. The Judicial Department, through the State Court Administrator or the administrator's designee, shall contract for the services of qualified persons or organizations to serve as providers of ADR services to parties. The ADR providers are not employees of the State for any purpose. The ADR providers are entitled to be paid a reasonable per diem fee plus reimbursement of their actual, necessary and reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of their duties, consistent with policies established by the Administrative Office of the Courts. [PL 1995, c. 560, Pt. I, §3 (NEW).]

3. Immunity from civil liability. A person serving as an ADR provider under contract with the Judicial Department or as the Director of the Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Service is immune from any civil liability, as are employees of governmental entities, under the Maine Tort Claims Act, for acts performed within the scope of the provider's or the director's duties. [PL 1995, c. 560, Pt. I, §3 (NEW).]

4. Staff. With the advice and approval of the Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Service Committee, the State Court Administrator shall employ or contract with a person to serve as the Director of the Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Service. The State Court Administrator shall provide other necessary staff and clerical assistance to the Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Service, within the limits of funds available. [PL 1995, c. 560, Pt. I, §3 (NEW).]

5. Facilities. The State Court Administrator shall provide a principal office for the Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Service and shall arrange for facilities throughout the State as necessary and adequate for the conduct of ADR sessions, within the limits of funds available. [PL 1995, c. 560, Pt. I, §3 (NEW).]

6. Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Service Committee. The Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Service Committee, or "committee," is established to set policy for and monitor the Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Service. The committee consists of: A. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court or a designee; [PL 1995, c. 560, Pt. I, §3 (NEW).] B. The Chief Justice of the Superior Court or a designee; [PL 1995, c. 560, Pt. I, §3 (NEW).] C. The Chief Judge of the District Court or a designee; [PL 1995, c. 560, Pt. I, §3 (NEW).] D. The State Court Administrator or a designee; [PL 1995, c. 560, Pt. I, §3 (NEW).] E. A Justice of the Superior Court, who is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court; [PL 1995, c. 560, Pt. I, §3 (NEW).] F. A Judge of the District Court, who is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court; and [PL 1995, c. 560, Pt. I, §3 (NEW).] G. Any additional members appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court that the Chief Justice considers necessary to the committee's operation. [PL 1995, c. 560, Pt. I, §3 (NEW).] [PL 1995, c. 560, Pt. I, §3 (NEW).]

7. Authority and fees. The Judicial Department is authorized to refer cases to the Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Service for mediation and, when a court refers case types or individual cases to the Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Service for mediation, the court shall assess the parties a fee to be apportioned equally among the parties, unless the court otherwise directs. The fee must be deposited in the dedicated account created in subsection 8 . A party may file an in forma pauperis application for waiver of fee. If the court finds that the party does not have sufficient funds to pay the fee, it shall order the fee waived. [PL 2021, c. 676, Pt. A, §1 (RPR).]

8. Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Service Fund. The Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Service Fund is established as a nonlapsing, dedicated fund within the Administrative Office of the Courts. Fees collected for ADR services provided pursuant to this section must be deposited in the fund. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the Administrative Office of the Courts shall use 100% of the resources in the funds from nondesignated cases to cover the costs of providing ADR services as required under this section. All funds from cases handled by the Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Service pursuant to Title 38, section 347‑A, subsection 4, paragraph E must be used for the costs of providing ADR services as required under this section. [PL 1997, c. 643, Pt. EE, §1 (AMD).]

9. Rules. The Supreme Judicial Court shall adopt rules to govern the referral of cases to the Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Service. [PL 1995, c. 560, Pt. I, §3 (NEW).]

10. Land use mediation. The land use mediation program is a program within the Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Service. A. The Director of the Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Service shall administer the land use mediation program established in Title 5, chapter 314, subchapter II . [PL 1997, c. 393, Pt. A, §5 (NEW).] B. A land use mediation fund is established as a nonlapsing, dedicated fund within the Administrative Office of the Courts. Fees collected for mediation services pursuant to Title 5, chapter 314, subchapter II must be deposited in the fund. The Administrative Office of the Courts shall use the resources in the fund to cover the costs of providing mediation services as required under Title 5, chapter 314, subchapter II . [PL 1997, c. 393, Pt. A, §5 (NEW).] [PL 2001, c. 184, §2 (AMD).]

11. Mediation of disputes involving natural gas pipelines. The natural gas pipeline dispute resolution program is a program within the Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Service. A. The Director of the Court Alternative Dispute Resolution Service shall administer the natural gas pipeline dispute resolution program established in Title 5, chapter 314, subchapter III . [PL 1999, c. 346, §1 (NEW).] B. A natural gas pipeline dispute resolution fund is established as a nonlapsing, dedicated fund within the Administrative Office of the Courts. Fees collected for mediation services pursuant to Title 5, chapter 314, subchapter III must be deposited in the fund. The Administrative Office of the Courts shall use the resources in the fund to cover the costs of providing mediation services as required under Title 5, chapter 314, subchapter III . [PL 1999, c. 346, §1 (NEW).] [PL 1999, c. 346, §1 (NEW).]

12. Mediation involving mortgage foreclosures on owner-occupied residential property. The foreclosure mediation program is a program within the Supreme Judicial Court to provide mediation in the courts throughout the State pursuant to Title 14, section 6321‑A . A. The Supreme Judicial Court, or a person or organization designated by the court, shall administer the foreclosure mediation program. [PL 2009, c. 402, §1 (NEW).] B. A foreclosure mediation program fund is established as a nonlapsing, dedicated fund within the Administrative Office of the Courts. Fees collected to support mediation services pursuant to Title 14, section 6321‑A, subsection 3 must be deposited in the fund. The Administrative Office of the Courts shall use the resources in the fund to cover the costs of providing mediation services as required under Title 14, section 6321‑A . [PL 2009, c. 402, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2009, c. 402, §1 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 1401 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 29 / Section 1401
4 §1401. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context indicates otherwise, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 1983, c. 853, Pt. C, §§ 15, 18 (NEW).]

1. Currently effective annual salary. "Currently effective annual salary" means the annual salary on June 30, 1984, of the position from which the judge retired, or if the judge died in office, the position that judge held at death, increased on July 1, 1984, and each succeeding July 1st, by 6% of the salary, as adjusted, on the immediately preceding June 30th. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §46 (COR).]

2. Judge. "Judge" means any Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court or the Superior Court and any Judge of the District Court who retired prior to December 1, 1984, and includes Active Retired Judges who retired prior to December 1, 1984. "Judge" also includes any Administrative Court Judge or any Associate Administrative Court Judge who retired prior to December 1, 1984. [PL 2001, c. 12, §2 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 1919 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 39 / Section 1919
4 §1919. Stamping device
Status: in_force

1. Notary public's responsibility. A notary public is responsible for the security of the notary public's stamping device and may not allow another individual to use the device to perform a notarial act. On resignation from, or the revocation or expiration of, the notary public's commission or on the expiration of the date set forth in the stamping device, if any, the notary public shall disable the stamping device by destroying, defacing, damaging, erasing or securing it against use in a manner that renders it unusable. On the death or adjudication of incompetency of a notary public, the notary public's personal representative or guardian or any other person knowingly in possession of the stamping device shall render it unusable by destroying, defacing, damaging, erasing or securing it against use in a manner that renders it unusable. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

2. Lost or stolen stamping device. If a notary public's stamping device is lost or stolen, the notary public or the notary public's personal representative or guardian shall promptly notify the Secretary of State on discovering that the device is lost or stolen. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]
4 M.R.S. § 808 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 17 / Section 808
4 §808. Action for injunction
Status: in_force

Upon the Attorney General's own information or upon complaint of any person, including any judge or any organized bar association in this State, the Attorney General may maintain an action for injunctive relief in the Superior Court against any person who renders, offers to render or professes to be rendering any service that constitutes the unauthorized practice of the law. Any organized bar association in this State may intervene in the action, at any stage of the proceeding, for good cause shown. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §25 (COR).]

The action may be maintained by any organized bar association in this State. [PL 1965, c. 92, §2 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 1603 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 33 / Section 1603
4 §1603. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context indicates otherwise, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 1987, c. 438, §1 (NEW).]

1. Act. "Act" means the Maine Governmental Facilities Authority Act. [PL 1997, c. 523, §3 (AMD).]

2. Authority. "Authority" means the Maine Governmental Facilities Authority as established by this Act. [PL 1997, c. 523, §3 (AMD).]

3. Bonds. "Bonds" means any bonds or securities of the Maine Governmental Facilities Authority issued pursuant to this Act. [PL 1997, c. 523, §3 (AMD).]

3-A. Career and technical education center. [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. X, §1 (RP).]

3-B. Career and technical education region. [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. X, §2 (RP).]

4. Cost. "Cost," as applied to a project, projects or part of any project, includes, but is not limited to: A. The purchase price or acquisition cost of any such project, projects or part of any project; [PL 1987, c. 438, §1 (NEW).] B. The cost of construction, building, alteration, enlargement, reconstruction, renovation, improvement and remodeling; [PL 1987, c. 438, §1 (NEW).] C. The cost of all labor, materials, machinery, furniture, fixtures and equipment; [PL 1997, c. 523, §4 (AMD).] D. The cost of all lands, structures, real or personal property, rights, easements, interests and franchises acquired; [PL 1987, c. 438, §1 (NEW).] E. The cost of all utility extensions, access roads, site development, financing charges, premiums for insurance, interest prior to and during construction and for 6 months after construction; [PL 1987, c. 438, §1 (NEW).] F. The cost of working capital related to the project, projects or part of any project; [PL 1987, c. 438, §1 (NEW).] G. The cost of plans and specifications, surveys and estimates of cost and of revenues; [PL 1987, c. 438, §1 (NEW).] H. The cost of engineering, feasibility, legal and other professional services; [PL 1987, c. 438, §1 (NEW).] I. The cost of reserves, insurance, letters of credit or other financial guarantees for payment of debt service on securities; [PL 1997, c. 523, §4 (AMD).] J. The cost of all other expenses necessary or incident to determining the feasibility or practicability of the project, projects or part of any project; [PL 1987, c. 438, §1 (NEW).] K. Administrative and operating expenses; and [PL 1987, c. 438, §1 (NEW).] L. Such other expenses as may be necessary or incident to the project, projects or part of any project and financing or refinancing authorized, including the refunding of any outstanding obligations, mortgages or advances issued, made or given by any person for any of the costs mentioned in this subsection. [PL 1987, c. 438, §1 (NEW).] [PL 1997, c. 523, §4 (AMD).]

4-A. Equipment purchases. [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. X, §3 (RP).]

5. Holder of securities or holder. "Holder of securities" or "holder" or any similar term, when used with reference to securities of the Maine Governmental Facilities Authority, means any person who is the bearer of any outstanding securities of the authority registered to bearer or not registered, or the registered owner of any outstanding securities of the authority that, at the time, are registered other than to bearer. [PL 1997, c. 523, §5 (AMD).]

6. Notes. "Notes" means any notes of the Maine Governmental Facilities Authority issued pursuant to this Act. [PL 1997, c. 523, §5 (AMD).]

7. Project, projects or part of any project. "Project, projects or part of any project" means the acquisition, construction, improvement, reconstruction or equipping of, or construction of an addition or additions to, any structure designed for use as a court facility, state office or state activity space and intended to be used primarily by the State, any agency, instrumentality or department of the State or by any branch of State Government. The structure may include facilities for the use of related agencies of state, county or local government. "Project, projects or part of any project" includes all real and personal property, lands, improvements, driveways, roads, approaches, pedestrian access roads, parking lots, parking facilities, rights-of-way, utilities, easements and other interests in land, machinery and equipment and all fixtures, appurtenances and facilities either on, above or under the ground that are used or usable in connection with the structure, and also includes landscaping, site preparation, furniture, machinery, equipment and other similar items necessary or convenient for the operation of a particular facility or structure in the manner for which its use is intended. "Project, projects or part of any project" also includes the acquisition, construction, improvement, reconstruction or repair of any equipment, device, technology, software or other personal property intended to be used primarily by the State, any agency, instrumentality or department of the State or by any branch of State Government or any related agency of state, county or local government. The exact scope of each project, projects or part of any project, other than those for the Judicial Branch and the Legislative Branch, must be set forth in a written designation by the Commissioner of Administrative and Financial Services to the authority, and the exact scope of each project, projects or part of any project for the Judicial Branch must be set forth in a written designation by the State Court Administrator to the authority. The scope of each project for the Legislative Branch must receive a majority vote of the Legislative Council and be set forth in a written designation by the Executive Director of the Legislative Council to the authority. "Project, projects or part of any project" does not include such items as fuel, supplies or other items that are customarily considered as a current operating charge. [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. X, §4 (AMD).]

8. Securities. "Securities" means any bonds, notes or other evidences of indebtedness authorized by this Act. [PL 1987, c. 438, §1 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 121 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 3 / Section 121
4 §121. Justice or Active Retired Justice of Superior Court assigned to sit in District Court
Status: in_force

A Justice or an Active Retired Justice of the Superior Court may be assigned by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court to sit in the District Court and when so directed the justice has authority and jurisdiction in the District Court as if the justice were a regular judge of that court; and whenever the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court so directs, the justice may hear all matters and issue all orders, notices, decrees and judgments that any Judge of the District Court is authorized to hear and issue. [PL 1999, c. 547, §4 (AMD); PL 1999, c. 547, §80 (AFF).]

The order of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court directing a Justice or an Active Retired Justice of the Superior Court to sit in the District Court must be filed with the Executive Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court, but need not be docketed or otherwise recorded in any case heard by that justice. [PL 1999, c. 547, §4 (AMD); PL 1999, c. 547, §80 (AFF).]
4 M.R.S. § 71 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 2 / Section 71
4 §71. Term start date for judicial officers
Status: in_force

The term of appointment of a judicial officer appointed pursuant to the Constitution of Maine, Article V, Part First, Section 8 begins on the date that the judicial officer is sworn into office. [PL 2025, c. 124, §1 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 1553 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 32 / Section 1553
4 §1553. Roster of guardians ad litem
Status: in_force

Rules adopted by the Supreme Judicial Court govern the establishment and maintenance of a roster of guardians ad litem. The rules must address: [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).]

1. Application process. The process for applying to be included on the roster, including application forms; [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).]

2. Criteria. Criteria for initial listing on the roster, including: A. Credentials, including professional licenses and minimum education requirements; [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).] B. Core training. Core training must include no less than 6 hours on domestic abuse and violence, developed and provided in collaboration with a statewide coalition of domestic violence resource centers, on the following topics: (1) The domestic abuse tactics affecting adult and child safety and security after separation; (2) The effects of domestic abuse and violence on children and conditions that support resilience; (3) Best practices for recognizing, asking about and assessing the effects of abuse on the parenting relationship; and (4) Methods for reducing post-separation abuse of the nonabusive parent and promoting child safety and security; and [PL 2021, c. 351, §1 (AMD); PL 2021, c. 351, §3 (AFF).] C. Good character; [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 351, §1 (AMD); PL 2021, c. 351, §3 (AFF).]

3. Continuing education. Continuing education requirements, including no less than 2 hours of training annually on the impact of domestic abuse and violence on children, the services available in the State for victims of domestic abuse and violence and their children and interventions for those who commit domestic abuse and violence; [PL 2021, c. 351, §2 (AMD); PL 2021, c. 351, §3 (AFF).]

4. Criminal background check. Obtaining criminal history record information on an individual, including, at a minimum, criminal history record information from the Department of Public Safety, State Bureau of Identification; [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).]

5. Other requirements. Any other requirements necessary to remain in good standing and included on the roster; and [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).]

6. Removal. The process for removing a guardian ad litem from the roster. [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 1915 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 39 / Section 1915
4 §1915. Notarial act performed for remotely located individual
Status: in_force

1. Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms have the following meanings. A. "Communication technology" means an electronic device or process that allows a notarial officer and a remotely located individual to communicate with each other simultaneously by sight and sound. When necessary and consistent with other applicable laws, "communication technology" includes an electronic device or process that facilitates communication with a remotely located individual who has a vision, hearing or speech impairment. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] B. "Foreign state" means a jurisdiction other than the United States, a state or a federally recognized Indian tribe. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] C. "Identity proofing" means a process or service by which a 3rd person provides a notarial officer with a means to verify the identity of a remotely located individual by a review of personal information from public or private data sources. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] D. "Outside the United States" means a location outside the geographic boundaries of the United States, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands and any territory, insular possession or other location subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] E. "Remotely located individual" means an individual who is not in the physical presence of the notarial officer who performs a notarial act under subsection 3 . [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

2. Personal appearance by communication technology authorized. Except as provided in subsection 16 , a remotely located individual may comply with section 1906 by using communication technology to appear before a notarial officer. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

3. Remote notarization authorized. Except as provided in subsection 16 , a notarial officer located in this State may use communication technology to perform a notarial act for a remotely located individual if: A. The notarial officer: (1) Has personal knowledge under section 1907, subsection 1 of the identity of the remotely located individual; (2) Has satisfactory evidence of the identity of the remotely located individual by oath or affirmation from a credible witness appearing before the notarial officer under section 1907, subsection 2 or this section; or (3) Has obtained satisfactory evidence of the identity of the remotely located individual by using at least 2 different types of identity proofing; [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] B. The notarial officer is able reasonably to confirm that a record before the notarial officer is the same record in which the remotely located individual made a statement or on which the individual executed a signature; [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] C. The notarial officer, or a person acting on behalf of the notarial officer, creates an audiovisual recording of the performance of the notarial act; and [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] D. For a remotely located individual located outside the United States: (1) The record: (a) Is to be filed with or relates to a matter before a public official or court, governmental entity or other entity subject to the jurisdiction of the United States; or (b) Involves property located in the territorial jurisdiction of the United States or involves a transaction substantially connected with the United States; and (2) The act of making the statement or signing the record is not prohibited by the foreign state in which the remotely located individual is located. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

4. Remote acknowledgment of tangible record. A notarial officer located in this State may use communication technology under subsection 3 to take an acknowledgment of a signature on a tangible record physically present before the notarial officer if the record is displayed to and identified by the remotely located individual during the audiovisual recording under subsection 3, paragraph C. [RR 2023, c. 2, Pt. A, §7 (COR).]

5. Declaration required. The requirement under subsection 3, paragraph B for the performance of a notarial act with respect to a tangible record not physically present before the notarial officer is satisfied if: A. The remotely located individual: (1) During the audiovisual recording under subsection 3, paragraph C , signs: (a) The record; and (b) A declaration, in substantially the following form, that is part of or securely attached to the record: I declare under penalty of perjury that the record of which this declaration is a part or to which it is attached is the same record on which (name of notarial officer), a notarial officer, performed a notarial act and before whom I appeared by means of communication technology on (date). …………………………………………….. (Signature of remotely located individual) …………………………………………….. (Printed name of remotely located individual); and (2) Sends the record and declaration to the notarial officer not later than 4 days after the notarial act was performed; and [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] B. The notarial officer: (1) In the audiovisual recording under subsection 3, paragraph C , records the individual signing the record and declaration; and (2) After receipt of the record and declaration from the individual, executes a certificate of notarial act under section 1916 , which must include a statement in substantially the following form: I (name of notarial officer) witnessed, by means of communication technology, (name of remotely located individual) sign the attached record and declaration on (date). [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

6. Notarial act deemed contemporaneous. A notarial act performed in compliance with subsection 5 complies with section 1916, subsection 1, paragraph A and is effective on the date the remotely located individual signed the declaration under subsection 5, paragraph A, subparagraph (1), division (b) . [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

7. Other procedures not precluded. Subsection 5 does not preclude use of another procedure to satisfy subsection 3, paragraph B for a notarial act performed with respect to a tangible record. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

8. Remote oaths authorized. A notarial officer located in this State may use communication technology under subsection 3 to administer an oath or affirmation to a remotely located individual if, except as otherwise provided by other laws of this State, the notarial officer: A. Identifies the individual under subsection 3, paragraph A ; [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] B. Creates or causes the creation under subsection 3, paragraph C of an audiovisual recording of the individual taking the oath or affirmation; and [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] C. Retains or causes the retention under subsection 11 of the recording. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

9. Certificate must indicate use of communication technology. If a notarial act is performed under this section, the certificate of notarial act under section 1916 and the short form certificate under section 1917 must indicate that the notarial act was performed using communication technology. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

10. Form of short form certificate. A short form certificate under section 1917 for a notarial act subject to this section is sufficient if it: A. Complies with rules adopted under subsection 13, paragraph A ; or [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] B. Complies with section 1917 and contains a statement in substantially the following form: This notarial act involved the use of communication technology. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

11. Retention of recording. A notarial officer, a guardian, conservator or agent of a notarial officer or a personal representative of a deceased notarial officer shall retain the audiovisual recording created under subsection 3, paragraph C or cause the recording to be retained by a repository designated by or on behalf of the person required to retain the recording. Unless a different period is required by rule adopted under subsection 13, paragraph D , the recording must be retained for at least 10 years. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

12. Notice to Secretary of State. Before a notarial officer performs the notarial officer's initial notarial act under this section, the notarial officer shall notify the Secretary of State that the notarial officer will be performing notarial acts with respect to remotely located individuals and identify the technologies the notarial officer intends to use. If the Secretary of State has established by rule standards under subsection 13 and section 1928 for approval of communication technology or identity proofing, the communication technology and identity proofing must conform to the standards. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

13. Rules. In addition to adopting rules under section 1928 , the Secretary of State may adopt rules regarding performance of a notarial act under this section. The rules may: A. Prescribe the means of performing a notarial act involving a remotely located individual using communication technology; [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] B. Establish standards for communication technology and identity proofing; [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] C. Establish requirements or procedures to approve providers of communication technology and the process of identity proofing; [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] D. Establish standards and a period for the retention of an audiovisual recording under subsection 3, paragraph C ; and [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] E. Prescribe methods for a notarial officer to confirm under subsections 4 and 5 the identity of a tangible record. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

14. Rulemaking considerations. Before adopting, amending or repealing a rule governing performance of a notarial act with respect to a remotely located individual, the Secretary of State shall consider: A. The most recent standards regarding the performance of a notarial act with respect to a remotely located individual promulgated by national standard-setting organizations and the recommendations of a national association of secretaries of state; [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] B. Standards, practices and customs of other jurisdictions that have laws substantially similar to this section; and [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] C. The views of governmental officials and entities and other interested persons. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

15. Service of process. By allowing its communication technology or identity proofing to facilitate a notarial act for a remotely located individual or by providing storage of the audiovisual recording under subsection 3, paragraph C , the provider of the communication technology, identity proofing or storage appoints the Secretary of State as the provider's agent for service of process in any civil action in this State related to the notarial act. The Secretary of State may specify by rule a reasonable fee for accepting service of process under this subsection. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

16. Certain remote notarial acts prohibited. Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, a notarial officer may not perform the following notarial acts for a remotely located individual: A. Witnessing the marking and sealing of an absentee ballot pursuant to Title 21‑A, section 754‑A ; [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. A, §3 (COR).] B. Administering an oath or affirmation to a candidate for office under Title 21‑A, section 336 or 355 ; [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] C. Administering an oath or affirmation to the circulator of a candidate petition under Title 21‑A, section 335 or 354 ; [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] D. Witnessing the signing of an application for a people's veto referendum or the direct initiative of legislation under Title 21‑A, section 901 ; or [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] E. Administering an oath or affirmation to the circulator of a people's veto referendum or the direct initiative of legislation under Title 21‑A, section 902 . [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] [RR 2021, c. 2, Pt. A, §3 (COR).]

17. Solemnization of marriage remotely prohibited. A notarial officer may not solemnize a marriage pursuant to Title 19‑A, section 655 for a remotely located individual. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]
4 M.R.S. § 20 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 1 / Section 20
4 §20. Provide for collection of fines and fees from money collected
Status: in_force

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court shall plan and implement arrangements for the collection of overdue fines and fees due the state courts, the costs of which may be paid from money collected. These arrangements may include but are not limited to: Employing special project clerks, assistants and other staff; contracting with state agencies; contracting for special or private debt collection services; purchasing necessary equipment; and compensating state, county and municipal law enforcement agencies for services provided. [PL 2011, c. 131, §1 (AMD).]

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court may implement arrangements for the use of fines and fees collected under Title 29‑A, section 2121 to pay the costs of processing traffic violations under that section and handling the fines or fees. These arrangements may include employing an assistant clerk. [PL 2019, c. 486, §1 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 1610-I — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 33 / Section 1610-I
4 §1610-I. Additional securities; judicial branch
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any limitation on the amount of securities that may be issued pursuant to section 1606, subsection 2 , the authority may issue additional securities from time to time in an aggregate amount not to exceed $95,600,000 outstanding at any one time for the purposes of paying the costs associated with the planning, purchasing, financing, acquiring, constructing, renovating, furnishing, equipping, improving, extending, enlarging and consolidating new and existing facilities and projects relating to the judicial branch in the counties of Oxford, Waldo, Penobscot and York, acquiring and improving property relating to the judicial branch in Hancock County and 55 Lisbon Street in Lewiston, replacing and upgrading ventilation systems in facilities relating to the judicial branch in Presque Isle, Lewiston, Rockland, Skowhegan and West Bath, acquiring and improving property adjacent to the Capital Judicial Center in Augusta for parking and acquiring and improving property in Skowhegan for future expansion and planning for other court facilities. [PL 2025, c. 462, §1 (AMD).] Revisor's Note: §1610-I. Additional securities for capital construction, repairs and improvements (As enacted by PL 2015, c. 472, §1 is REALLOCATED TO TITLE 4, SECTION 1610-J)
4 M.R.S. § 153 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 5 / Section 153
4 §153. Judicial divisions
Status: in_force

The State is divided into judicial divisions, named and defined as follows, and with places for holding court in those divisions as follows: [PL 2013, c. 159, §2 (AMD).]

1. Northern Androscoggin. [PL 2003, c. 673, Pt. JJJ, §2 (RP).]

2. Androscoggin. Androscoggin consists of all municipalities in Androscoggin County. The District Court for Androscoggin must be held at Lewiston. [PL 2025, c. 436, §1 (AMD).]

3. Western Aroostook. Western Aroostook consists of the municipalities and unorganized territory known as Hamlin Plantation, Cyr Plantation, T17 R3, T17 R4, T16 R5, T15 R6, Winterville Plantation, T15 R8, T15 R9, T14 R10, T14 R11, T14 R12, T14 R13, T14 R14, T14 R15, T14 R16 and all municipalities and unorganized territory in Aroostook County lying to the west and north of these. The District Court for Western Aroostook must be held at Fort Kent. [PL 2025, c. 436, §2 (AMD).]

4. Eastern Aroostook. Eastern Aroostook includes the municipalities and unorganized territory known as Limestone, Caribou, Washburn, Wade, T13 R5, and all municipalities and unorganized territory in Aroostook County lying to the north of these up to the boundary of the division of Western Aroostook. The District Court for Eastern Aroostook shall be held at Caribou.

5. Central Aroostook. Central Aroostook includes the municipalities and unorganized territory known as Blaine, TD R2, T9 R3, T9 R4, T9 R5, Oxbow, T9 R7, T9 R8, T10 R8, T11 R9, T11 R10, T11 R11, T11 R12, T11 R13, T11 R14, T11 R15, T11 R16, T11 R17, and all municipalities and unorganized territory, including the City of Presque Isle in Aroostook County lying to the north of these up to the boundary of the division of Western Aroostook and the boundary of the division of Eastern Aroostook. The District Court for Central Aroostook shall be held at Presque Isle.

6. Southern Aroostook. Southern Aroostook consists of all municipalities and unorganized territory in Aroostook County not included within the divisions of Western Aroostook, Eastern Aroostook and Central Aroostook. The District Court for Southern Aroostook shall be held at Houlton.

7. Eastern Cumberland. [PL 1989, c. 891, Pt. A, §3 (RP).]

8. Southern Cumberland. Southern Cumberland consists of the municipalities of Pownal, North Yarmouth, Yarmouth, Cumberland, Falmouth, Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough, Portland, South Portland, Westbrook, Gorham, Gray, New Gloucester and Windham. The District Court for Southern Cumberland shall be held at Portland. [PL 1989, c. 184 (RPR).]

9. Northern Cumberland. Northern Cumberland consists of all municipalities in the County of Cumberland not included within the divisions of Southern Cumberland and Bath-Brunswick, and consists of the municipalities of Brownfield, Denmark, Hiram, Fryeburg, Lovell, Sweden, Stow and Porter in the County of Oxford. The District Court for Northern Cumberland must be held at Bridgton. [PL 2003, c. 510, Pt. B, §1 (AMD).]

10. Franklin. Franklin consists of the entire County of Franklin. The District Court of Franklin shall be held at Farmington. [PL 1973, c. 35 (AMD).]

11. Hancock. Hancock consists of the entire County of Hancock. The District Court for Hancock must be held at Ellsworth. [PL 2005, c. 397, Pt. C, §5 (AMD); PL 2005, c. 397, Pt. C, §8 (AFF).]

12. Southern Hancock. [PL 2005, c. 397, Pt. C, §6 (RP); PL 2005, c. 397, Pt. C, §8 (AFF).]

13. Northern Kennebec. Northern Kennebec consists of the municipalities of Albion, Belgrade, Mount Vernon, Sidney, Vassalboro, Winslow and all municipalities in Kennebec County lying to the north of these. The District Court for Northern Kennebec shall be held at Waterville. [PL 1987, c. 21 (AMD).]

14. Southern Kennebec. Southern Kennebec consists of all municipalities in Kennebec County not included within the division of Northern Kennebec. The District Court for Southern Kennebec shall be held at Augusta.

15. Knox. Knox consists of the entire County of Knox. The District Court for Knox shall be held at Rockland.

16. Lincoln. Lincoln consists of the entire County of Lincoln. The District Court for Lincoln shall be held at Wiscasset.

17. Northern Oxford. Northern Oxford consists of Gilead, Bethel, Milton Plt., Peru, Canton and all municipalities and unorganized territory in Oxford County lying to the north of these. The District Court for Northern Oxford shall be held at Rumford.

18. Southern Oxford. Southern Oxford consists of all municipalities and unorganized territory in Oxford County not included in the division of Northern Oxford, except the municipalities of Brownfield, Denmark, Hiram, Fryeburg, Lovell, Sweden, Stow and Porter. The District Court for Southern Oxford shall be held at Paris. [PL 1969, c. 590, §3 (AMD).]

19. Northern Penobscot. [PL 2013, c. 159, §3 (RP).]

19-A. Northern and Central Penobscot. Northern and Central Penobscot consists of the municipalities and unorganized territory of Hopkins Academy Grant Township, Long A Township, Medway, TA R7 WELS, Burlington, Edinburg, Lakeville, Lagrange, Lowell, Passadumkeag, Twombley, Pukakon Township and all municipalities and unorganized territory in Penobscot County lying to the north of these. The District Court for Northern and Central Penobscot must be held at Millinocket and Lincoln. The Chief Judge shall determine the level of service at each location. [PL 2013, c. 159, §4 (NEW).]

20. Central Penobscot. [PL 2013, c. 159, §5 (RP).]

21. Southern Penobscot. Southern Penobscot consists of the municipalities of Alton, Glenburn, Hampden, Hermon, Old Town and all municipalities and unorganized territory lying east of these and south of the division of Central Penobscot. The District Court for Southern Penobscot shall be held at Bangor.

22. Western Penobscot. Western Penobscot consists of all municipalities in Penobscot County not included within the divisions of Northern, Central or Southern Penobscot. The District Court for Western Penobscot shall be held at Newport.

23. Piscataquis. Piscataquis consists of the entire County of Piscataquis. The District Court for Piscataquis shall be held at Dover-Foxcroft.

24. Bath-Brunswick. Bath-Brunswick consists of the entire County of Sagadahoc and the municipalities of Brunswick, Freeport and Harpswell in Cumberland County. The District Court for Bath-Brunswick shall be held at Bath, West Bath or Brunswick, the exact site to be determined by the Chief Judge. [PL 1989, c. 891, Pt. A, §4 (AMD).]

25. Somerset. Somerset consists of the entire County of Somerset. The District Court for Somerset shall be held at Skowhegan.

26. Waldo. Waldo consists of the entire County of Waldo. The District Court for Waldo shall be held at Belfast.

27. Northern Washington. Northern Washington consists of the municipalities and unorganized territory known as Charlotte, Cooper, Crawford, Pembroke, Perry, Eastport, T26 E.D., T36 M.D., T37 M.D. and all municipalities and unorganized territory in Washington County lying to the north of these. The District Court for Northern Washington shall be held at Calais.

28. Southern Washington. Southern Washington consists of all municipalities and unorganized territory in the County of Washington not included within the division of Northern Washington. The District Court for Southern Washington shall be held at Machias.

29. York. York consists of the entire County of York. The District Court for York must be held at Biddeford or in any other court facility in the division. [PL 2021, c. 633, §1 (RPR); PL 2021, c. 633, §5 (AFF).]

30. Southern York. [PL 2021, c. 633, §2 (RP); PL 2021, c. 633, §5 (AFF).]

31. Western York. [PL 2021, c. 633, §3 (RP); PL 2021, c. 633, §5 (AFF).]
4 M.R.S. § 1909 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 39 / Section 1909
4 §1909. Signature if individual unable to sign
Status: in_force

If an individual is physically unable to sign a record due to a disability, the individual may direct an individual other than the notarial officer to sign the individual's name on the record. The notarial officer shall insert "Signature affixed by (name of other individual) at the direction of (name of individual)" or words of similar import. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]
4 M.R.S. § 3 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 1 / Section 3
4 §3. When vacancies shall not be filled
Status: in_force

No vacancy in the Supreme Judicial or Superior Court caused by the death or expiration of the term of said incapacitated justice shall be filled, if thereby the number of justices qualified and capable of acting would be in excess of that otherwise provided by law as constituting said court.
4 M.R.S. § 305 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 7 / Section 305
4 §305. Term of Fort Kent and Caribou probate court
Status: in_force

The judge of probate in and for the County of Aroostook shall hold a court of probate at least twice in each year at Fort Kent and at least 4 times each year at Caribou in the county. The time for holding the court shall be appointed by the judge and made known by public notification as provided in section 303 . [PL 1979, c. 41 (RPR).]
4 M.R.S. § 858 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 17 / Section 858
4 §858. Resignation and reinstatement of attorneys
Status: in_force

Any member of the bar of this State may resign from the office of attorney and counselor at law by submitting that member's resignation to any Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, who may or may not, in that justice's discretion, in the name of the State of Maine accept such resignation and order that such attorney's name be stricken from the roll of attorneys of the State. A person whose resignation from the office of attorney and counselor at law has been accepted by a Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court may not be readmitted to the practice of law in any of the courts of the State or entitled to practice law within this State unless and until that person has been reinstated as an attorney and counselor at law by a Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court. The procedure for such reinstatement must be the same as in the case of attorneys who have been disbarred. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §30 (COR).]
4 M.R.S. § 1059 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 23 / Section 1059
4 §1059. Fines; tribal law enforcement activities
Status: in_force

1. Civil and criminal fines. Except as provided in subsection 2 , a fine for a civil violation, traffic infraction or Class D or Class E crime imposed for a violation of any tribal or state law must be remitted to the Passamaquoddy Tribe or the Penobscot Nation, as appropriate, when a tribal law enforcement agency issued the ticket, complaint, summons or warrant or made the arrest related to the violation. [PL 2009, c. 417, §1 (NEW).]

2. Exception; environmental violations. A fine imposed by a state court for a violation of Title 38 within the Indian territory of the Passamaquoddy Tribe or the Penobscot Nation may not be remitted to the Passamaquoddy Tribe or the Penobscot Nation. In addition to those costs awarded to the State pursuant to Title 14, section 1522, subsection 1 , the court may award to the Passamaquoddy Tribe or the Penobscot Nation costs associated with investigating and otherwise contributing to any enforcement action for a violation of Title 38 . [PL 2009, c. 417, §1 (NEW).]

3. Repeal. [PL 2011, c. 426, §1 (RP).]
4 M.R.S. § 115 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 3 / Section 115
4 §115. Place for holding court; suitable quarters
Status: in_force

In each county, the place for holding court is located in a building designated by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court or the Chief Justice's designee, who, with the advice and approval of the Bureau of General Services, is empowered to negotiate, on behalf of the State, the leases, contracts and other arrangements the Chief Justice considers necessary, within the limits of appropriations and other funds available to the Supreme Judicial, Superior and District Courts, to provide suitable quarters, adequately furnished and equipped, for the Supreme Judicial, Superior or District Court in each county. The county commissioners in each county shall continue to provide for the use of the Supreme Judicial, Superior and District Courts such quarters, facilities, furnishings and equipment in existing county buildings as were in use by the Supreme Judicial and Superior Courts on January 1, 1976, without charge. The county commissioners are not required to provide without charge those quarters, facilities, furnishings and equipment in existing county buildings that were in use by the District Courts and were subject to a charge prior to January 1, 1976. [RR 2009, c. 1, §4 (COR).]

The facilities of the courts in each county, when court is not in session, must be available for other purposes. Arrangements for such use must be made by the Chief Justice or the Chief Justice's designee. [PL 2009, c. 1, Pt. J, §1 (AMD).]

If the Chief Justice or the Chief Justice's designee is unable to negotiate the leases, contracts and other arrangements as provided in this section, the Chief Justice may, with the advice and approval of the Bureau of General Services, negotiate on behalf of the State the leases, contracts and other arrangements the Chief Justice considers necessary, within the limits of the budget and funds available to such court, to provide suitable quarters, adequately furnished and equipped for the Supreme Judicial, Superior or District Court in privately owned buildings. [PL 2009, c. 1, Pt. J, §1 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 859 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 17 / Section 859
4 §859. False advertising or representation to be an attorney
Status: in_force

If a person who has not been admitted to practice law in this State or whose name has been struck from the roll of attorneys advertises as or represents that person to be an attorney or counselor at law, that person is guilty of a Class E crime. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §31 (COR).]
4 M.R.S. § 1930 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 39 / Section 1930
4 §1930. Savings clause
Status: in_force

This chapter does not affect the validity or effect of a notarial act performed before July 1, 2023. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]
4 M.R.S. § 9-C — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 1 / Section 9-C
4 §9-C. Court records accessible by the public only at the courthouse
Status: in_force

For civil cases brought pursuant to Title 14, section 6001 or 7481, the following court records are accessible by the public only at a courthouse: [PL 2021, c. 644, §1 (NEW).]

1. Resolution by agreement of the parties. Court records that are part of a court case in which the parties agree that the records should be accessible by the public only at the courthouse; [PL 2021, c. 644, §1 (NEW).]

2. Dismissed or resolved in favor of the defendant. Court records that are part of a court case that is dismissed or resolved in favor of a defendant; and [PL 2021, c. 644, §1 (NEW).]

3. Older than 3 years. Court records that are part of a court case more than 3 years after a judgment has been entered. [PL 2021, c. 644, §1 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 1604 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 33 / Section 1604
4 §1604. Powers
Status: in_force

In order to carry out the purposes of this Act, the Maine Governmental Facilities Authority has the following powers with respect to project, projects or part of any project together with all powers incidental to those powers or necessary for the performance of the following: [PL 1997, c. 523, §7 (AMD).]

1. Perpetual succession. To have perpetual succession as a body politic and corporate and an instrumentality of the State; [PL 1997, c. 523, §8 (AMD).]

2. Power to sue and be sued. To sue or initiate or appear in any proceeding and the authority may be sued on its written contracts or in accordance with Title 1, section 409 , Title 5, chapter 375 or Title 14, chapter 741 ; [PL 1997, c. 523, §8 (AMD).]

3. Official seal. To adopt and have an official seal and alter the seal at pleasure; [PL 1987, c. 438, §1 (NEW).]

4. Bylaws; rules. To adopt bylaws and, pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375 , adopt any rule necessary or useful for carrying out any of its powers or duties pursuant to this Act. Rules adopted by the authority are routine technical rules pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter II‑A ; [PL 1997, c. 523, §8 (AMD).]

5. Acquire real or personal property. To acquire real or personal property, or any interest in real or personal property, including rights or easements, on either a temporary or long-term basis by gift, purchase, transfer, foreclosure, lease or otherwise, to improve, hold, sell with or without public bidding, assign, lease, rent, encumber, mortgage or otherwise dispose of any real or personal property, or any interest in real or personal property, or mortgage interests owned or in its control, custody or possession and release or relinquish any right, title claim, lien, interest, easement or demand, however acquired, including threat of foreclosure; [PL 1987, c. 438, §1 (NEW).]

6. Prepare and plan projects and facilities. To prepare or cause to be prepared plans, specifications, designs and estimates of costs for the construction and equipment for the project, projects or part of any project and attendant facilities and from time to time to modify, or cause to be modified, those plans, specifications, designs or estimates; [PL 1997, c. 523, §8 (AMD).]

7. Improve, furnish and equip project, projects or part of any project and attendant facilities. By contract or contracts to construct, acquire, alter, repair, reconstruct, rehabilitate and improve, and furnish and equip, the project, projects or part of any project and necessary and usual attendant facilities; [PL 1987, c. 438, §1 (NEW).]

8. Maintain, reconstruct and operate. To maintain, reconstruct and operate, or cause to be maintained, reconstructed and operated, the project, projects or part of any project until the cost of the project, projects or part of any project whether or not the outstanding securities issued with respect to the project, projects or any part of the project are no longer considered outstanding; [PL 1997, c. 523, §8 (AMD).]

9. Fix and collect fees. To fix and collect fees, rentals and other charges for the use of the project, projects or part of any project; to contract with holders of its securities for the fixing and collection of those fees, rentals and other charges; to provide for the promulgation of such reasonable and proper rules as may be necessary to assure the maximum use of the facilities of any project, projects or part of any project at all times; [PL 1987, c. 438, §1 (NEW).]

10. Provide for financing or refinancing. To provide financing for any project, projects or part of any project or to provide for refinancing of existing indebtedness, and, for the financing of the project, projects or part of any project and of other necessary and usual attendant facilities, to borrow money and to issue negotiable securities and to provide for the rights of the holders of those securities; [PL 1987, c. 438, §1 (NEW).]

11. Make and execute contracts and other financial documents. To make and execute contracts and all other instruments, including trust agreements and other financial documents, and enter into such transactions as is necessary or convenient for the exercise of its powers and functions under this Act; [PL 1987, c. 438, §1 (NEW).]

12. Agreements; acceptions; contributions; aid; grants. To enter into agreements with and accept loans, aid, contributions, grants and the cooperation or assistance of the United States, or any agency of the United States, or of the State or any agency or governmental subdivision in furtherance of the purposes of this Act, including, but not limited to, the development, maintenance, operation and financing of any project, projects or part of any project and to do any and all things necessary in order to avail itself of those loans, aid, contributions, grants and cooperation; [PL 1987, c. 438, §1 (NEW).]

13. Agreements or other transactions. To enter into agreements or other transactions with any person, the purpose of which is to effectuate the purposes of this Act, including construction agreements, purchase or acquisition agreements and loan or lease agreements, with leasing corporations or other financial intermediaries; [PL 1987, c. 438, §1 (NEW).]

14. Accept aid or contributions. To receive and accept aid or contributions, from any source, of money, property, labor or other things of value, to be held, used and applied to carry out the purposes of this Act, subject to the conditions upon which those grants and contributions may be made, including, but not limited to, gifts or grants from any department or agency of the United States or the State for any purpose consistent with this Act; [PL 1987, c. 438, §1 (NEW).]

15. Insurance. To procure insurance against any loss in connection with its securities and its property and other assets in such amounts and from such insurers as it considers desirable; [PL 1987, c. 438, §1 (NEW).]

16. Modification of contract, lease, indenture or agreement. To the extent permitted under its contract with the holders of securities, to consent to any modification of any contract, lease, indenture or agreement of any kind to which the authority is a party; [PL 1987, c. 438, §1 (NEW).]

17. Manage or operate real and personal property. To manage or operate, or cause to be managed or operated, real and personal property, take assignments of leases and rentals or take any other action necessary or incidental to the performance of its duties under this Act; [PL 1997, c. 523, §9 (AMD).]

18. Lease or rent any land, buildings, structures, facilities or equipment. To lease or rent any land, buildings, structures, facilities or equipment comprising all or a portion of a project, projects or part of any project for such amounts as the authority determines to the State or any agency, instrumentality or department of the State or by any branch of State Government or any related agency of state, county or local government, to further the purposes of the Act, except that the obligation of the State or of any such agency, instrumentality, department or branch to make any rental or other payments is considered executory only to the extent of money made available by the Legislature and except that no liability on account of the state agency, instrumentality, department or branch may be incurred by the State or any such agency, instrumentality, department or branch beyond the money available for that purpose; [PL 2021, c. 635, Pt. X, §5 (AMD).]

19. Secured or unsecured loans. To make secured or unsecured loans for the purpose of providing temporary or permanent financing or refinancing of all or part of the cost of any project, projects or part of any project, including the refunding of any outstanding obligations, mortgages or advances issued, made or given by any person or other entity for the cost of a project, projects or part of any projects; [PL 1987, c. 438, §1 (NEW).]

20. Investments. Except as otherwise provided in this Act, to invest any funds not needed for immediate use, including any funds held in reserve, in property or securities in which fiduciaries in the State may legally invest funds; [PL 1987, c. 438, §1 (NEW).]

21. Appearances. To appear in its own behalf before boards, commissions, departments or agencies of municipal, State Government or Federal Government; [PL 1987, c. 438, §1 (NEW).]

22. Executive director; other employees. To employ an executive director, consulting engineers, architects, attorneys, accountants, construction and financial experts and such other employees and agents as may be necessary in its judgment; [PL 1989, c. 221, §1 (AMD).]

23. All acts granted or implied. To do any act necessary or convenient to exercise the powers granted in this Act or reasonably implied from this Act; [PL 1989, c. 221, §1 (AMD).]

24. Contract with Maine Municipal Bond Bank. In carrying out its powers under this section, the authority shall, whenever possible, contract with the Maine Municipal Bond Bank for necessary clerical and administrative services, including use of the Executive Director of the Maine Municipal Bond Bank as the executive director, secretary and treasurer of the authority; [PL 1997, c. 523, §10 (AMD).]

25. Accept federal funds; gifts and contributions. To accept federal funds, gifts and contributions, which include, but are not limited to, money; annuities and investments; furnishings, including paintings, artifacts and similar items; or anything of value for the purposes set forth in section 1619 ; and [PL 1997, c. 523, §11 (AMD).]

26. Delegation to Bureau of General Services. To delegate those powers that the authority may specifically exercise, or cause to be exercised, pursuant to subsection 5 , 6 , 8 , 9 , 17 or 18 to the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Bureau of General Services. The authority may revoke such a delegation upon the failure of the Bureau of General Services to discharge the delegated powers. The Bureau of General Services may provide to the authority an indemnity and hold-harmless agreement with respect to a delegation. [PL 1997, c. 523, §12 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 753 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 15 / Section 753
4 §753. Copies of transcript as evidence
Status: in_force

Whenever it becomes necessary in any court in the State to prove the testimony or examination taken as provided in sections 751 and 752 , the certified copy of the transcript of such testimony or examination taken by such stenographer is evidence to prove the same.
4 M.R.S. § 1403 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 29 / Section 1403
4 §1403. Funding
Status: in_force

1. No contributions. Benefits provided by this chapter are funded solely by the State. No contribution may be required of any judge. [PL 2005, c. 386, Pt. R, §1 (NEW).]

2. Appropriations. The Board of Trustees of the Maine Public Employees Retirement System shall forward to the Executive Department for inclusion in its budget request an estimate of the amount needed to be appropriated to the pre-1984 judicial retirement fund that will be sufficient, when combined with the amount in the fund, to provide the benefits payable out of the fund during the ensuing biennium. [PL 2005, c. 386, Pt. R, §1 (NEW); PL 2007, c. 58, §3 (REV).]
4 M.R.S. § 1360 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 27 / Section 1360
4 §1360. Remarriage after retirement
Status: in_force

If a retiree who is the recipient of a reduced regular retirement allowance under section 1357, subsection 2, paragraph B , C , D or E remarries after the retiree's spouse dies, the following provisions apply. [PL 1999, c. 744, §3 (AMD); PL 1999, c. 744, §17 (AFF).]

1. Election of benefit for new spouse. The retiree may elect to have the reduced retirement benefit paid under the same option to the new spouse after the retiree's death instead of continuing the original reduced retirement allowance to the retiree during the retiree's lifetime, under the following conditions: A. The original spouse must have been the sole beneficiary of the reduced retirement allowance under section 1357, subsection 2, paragraph B , C , D or E ; and [PL 1999, c. 744, §4 (AMD); PL 1999, c. 744, §17 (AFF).] B. The retiree must have been married to the new spouse for at least 6 months. [PL 1989, c. 133, §35 (NEW).] [PL 1999, c. 744, §4 (AMD); PL 1999, c. 744, §17 (AFF).]

2. Time and manner of election. The retiree may make the election at any time after the death of the original spouse and remarriage to the new spouse by: A. Sending a written request to the executive director; and [PL 1989, c. 133, §35 (NEW).] B. Submitting evidence of the death of the former spouse and date of marriage to the new spouse. [PL 1989, c. 133, §35 (NEW).] [PL 1989, c. 133, §35 (NEW).]

3. Amount of benefit. The amount of the benefit payable under the option elected shall be the actuarial equivalent, at the date of the beginning of payment of benefits under this section, of the amount of reduced retirement allowance the retiree has been receiving. [PL 1989, c. 133, §35 (NEW).]

4. Effective date of coverage of new spouse. The effective date of the designation of the new spouse as the retiree's new beneficiary shall be the date the request is received or 6 months after the date of remarriage, whichever comes later. The retiree's retirement allowance shall be adjusted on the first day of the month following the effective date of the new designation of beneficiary. [PL 1989, c. 133, §35 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 1610-E — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 33 / Section 1610-E
4 §1610-E. Additional securities; compliance with federal law
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any limitation on the amount of securities that may be issued pursuant to section 1606, subsection 2 , the authority may issue additional securities in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000 outstanding at any one time to make court facilities comply with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. [PL 2005, c. 463, §1 (NEW); PL 2005, c. 463, §4 (AFF).]
4 M.R.S. § 183 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 5 / Section 183
4 §183. Family Division of District Court
Status: in_force

There is established within the District Court a Family Division that has jurisdiction over family matters filed in District Court. The Family Division shall provide a system of justice that is responsive to the needs of families and the support of their children. The Supreme Judicial Court may adopt administrative orders and court rules governing the practice, procedure and administration of the Family Division. These practices and procedures must include, but are not limited to, education for the parties, case management and referral services to mediation and other alternate dispute resolution techniques. [PL 1997, c. 269, §1 (NEW); PL 1997, c. 269, §2 (AFF).]

1. Family law magistrates. The Chief Judge of the District Court, with the approval of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, shall employ family law magistrates. In selecting family law magistrates, the Chief Judge shall give proper consideration to achieving statewide geographical representation in the Family Division. A. Family law magistrates must be members of the Bar of this State and must have experience in the area of family law. Other qualifications may include interest, training or experience in mediation and other alternate dispute resolution techniques, domestic violence, child development, family dynamics and case management. [PL 2005, c. 384, §1 (AMD).] B. Family law magistrates shall devote themselves solely to the official duties of the position. Family law magistrates may not engage in the private practice of law or in any employment, occupation or business interfering with or inconsistent with the discharge of their duties. The Chief Judge of the District Court shall determine the salaries of the family law magistrates. [PL 2005, c. 384, §1 (AMD).] C. Family law magistrates are governed by the Maine Code of Judicial Conduct. Family law magistrates serve at the pleasure of the Chief Judge of the District Court. [PL 2005, c. 384, §1 (AMD).] D. Family law magistrates shall employ appropriate case management techniques and have jurisdiction to hear and dispose of the following matters: (1) Interim orders in actions involving the establishment, modification or enforcement of child support; (2) Interim orders in actions involving divorce, legal separation, parentage or parental rights, including interim orders in postjudgment proceedings arising out of these actions; (2-A) Parental rights and responsibilities and parent-child contact orders entered pursuant to Title 19‑A, former section 4006, subsection 5, former section 4007, subsection 1, paragraph G and Title 19‑A, section 4108, subsection 2 and section 4110, subsection 3, paragraph I to make such orders consistent with subsequently entered orders in matters included in subparagraphs (1), (2) and (3); (3) Final orders in any of the matters included in subparagraphs (1) and (2) when the proceeding is uncontested; (4) Final orders in a contested proceeding when child support is the only contested issue; (4-A) Applications for writs of habeas corpus to facilitate the attendance of proceedings by and return of a party who is incarcerated; (4-B) Requests for access to confidential Department of Health and Human Services child protective records in accordance with Title 22, section 4008 . The family law magistrate may review records in camera to determine whether to grant access; and (5) Other actions assigned by the Chief Judge of the District Court. [PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. B, §1 (AMD); PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. B, §65 (AFF); PL 2021, c. 723, §6 (AMD).] E. Interim orders in any of the matters included in paragraph D , subparagraphs (1), (2) and (2-A) are effective immediately and are subject to de novo review by a judge at the final hearing. Final orders in any of the matters included in paragraph D , subparagraphs (3) and (4) are subject to appellate review in the same manner as any final order of the District Court. The family law magistrate shall inform the parties of the rights of review established in this paragraph. [PL 2005, c. 384, §1 (AMD).] F. A family law magistrate has the power to impose punitive and remedial sanctions in a summary proceeding for contempt occurring in the actual presence of the family law magistrate and seen or heard by the family law magistrate. The Maine Rules of Civil Procedure relating to summary contempt proceedings apply to a family law magistrate exercising the contempt power under this paragraph. [PL 2005, c. 384, §1 (AMD).] G. The Chief Judge of the District Court may allow family law magistrates to wear robes when presiding over any proceeding. [PL 2011, c. 3, §1 (AMD).] H. The Chief Judge of the District Court may employ a retired family law magistrate to serve on a per diem basis as an active retired family law magistrate. An active retired family law magistrate employed pursuant to this paragraph has the same jurisdiction and is subject to the same restrictions as before retirement. An active retired family law magistrate serves at the direction of the Chief Judge of the District Court and is compensated at the per diem rate of $250 per day or $150 per half-day, as long as the total of the per diem compensation and the active retired family law magistrate's state retirement pension received in any calendar year does not exceed the annual salary of a family law magistrate. Active retired family law magistrates are entitled to receive reimbursement for any expenses actually and reasonably incurred in the performance of their duties. [PL 2013, c. 159, §6 (NEW).] [PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. B, §1 (AMD); PL 2021, c. 647, Pt. B, §65 (AFF); PL 2021, c. 723, §6 (AMD).]

2. Additional staff. The State Court Administrator shall provide other necessary staff to the Family Division, within the limits of funds available, and shall seek to take full advantage of federal funding, including reimbursements. [PL 1997, c. 269, §1 (NEW); PL 1997, c. 269, §2 (AFF).]

3. Reports. The State Court Administrator shall keep statistical records relating to the cases handled by the Family Division and report this information to the Supreme Judicial Court annually and to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over judiciary matters by February 15th of each odd-numbered calendar year. A. The State Court Administrator shall evaluate the functioning of the family law magistrates in providing a system of justice that is responsive to the needs of families and the support of their children in light of the jurisdiction given to the family law magistrates under this section. The State Court Administrator shall report to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over judiciary matters no later than January 15, 1999 with recommendations, if any, for changing the duties provided in subsection 1, paragraph D . [PL 2005, c. 384, §1 (AMD).] B. The State Court Administrator shall report to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over judiciary matters by January 15, 1999 explaining the justification for the particular geographic assignments of the family law magistrates. [PL 2005, c. 384, §1 (AMD).] [PL 2013, c. 159, §7 (AMD).]

4. Pilot project. Notwithstanding the jurisdictional limitations of subsection 1 , the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court may establish a pilot project in which one or more family law magistrates have jurisdiction to hear and dispose of all elements of a divorce action when both parties consent. Orders of the family law magistrate are subject to appellate review in the same manner as any final order of the District Court. [PL 2007, c. 466, Pt. A, §2 (AMD).]

5. Annual training; domestic violence and child abuse issues. The Chief Judge of the District Court shall establish annual training and education designed to inform family law magistrates on domestic violence and child abuse, neglect and maltreatment issues. [PL 2021, c. 723, §7 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 1358 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 27 / Section 1358
4 §1358. Cost-of-living and other adjustments
Status: in_force

1. Cost-of-living adjustments. Except as provided in subsection 2, paragraph A , retirement allowances under this chapter must be adjusted on the same basis as provided for members of the State Employee and Teacher Retirement Program by Title 5, section 17806 . A. [PL 2011, c. 380, Pt. T, §9 (RP).] A-1. [PL 2011, c. 380, Pt. T, §9 (RP).] B. [PL 2011, c. 380, Pt. T, §9 (RP).] C. [PL 2011, c. 380, Pt. T, §9 (RP).] D. [PL 2011, c. 380, Pt. T, §9 (RP).] [PL 2011, c. 380, Pt. T, §9 (RPR).]

2. Retirement allowances. Retirement allowances under section 1352, subsection 4 . A. Beginning in July 1985, and each July thereafter, through July 1989, retirement allowances under section 1352, subsection 4 , shall be increased by 6% compounded annually. [PL 1985, c. 693, §11 (NEW).] B. Beginning in September 1990, and each September thereafter, retirement allowances under section 1352, subsection 4 , shall be adjusted as provided in subsection 1 . [PL 1985, c. 693, §11 (NEW).] [PL 1985, c. 693, §11 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 110 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 3 / Section 110
4 §110. Trial terms
Status: in_force

The Chief Justice of the Superior Court shall establish the times and places for holding court, shall schedule the business to be conducted and shall specify when the grand jury shall be summoned. A grand jury may be specially summoned at any time by order of a Justice of the Superior Court. [PL 1983, c. 688, §3 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 26 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 1 / Section 26
4 §26. Use of Executive Department agencies
Status: in_force

Unless otherwise prohibited by law, the Judicial Department shall use the services of and be included in any systems established and maintained by the bureaus within the Department of Administrative and Financial Services and is subject to the same rules that apply to the Executive Department unless specifically exempted. [PL 1997, c. 24, Pt. II, §3 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 570 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 13 / Section 570
4 §570. Executive Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court
Status: in_force

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court shall appoint an executive clerk of that court, whose authority, functions and duties shall be prescribed from time to time by the Supreme Judicial Court by rule or administrative order. The executive clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court may administer oaths and may sign and issue summonses, writs and other process in the name of the State and under the seal of the court. [PL 1985, c. 68, §4 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 771 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 15 / Section 771
4 §771. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this subchapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 2013, c. 298, §1 (NEW).]

1. Court reporter. "Court reporter" means a person who records legal proceedings by stenotype machine or other means allowed under the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 30 and provides prompt preparation of an accurate, verbatim written transcript. "Court reporter" does not include an employee of the Judicial Branch or a person transcribing legal proceedings for the Judicial Branch. [PL 2013, c. 298, §1 (NEW).]

2. Court reporting services. "Court reporting services" means services provided by a court reporter. [PL 2013, c. 298, §1 (NEW).]

3. Court reporting services provider. "Court reporting services provider" means a business, entity or firm that provides or arranges for court reporting services. [PL 2013, c. 298, §1 (NEW).]

4. Governmental entity. "Governmental entity" has the same meaning as in Title 14, section 8102, subsection 2 . [PL 2013, c. 298, §1 (NEW).]

5. Legal proceeding. "Legal proceeding" means a proceeding or series of proceedings by which a legal judgment is invoked and includes but is not limited to: A. A court proceeding; [PL 2013, c. 298, §1 (NEW).] B. A deposition; [PL 2013, c. 298, §1 (NEW).] C. An administrative hearing; [PL 2013, c. 298, §1 (NEW).] D. An arbitration hearing; [PL 2013, c. 298, §1 (NEW).] E. An examination under oath; and [PL 2013, c. 298, §1 (NEW).] F. A sworn statement. [PL 2013, c. 298, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2013, c. 298, §1 (NEW).]

6. Party. "Party" means a party to an action that is the subject of the legal proceeding for which court reporting services are provided or sought to be provided. [PL 2013, c. 298, §1 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 655 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 15 / Section 655
4 §655. Testimony proved by certified copy of notes or transcript of former testimony
Status: in_force

Whenever it becomes necessary in any court in the State to prove the testimony of a witness at the trial of any former case in any court in the State, the certified copy of the notes of such testimony, taken by the Official Court Reporter at the court where the witness testified, or the transcript created by a transcriber of the electronically recorded record made at the court where the witness testified, is evidence to prove the witness's testimony. [PL 2007, c. 539, Pt. JJ, §4 (AMD).]