4 M.R.S. § 1058 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 23 / Section 1058
4 §1058. Prisoner application to proceed in forma pauperis
Status: in_force

1. Prepayment of filing fee and certified copies required. A person who is confined in a federal, state, county or local correctional or detention facility may not bring a civil action arising under federal or state law in any court in this State with respect to a condition of that person's confinement or the effect of an action or inaction by a government official on the life of that person confined and may not appeal a judgment in such a civil action without prepayment of the filing fee unless, in addition to the in forma pauperis application and affidavit required by the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 91, that person submits a certified copy of the general client account statement for that person for the 6-month period immediately preceding the filing of the action or appeal, obtained from the appropriate official of each facility at which that person is or was confined. [PL 2005, c. 506, §1 (AMD).]

2. Waiver of prepayment of filing fee. If the court finds that the action or appeal is not frivolous and has been brought in good faith and that the person is without sufficient funds to pay the filing fee, it shall order that prepayment of the full amount of the filing fee be waived. If the court denies the in forma pauperis application, the action or appeal must be dismissed without prejudice, unless within 7 days after the denial the person pays the filing fee to the clerk of the court. [PL 1997, c. 75, §1 (NEW).]

3. Full payment of filing fee required; initial partial filing fee. Notwithstanding subsection 2 , the person shall pay the full amount of the filing fee. The court shall assess the person's financial status and, when funds exist, collect as a partial payment of the filing fee an initial partial filing fee of 20% of the greater of: A. The average monthly deposits to the general client account credited to the person for the 6-month period immediately preceding the filing of the action or appeal; or [PL 2005, c. 506, §1 (AMD).] B. The average monthly balance in the general client account for the person for the 6-month period immediately preceding the filing of the action or appeal. [PL 2005, c. 506, §1 (AMD).] [PL 2005, c. 506, §1 (AMD).]

4. Payments from account. After payment of the initial partial filing fee, the person shall make monthly payments of 20% of the preceding month's deposits to the general client account credited to the person. The facility having custody of the person shall forward monthly payments from the account to the clerk of the court each time the amount in the account for the person exceeds $10 until the filing fee is paid in full. [PL 2005, c. 506, §1 (AMD).]

5. Restrictions on filing fee. The filing fee collected may not exceed the amount of the fee permitted by law for the commencement of a civil action or an appeal of a civil action. A person may not be prohibited from bringing a civil action or appealing a civil action if the court finds that the action or appeal is not frivolous and has been brought in good faith and that the person has no assets and no means by which to pay the initial partial filing fee. [PL 1997, c. 75, §1 (NEW).]

6. Payment of outstanding restitution orders. Any compensatory damages awarded to a person in connection with a civil action brought with respect to a condition of the person's confinement or the effect of an action or inaction by a government official on the life of the person confined must be paid directly to satisfy any outstanding restitution orders pending against the person, whether as the result of court proceedings or facility disciplinary proceedings. The remainder of any such award, after full payment of all pending restitution orders, must be forwarded to the person. [PL 1997, c. 75, §1 (NEW).]

7. Notification to victim. Prior to payment of any compensatory damages awarded to a person in connection with a civil action brought with respect to a condition of the person's confinement or the effect of an action or inaction by a government official on the life of the person confined, reasonable efforts must be made to notify the victims of the crime for which the person was confined concerning the pending payment of any such compensatory damages. [PL 1997, c. 75, §1 (NEW).]

8. Civil liability. Neither the failure to perform the requirements of this section nor compliance with this section subjects the Commissioner of Corrections, the Department of Corrections, the county jail, the employees or officers of the department or jail or the attorney representing any of them to liability in a civil action. [PL 1997, c. 75, §1 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 2 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 1 / Section 2
4 §2. Appointment of additional justices
Status: in_force

Whenever the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court or, in the event of the Chief Justice's disability, any associate justice thereof has reason to believe that any Justice of the Supreme Judicial or Superior Court is totally and permanently disabled by reason of physical or mental incapacity and because thereof is unable to perform the duties of the office, the Chief Justice or associate justice shall cause a commission of 3 competent disinterested members of the medical profession to make due inquiry and examination into the facts and report the results of the inquiry to the Supreme Judicial Court. Upon receiving the report, the Chief Justice or associate justice shall call a meeting of the Supreme Judicial Court and submit to it the report of the medical commission. The court shall, based on the report and other evidence they may consider necessary, if any, determine the facts. If the court finds that the Justice of the Supreme Judicial or Superior Court is permanently and totally disabled by reason of physical or mental incapacity and because of the disability is unable to perform the duties of the office, the Chief Justice shall certify that fact to the Governor. Upon receipt of a certificate from the court, the Governor shall make due inquiry into the matter and, if the Governor confirms the finding of the court, the Governor shall appoint an additional Justice of the Supreme Judicial or Superior Court, as the case may be. [PL 2019, c. 475, §33 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 568 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 13 / Section 568
4 §568. Duties of clerks as to records; fees
Status: in_force

All clerks of courts shall receive and safely keep all such records and papers lodged in their offices and give attested copies thereof, for which they shall receive the same fees as a notary. Such copies shall be as valid as if certified by notaries.
4 M.R.S. § 1304 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 27 / Section 1304
4 §1304. Employees' contributions
Status: in_force

On and after July 1, 1993, each member in service shall contribute at a rate of 7.65% of earnable compensation, except that judges whose earnable compensation includes imputed cost-of-living adjustments under section 1201, subsection 9 , shall contribute based on the compensation actually paid. [PL 2007, c. 449, §2 (AMD); PL 2007, c. 449, §3 (AFF).]
4 M.R.S. § 805-A — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 17 / Section 805-A
4 §805-A. Qualifications for admission to practice
Status: in_force

1. Certificate of qualification; admission. Any person who produces a certificate of qualification from the board recommending that person's admission to the bar may be admitted to practice as an attorney in the courts of this State on motion in open court. A person may not be denied the opportunity to qualify for admission because of actual or perceived race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, ancestry or national origin, age or familial status. [PL 2021, c. 553, §1 (AMD).]

2. Issuance of certificate of qualification. A board of bar examiners shall issue a certificate of qualification stating that the applicant is a person of good moral character and possesses sufficient learning in the law to practice as an attorney in the courts of this State to each applicant who: A. Produces satisfactory evidence of good moral character; [PL 2025, c. 182, §1 (AMD).] B. Attains the passing grades established by the board on those examinations required by the board; and [PL 1985, c. 124, §6 (NEW).] C. [PL 2023, c. 141, §1 (RP).] D. Establishes that the applicant has satisfied all of the other requirements under the Maine Bar Admission Rules for the board to issue a certificate of qualification. [PL 2023, c. 141, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2025, c. 182, §1 (AMD).]

3. Admission within one year of passing bar examination. An applicant for admission by examination must be admitted to practice within one year from the date that the applicant has been notified of that applicant's passing of the bar examination. This one-year period may be extended by successive one-year periods by a Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court on motion for good cause shown during the period. [PL 2023, c. 141, §3 (AMD).]

4. Admission within one year of applying for admission on motion. An applicant who is an attorney admitted to practice law in a state or territory of the United States or the District of Columbia who meets the requirements for admission on motion under the Maine Bar Admission Rules must be admitted to practice within one year from the date that the board of bar examiners receives the applicant's application. This period may be extended by a 6-month period by the board of bar examiners pursuant to the regulations of the board of bar examiners and then by successive one-year periods by a Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court on motion for good cause shown during the 6-month period or any succeeding one-year period. [PL 2023, c. 141, §4 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 179 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 5 / Section 179
4 §179. Administrative search warrants
Status: in_force

A District Court Judge may issue warrants to conduct administrative searches in such manner, for such purposes and under such circumstances as the Supreme Judicial Court shall by rule provide. [PL 1973, c. 486 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 773 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 15 / Section 773
4 §773. Prohibited actions
Status: in_force

A court reporter or court reporting services provider may not: [PL 2013, c. 298, §1 (NEW).]

1. Contract. Enter into an oral or written contractual agreement with an attorney, party to an action, insurance company or 3rd-party administrator or any other person or entity that has a financial interest in the case, action or legal proceeding, other than a contract to provide court reporting, litigation and trial support services; [PL 2013, c. 298, §1 (NEW).]

2. Advantage. Give an economic or other advantage to a party or a party's attorney, representative, agent, insurer or employee without offering the advantage to all parties or fail to offer comparable services, prices or financial terms to all parties, except that different credit terms may be offered based on payment experience and creditworthiness; [PL 2013, c. 298, §1 (NEW).]

3. Outcome-based payment. Offer or provide court reporting services if payment for those services is made contingent on the outcome of the legal proceeding, base the compensation for the court reporting services on the outcome of the legal proceeding or otherwise give the court reporter or court reporting services provider a financial interest in the action; [PL 2013, c. 298, §1 (NEW).]

4. Restrict choice of court reporter. Enter into an agreement for court reporting services that restricts an attorney from using the court reporter or court reporting services provider of the attorney's choosing; [PL 2013, c. 298, §1 (NEW).]

5. Allow manipulation. Allow the format, content or body of a certified transcript as submitted by the court reporter to be manipulated in a manner that increases the cost of the transcript; or [PL 2013, c. 298, §1 (NEW).]

6. Interference with services. Enter into a contract for court reporting services that allows an attorney, party to an action, insurance company or 3rd-party administrator or any other person or entity to interfere with a court reporter's right to deal directly with all parties to a proceeding, including any provision in a contract that restricts the right of the court reporter to contract with the other parties in a legal proceeding to provide transcripts to those parties. [PL 2013, c. 298, §1 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 1051 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 23 / Section 1051
4 §1051. Legal holidays
Status: in_force

Court may not be held on Sunday or any day designated for the annual Thanksgiving; New Year's Day, January 1st; Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, the 3rd Monday in January; Washington's Birthday, the 3rd Monday in February; Patriot's Day, the 3rd Monday in April; Memorial Day, the last Monday in May, but if the Federal Government designates May 30th as the date for observance of Memorial Day, the 30th of May; Juneteenth, June 19th; the 4th of July; Labor Day, the first Monday of September; Indigenous Peoples Day, the 2nd Monday in October; Veterans Day, November 11th; or on Christmas Day. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court may order that court be held on a legal holiday when the Chief Justice finds that the interests of justice and judicial economy in any particular case will be served. The public offices in county buildings may be closed to business on the holidays named in this section. When any one of the holidays named in this section falls on Sunday, the Monday following must be observed as a holiday, with all the privileges applying to any of the days named in this section. [PL 2021, c. 676, Pt. A, §2 (RPR).]
4 M.R.S. § 1503 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 31 / Section 1503
4 §1503. Court appointed special advocates
Status: in_force

The Director of the Court Appointed Special Advocate Program shall recruit the services of qualified persons to serve as volunteer court appointed special advocates. The volunteer court appointed special advocates are considered employees of the State only for the purposes of the Maine Tort Claims Act and are not entitled to receive compensation, but are reimbursed for 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 2001, c. 253, §1 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 1929 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 39 / Section 1929
4 §1929. Notary public commission in effect
Status: in_force

A notary public commission in effect on July 1, 2023 continues until its date of expiration. A notary public who applies to renew a notary public commission on or after July 1, 2023 is subject to and shall comply with this chapter. A notary public, in performing notarial acts after July 1, 2023, shall comply with this chapter. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]
4 M.R.S. § 1610-D — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 33 / Section 1610-D
4 §1610-D. Additional securities
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 $9,000,000 outstanding at any one time for preliminary planning costs and capital repairs and improvements at various state facilities. [PL 2005, c. 12, Pt. F, §1 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 803 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 17 / Section 803
4 §803. Qualifications for taking bar examination
Status: in_force

1. Evidence of graduation. Before taking the examination for admission to the bar of the State, each applicant shall produce to a board of bar examiners satisfactory evidence that the applicant graduated with a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or that the applicant successfully completed at least 2 years' work as a candidate for that degree at an accredited college or university. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §22 (COR).]

2. Further qualifications. Each applicant shall produce to a board of bar examiners satisfactory evidence that the applicant: A. Graduated from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association; [PL 1985, c. 124, §3 (NEW).] B. Graduated from a law school accredited by the United States jurisdiction in which it is located, that the applicant has been admitted to practice by examination in one or more jurisdictions within the United States and has been in active practice there for at least 3 years; [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §22 (COR).] C. Graduated from a foreign law school with a legal education that, in the board's opinion, is equivalent to that provided in those law schools accredited by the American Bar Association; or [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §22 (COR).] D. Successfully completed 2/3 of the requirements for graduation from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association and then pursued the study of law in the office of an attorney within the State for at least one year. [PL 1985, c. 124, §3 (NEW).] [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §22 (COR).]

3. Eligibility for examination. When an applicant has satisfied a board of bar examiners that these requirements have been fulfilled and has paid a fee fixed by the Supreme Judicial Court, that applicant is eligible to take the examinations prepared or adopted by the board to determine if that applicant has the qualifications required by this chapter for admission to the bar. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §22 (COR).]
4 M.R.S. § 302 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 7 / Section 302
4 §302. Officers execute processes and attend courts
Status: in_force

Sheriffs, their deputies and constables shall execute all legal processes directed to them by any such judge of probate, who may, when necessary, require such officer, when not in attendance upon any other court, to attend during the sitting of the probate court, for which that officer must be paid as in other courts for similar services. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §8 (COR).]
4 M.R.S. § 1505 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 31 / Section 1505
4 §1505. Court Appointed Special Advocate Advisory Panel
Status: in_force

A Court Appointed Special Advocate Advisory Panel is appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court to set the policy for and monitor the Court Appointed Special Advocate Program. [PL 1991, c. 55 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 1807 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 37 / Section 1807
4 §1807. Court appointment of private attorney (WHOLE SECTION TEXT EFFECTIVE UNTIL 2/01/26) (WHOLE SECTION TEXT REPEALED 2/01/26 by T. 4, §1807, sub-§6)
Status: repealed

(CONTAINS TEXT WITH VARYING EFFECTIVE DATES)

(WHOLE SECTION TEXT EFFECTIVE UNTIL 2/01/26)

(WHOLE SECTION TEXT REPEALED 2/01/26 by T. 4, §1807, sub-§6)

1. Appointment of private attorneys by District Court and Superior Court. Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, a court may appoint a private attorney to represent a person who is eligible to receive indigent legal services in a matter pending before the District Court or Superior Court if the court finds the following: A. A public defender, assigned counsel, contract counsel or employed counsel is not available to represent the person; [PL 2025, c. 40, §3 (NEW).] B. The private attorney is qualified to represent the person in the matter pending before the court, has not been disqualified by the commission and has at least 3 years of legal experience relevant to the pending matter; and [PL 2025, c. 40, §3 (NEW).] C. The private attorney is willing to undertake the representation, which may be limited representation defined by the court in its appointment order. [PL 2025, c. 40, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2025, c. 40, §3 (NEW).]

2. Private attorney appointment; Supreme Judicial Court. Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, a court may appoint a private attorney to represent a person who is eligible to receive indigent legal services in a matter before the Supreme Judicial Court if the court finds the following: A. A public defender, assigned counsel, contract counsel or employed counsel is not available to represent the person; [PL 2025, c. 40, §3 (NEW).] B. The private attorney is qualified to represent the person in the matter pending before the court, has not been disqualified by the commission and either has at least 3 years of legal experience relevant to the pending matter or has previously served as a law clerk analyzing cases relevant to the pending matter; and [PL 2025, c. 40, §3 (NEW).] C. The private attorney is willing to undertake the representation, which may be limited representation defined by the court in its appointment order. [PL 2025, c. 40, §3 (NEW).] [PL 2025, c. 40, §3 (NEW).]

3. Compensation. The commission shall provide compensation and reimbursement to a private attorney appointed by the court under subsection 1 or 2 . The compensation and reimbursement must be equivalent to the reimbursement provided to assigned counsel under the rulemaking directed by section 1804, subsection 3, paragraph F . The process for compensation of private attorneys appointed pursuant to subsection 1 or 2 must be in accordance with the requirements established by the commission under section 1804, subsection 3, paragraph B for voucher review and payment authorization. [PL 2025, c. 40, §3 (NEW).]

4. Supervision. The commission's supervision of a private attorney appointed pursuant to subsection 1 or 2 is limited to addressing complaints made by the client whom the private attorney was appointed to represent under subsection 1 or 2 . [PL 2025, c. 40, §3 (NEW).]

5. Confidentiality. The provisions of section 1806, subsections 2 and 3 apply, to the same extent that those provisions apply to commission-rostered attorneys who serve as assigned counsel, to private attorneys appointed by the court to provide indigent legal services pursuant to subsections 1 and 2 . [PL 2025, c. 40, §3 (NEW).]

6. Repeal. This section is repealed February 1, 2026. [PL 2025, c. 40, §3 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 306 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 7 / Section 306
4 §306. Interchange of judicial duties; expenses
Status: in_force

During the sickness, absence from the State or inability of any judge of probate to hold the regular terms of that judge's court, such terms, at the judge's request or that of the register of the county, may be held by the judge of any other county. The judges may interchange service or perform each others' duties when they find it necessary or convenient, and in case of a vacancy in the office of a judge, all necessary terms of the probate court for the county may, at the request of the register, be held by the judge of another county until the vacancy is filled. The orders, decrees and decisions of the judge holding such terms have the same force and validity as if made by the judge of the county in which such terms are held. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §10 (COR).]

When any judge of probate holds court or a hearing in any probate matter, or in equity, in any county other than the one in which that judge resides, that judge must be reimbursed by the county in which such court or hearing is held for that judge's expenses actually and reasonably incurred, upon presentation to the county commissioners of that county of a detailed statement of such expenses. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §10 (COR).]
4 M.R.S. § 1932 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 39 / Section 1932
4 §1932. Relation to federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act
Status: in_force

This chapter modifies, limits and supersedes the federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, 15 United States Code, Section 7001 et seq., but does not modify, limit or supersede Section 101(c) of that Act, 15 United States Code, Section 7001(c), or authorize electronic delivery of any of the notices described in Section 103(b) of that Act, 15 United States Code, Section 7003(b). [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]
4 M.R.S. § 567 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 13 / Section 567
4 §567. No recording officer to be attorney or sue in own court nor draft nor aid in drafting paper to be recorded
Status: in_force

A clerk, register or recording officer of any court of the State may not be attorney or counselor in any civil action or matter pending in that court; neither may that person commence actions to be entered therein, or draft or aid in drafting any document or paper that that person is by law required to record, in full or in part. Violation of this section is a civil violation for which a fine not to exceed $100 may be adjudged. Notwithstanding provisions of this section, clerks may aid litigants in the preparation of small claims filings. Nothing prevents the clerk from rendering assistance of a general nature to the bar or the public. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §17 (COR).]
4 M.R.S. § 1609 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 33 / Section 1609
4 §1609. Remedies
Status: in_force

Any holder of securities issued under this Act or of any of the coupons appertaining to the securities and the trustee under any resolution or trust agreement, except to the extent the rights given may be restricted by the resolution authorizing the issuance of the securities or the trust agreement, or applicable financial document may, either by action, mandamus or other proceeding, protect and enforce any and all rights under the laws of the State or granted under this Act or under the resolution, financial document or trust agreement, including the appointment of a receiver and may enforce and compel the performance of all duties required by this Act or by the resolution, financial document or trust agreement to be performed by the authority, including the collecting of rates, rents, fees and charges for the use of any or all of its facilities of any project, projects or part of any project. Any such suit, action or proceeding shall be brought for the benefit of all the holders of the securities and coupons, subject to the terms of any such resolution, trust agreement or financial document. [PL 1987, c. 438, §1 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 431 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 8-A / Section 431
4 §431. Mental health treatment courts
Status: in_force

1. Treatment courts; funding. The Judicial Department may seek and receive grants to establish mental health treatment courts. [PL 2001, c. 520, §1 (NEW).]

2. Report. Before implementing a mental health treatment court, the Judicial Department shall report to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over judiciary matters on at least: A. The funding mechanism and the expected duration of the funding; [PL 2001, c. 520, §1 (NEW).] B. The plans for the mental health treatment court, which must include an evaluation component to determine the efficacy of the treatment court on short-term and long-term bases; [PL 2001, c. 520, §1 (NEW).] C. The potential fiscal effects on the State; and [PL 2001, c. 520, §1 (NEW).] D. Recommended legislation to implement the mental health treatment court, if any. [PL 2001, c. 520, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2001, c. 520, §1 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 169 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 5 / Section 169
4 §169. Administration of oaths
Status: in_force

Judges of the District Court and notaries public may administer all oaths required by law, unless another officer is specially required to do it. [PL 1981, c. 456, Pt. A, §4 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 157-C — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 5 / Section 157-C
4 §157-C. Judge or Active Retired Judge of the District Court to sit in Superior Court
Status: in_force

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

No Judge or Active Retired Judge of the District Court so sitting in the Superior Court may act in any case in which that judge has sat in the District Court nor in which that judge otherwise has an interest. [PL 1999, c. 547, Pt. B, §4 (AMD); PL 1999, c. 547, Pt. B, §80 (AFF).]

The order of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court directing a Judge or an Active Retired Judge of the District Court to sit in the Superior 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 judge. [PL 1999, c. 547, Pt. B, §4 (AMD); PL 1999, c. 547, Pt. B, §80 (AFF).]
4 M.R.S. § 1610-A — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 33 / Section 1610-A
4 §1610-A. Additional securities
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 $85,000,000 outstanding at any one time for correctional facilities. [PL 1997, c. 752, §2 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 105 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 3 / Section 105
4 §105. Superior Court; civil jurisdiction
Status: in_force

1. Jurisdiction. Except as provided in subsection 2 , the Superior Court has and shall exercise exclusive jurisdiction and has and shall exercise all of the powers, duties and authority necessary for exercising the jurisdiction in any and all matters that were, prior to January 1, 1930, within the jurisdiction of the Supreme Judicial Court or any of the Superior Courts, whether cognizable at law or in equity. [PL 1999, c. 731, Pt. ZZZ, §3 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 731, Pt. ZZZ, §42 (AFF).]

2. Exceptions to Superior Court's exclusive jurisdiction. The Superior Court does not have exclusive jurisdiction over matters for which: A. Concurrent or exclusive jurisdiction is vested in the District Court; or [PL 1999, c. 731, Pt. ZZZ, §3 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 731, Pt. ZZZ, §42 (AFF).] B. Concurrent jurisdiction is vested in the Supreme Judicial Court as provided in Title 14, section 5301 . [PL 1999, c. 731, Pt. ZZZ, §3 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 731, Pt. ZZZ, §42 (AFF).] [PL 1999, c. 731, Pt. ZZZ, §3 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 731, Pt. ZZZ, §42 (AFF).]

3. Appellate jurisdiction. The Superior Court shall hear appeals as follows: A. Administrative appeals brought pursuant to Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 7 and the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure, Rules 80B and 80C; and [PL 2005, c. 48, §1 (AMD).] B. Appeals from the District Court: (1) Brought pursuant to Title 14, section 6008 ; (2) Brought pursuant to Title 14, chapter 738 ; (3) As provided in Title 15, section 1 ; and (4) Brought pursuant to Title 34‑B, section 3864, subsection 11 . [PL 2005, c. 48, §1 (AMD).] [PL 2005, c. 48, §1 (AMD).]

4. No jurisdiction, powers, duties or authority of the Law Court. The Superior Court does not have and may not exercise the jurisdiction, powers, duties and authority of the Supreme Judicial Court sitting as the Law Court. [PL 1999, c. 731, Pt. ZZZ, §3 (NEW); PL 1999, c. 731, Pt. ZZZ, §42 (AFF).]
4 M.R.S. § 10 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 1 / Section 10
4 §10. Facsimile signature of clerk
Status: in_force

A facsimile of the signature of the clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court imprinted by or at the clerk's direction upon any writ, summons, subpoena, order or notice or order of attachment, except executions and criminal process, has the same validity as the clerk's written signature. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §2 (COR).]
4 M.R.S. § 310 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 7 / Section 310
4 §310. Perpetual care of cemetery lots by order
Status: in_force

Judges of probate, in any case in which an estate is under their jurisdiction for probate, shall have the power to order that an appropriate amount out of the estate be set aside for perpetual care and suitable memorials for the cemetery lot in which the deceased is buried, and to order special care of such lots when the conditions and size of the estate seem to warrant such order.
4 M.R.S. § 1908 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 39 / Section 1908
4 §1908. Authority to refuse to perform notarial act
Status: in_force

1. Basis to refuse. A notarial officer may refuse to perform a notarial act if the officer is not satisfied that: A. The individual executing the record is competent or has the capacity to execute the record; or [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] B. The individual's signature is knowingly and voluntarily made. [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. Refusal permitted unless otherwise required. A notarial officer may refuse to perform a notarial act unless refusal is prohibited by a law other than this chapter. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]
4 M.R.S. § 556 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 13 / Section 556
4 §556. Account for moneys received; depository; accounts verified; deposits in name of court; forfeiture
Status: in_force

The clerk shall keep a true and exact account of all moneys that the clerk receives or is entitled to receive for services by virtue of the office as clerk of the Superior or Supreme Judicial Courts and shall pay the same to the Treasurer of State. All moneys belonging to the county or State respectively must be paid within 30 days after they are received by the clerk, in such manner as the Chief Justice or the Chief Justice's designee shall from time to time specify. If, in either case, the clerk neglects to do so, the clerk shall pay 25% interest thereon until paid. Upon the county treasurer's or Treasurer of State's notice of any known delinquency, the clerk's bond must then be sued. [PL 2019, c. 475, §47 (AMD).]

Proceeds of all sales of property made under the judgment or decree of the Supreme Judicial Court or of the Superior Court and any and all other sums of money from whatever source derived in civil proceedings coming into the custody of the Supreme Judicial Court or of the Superior Court shall be deposited in such depository as the court having custody of such money shall designate, and shall be withdrawn therefrom upon order of the clerk of courts, countersigned by any Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court or of the Superior Court. Any justice of either of the courts shall designate some proper depository for the funds referred to and such designation shall be minuted on the docket of the court. Clerks of courts in the several counties shall keep a regular record containing the account of such funds showing the deposits and all accumulations thereof and the amounts withdrawn therefrom, specifying the date of such withdrawal and the case to which such matters relate. All deposits shall be in the name of the beneficiary with the clerk of court designated as custodian. [PL 1989, c. 501, Pt. P, §4 (AMD).]

Whenever any funds are ordered by the courts to be paid to a person entitled to these funds, all accrued interest must be paid to the claimant. Before receiving any funds under this section, the clerk shall inform all prospective parties to the court judgment or decree that a 5% fee will be assessed on all accrued interest as required by this section. The nonprevailing party or parties shall pay the court a fee equal to 5% of all interest accrued, but in no event may the fee exceed $1,000, unless otherwise ordered by the court. Whenever any funds remain unclaimed for 20 years from the date when payable under the court judgment or decree, the clerk shall obtain an order from the court, under whose judgment or decree these funds were placed in the clerk's custody, that a comprehensive abstract of the facts be advertised for 3 weeks successively in a newspaper of general circulation published in the county, and if no one appears to claim these funds within 60 days after the date of the last publication, the funds become forfeited to the State and must be paid by the clerk to the Treasurer of State. That portion of this section providing for the forfeiture of unclaimed funds applies to funds held by the clerk of courts for 20 years or more prior to September 16, 1961. [PL 2025, c. 260, §1 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 1554 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 32 / Section 1554
4 §1554. Guardian ad litem responsibilities
Status: in_force

1. Role of guardian ad litem. The court may appoint a guardian ad litem to provide information to assist the court in determining the best interests of the child involved in the determination of parental rights and responsibilities and guardianship of a minor under Title 18‑C , in the determination of parental rights and responsibilities under Title 19‑A, section 904 or 1653 and in the determination of contact with grandparents under Title 19‑A, section 1803 . The court shall appoint a guardian ad litem in a child protection case under Title 22, chapter 1071 . [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. C, §10 (AMD); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]

2. Standards of conduct. Guardians ad litem shall abide by the standards of conduct as adopted by rule by the Supreme Judicial Court. [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).]

3. General responsibilities. A person appointed by the court to serve as a guardian ad litem acts as the court's agent and is entitled to quasi-judicial immunity for acts performed within the scope of the duties of the guardian ad litem. As a quasi-judicial officer, the guardian ad litem shall perform the assigned duties independently and impartially in all relevant matters within the scope of the order of appointment, respecting the court's obligation to dispose of all judicial matters promptly, efficiently and fairly as provided in the Maine Code of Judicial Conduct. A guardian ad litem shall: A. Represent consistently the best interests of the child and provide information to the court that assists the court in determining the best interests of the child; [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).] B. Understand and uphold the law and court orders related to the guardian ad litem's appointment; [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).] C. Maintain the highest standards of professionalism, cultural sensitivity and ethics; [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).] D. Recognize that timely resolution of each matter serves the best interests of the child and the child's need for stability; [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).] E. Within the scope of authority defined by statute or court order, plan, carry out, document and complete thorough, appropriate and fair investigations in a timely fashion; [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).] F. Communicate in a developmentally appropriate way with the child; [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).] G. Make well-reasoned and factually based written recommendations regarding the best interests of the child as directed by the order of appointment; [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).] H. Pursuant to the order of appointment, include parties in the investigation, use effective communication techniques, recognize limitations that may be imposed by the financial resources of the parties as applicable and be aware of the cultural and socioeconomic status of the parties; and [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).] I. Complete assignments and written reports in a timely manner and communicate effectively with the court in motions, reports, recommendations and testimony. [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 251-A — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 7 / Section 251-A
4 §251-A. Other proceedings involving parental rights; transfer to District Court
Status: in_force

1. Disclosure of orders and proceedings. The judge of probate presiding over any matter involving guardianship, adoption or change of name or another matter involving custody or other parental rights with respect to a minor child shall require all parties to disclose whether they have knowledge of: A. Any interim or final order then in effect concerning custody or other parental rights with respect to the minor child, including any order of 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; [PL 2023, c. 63, §2 (AMD).] B. Any proceeding under the Maine Juvenile Code brought against the minor child pending in 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 the District Court; or [PL 2023, c. 63, §2 (AMD).] C. Any other related action pending before any court of this State or another state, including the District Court. [PL 2023, c. 63, §2 (AMD).] [PL 2023, c. 63, §2 (AMD).]

2. Transfer to District Court. Except as provided in subsection 3 , if in a matter before the Probate Court concerning a minor child a judge of probate becomes aware that a proceeding under the Maine Juvenile Code brought against the minor child or a proceeding involving custody or other parental rights with respect to the minor child is pending in the District Court or that the minor child is or was the subject of a District Court order terminating parental rights, appointing a guardian, including a permanency, emergency or interim guardian, awarding parental rights to a 3rd party or granting an adoption, the judge shall notify the District Court and take appropriate action to facilitate a transfer of the matter to the District Court. If a matter is transferred to the District Court under this subsection, 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, §2 (AMD).]

3. Exception to transfer. 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 section 152, subsection 5‑A and may not transfer that matter to the District Court under subsection 2 if: A. 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 [PL 2023, c. 63, §2 (NEW).] B. 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, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 63, §2 (NEW).]

For purposes of this section, 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. [PL 2023, c. 63, §2 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 115-A — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 3 / Section 115-A
4 §115-A. Closure of Superior Courts
Status: in_force

A Superior Court location, as authorized under the provisions of this chapter, may not be closed unless approved by an act of the Legislature. [PL 1993, c. 675, Pt. J, §2 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 1607 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 33 / Section 1607
4 §1607. Pledges and covenants; trust agreement
Status: in_force

In the discretion of the authority, any securities issued under this Act may be secured by a trust agreement by and between the authority and a corporate trustee, which may be any trust company or bank or national banking association having the powers of a trust company within or without the State. The trust agreement or the resolution providing for the issuance of the securities may pledge or assign all or any portion of the revenues of the authority or any project, projects or part of any project of the authority and may contain such provisions for protecting and enforcing the rights and remedies of the holders of securities as may be reasonable and proper and not in violation of law. The provisions may include covenants setting forth the duties of the authority in relation to the acquisition of property and the construction, reconstruction, renewal, replacement and insurance of any project, projects or part of any project in connection with which the securities have been authorized, the fees, charges or rents to be charged or other payments to be made for the use thereof or payment therefor, and the custody, safeguarding and application of all money. It is lawful for any bank or trust company incorporated under the laws of the State which may act as depository of the proceeds of securities or of revenues of the authority or any project, projects or part of any project to furnish such indemnifying bonds or to pledge such instruments as may be required by the authority. Any such trust agreement may set forth the rights and remedies of the holders of the securities and of the trustee and may restrict the individual right of action by holders of securities. [PL 1987, c. 438, §1 (NEW).]

Any such trust agreement or other financial document may, to secure the payment of the securities, mortgage or assign the mortgage of any project, projects or part of any project and create a lien upon any or all of the revenues of the authority or any project, projects or part of any project or upon any or all of the real or personal property constituting a part of the project, projects or part of any project. The trust agreement, financial document or resolution may contain such other provisions as the authority may consider reasonable and proper for the security of the holders of securities. [PL 1987, c. 438, §1 (NEW).]

A trust agreement or financial document containing a mortgage or assignment of a mortgage in respect to a project, projects or any part of a project may authorize the trustee or mortgagee in the event of a default as defined, in respect to the securities issued to provide for the costs of the project, projects or any part of a project, to take possession of all or any part of the mortgaged property constituting the project, projects or any part of a project, to hold, operate and manage the project, projects or any part of a project and, with or without such taking of possession, to sell or from time to time to lease the project, projects or any part of a project. A judgment for possession may be without conditions and such a sale or lease shall not be subject to any right to redeem the mortgaged property. Upon satisfaction at any time of the obligations secured by the mortgage in respect to the project, projects or any part of a project, which shall be deemed to include all applicable fees and expenses, any surplus proceeds from the operation, sale or lease of the project, projects or any part of a project shall be paid to the mortgagor of the project, projects or any part of a project or to those claiming under the mortgagee and, subject to any sale or lease under this paragraph, the mortgaged property in respect to the project, projects or any part of a project shall revert or be returned to the mortgagor or to those claiming under the mortgagee. [PL 1987, c. 438, §1 (NEW).]

All expenses incurred in carrying out the trust agreement, financial document or resolution may be treated as a part of the cost of the operation of a project, projects or part of any project. All pledges of revenues under this Act shall be valid and binding from the time when the pledge is made. All such revenues so pledged and thereafter received by the authority shall immediately be subject to the lien of the pledges without any physical delivery or further action under the Uniform Commercial Code of the State or otherwise. The lien of the pledges shall be valid and binding as against all parties having claims of any kind in tort, contract or otherwise against the authority irrespective of whether the parties have notice of the lien. [PL 1987, c. 438, §1 (NEW).]

Any resolution or resolutions authorizing any securities of any issue of securities, or any trust agreement with respect to any securities, may contain provisions, which shall be a part of the contract or contracts with the holders of the securities, as to: [PL 1987, c. 438, §1 (NEW).]

1. Pledge of full faith and credit of authority. Pledging the full faith and credit of the authority or of all or any specified revenues or assets of the authority to secure the payment of the securities or of any issue of securities, subject to such agreements with holders of securities as may then exist; [PL 1997, c. 523, §17 (AMD).]

2. Pledging of unencumbered revenues or assets of authority. Pledging all or any part of the unencumbered revenues or assets of the authority to secure the payment of the securities or any issue of securities, subject to such agreements with holders of securities as may then exist; [PL 1987, c. 438, §1 (NEW).]

3. Setting aside of reserves or sinking funds. Setting aside of reserves or sinking funds and the regulation and disposition of the funds; [PL 1987, c. 438, §1 (NEW).]

4. Limitations on use of proceeds of sale of securities. Limitations on the purpose to which the proceeds of sale of securities may be applied and pledging of the proceeds to secure the payment of the securities or of any issue of securities; [PL 1987, c. 438, §1 (NEW).]

5. Limitations on issuance of additional securities. Limitations on the issuance of additional securities, the terms upon which additional securities may be issued and secured and the refunding of outstanding or other securities; [PL 1987, c. 438, §1 (NEW).]

6. Amendment or abrogation of contract terms; procedure. The procedure, if any, by which the terms of any contract with holders of securities may be amended or abrogated, the amount of securities the holders of which must consent to and the manner in which the consent may be given; [PL 1987, c. 438, §1 (NEW).]

7. Limitations on money expended by authority for expenses. Limitations on the amount of money to be expended by the authority for operating, administrative or other expenses of the authority; [PL 1987, c. 438, §1 (NEW).]

8. Trustee, vesting of rights; powers and duties in trust. Vesting in a trustee or trustees such property, rights, powers and duties in trust as the authority may determine which may include any or all of the rights, powers and duties of the trustee appointed for the holders of securities issued pursuant to this Act; [PL 1987, c. 438, §1 (NEW).]

9. Default. Defining the acts or omissions to act which shall constitute a default in the obligations and duties of the authority to the holders of the securities and providing for the rights and remedies of the holders of the securities in the event of that default, including as a matter of right the appointment of a receiver, but only if the rights and remedies are not inconsistent with the general laws of the State and the other provisions of this Act; and [PL 1987, c. 438, §1 (NEW).]

10. Other matters. Any other matters of like or different character, which in any way affect the security or protection of the holders of the securities. [PL 1987, c. 438, §1 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 22 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 1 / Section 22
4 §22. State responsibility for court finances
Status: in_force

Beginning with the fiscal year commencing July 1, 1976, the Legislature shall appropriate funds for the expenses of the Judicial Department. [PL 1975, c. 408, §7 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 157-D — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 5 / Section 157-D
4 §157-D. Active retired judges; compensation
Status: in_force

Any Active Retired Judge of the District Court who performs judicial service at the direction and assignment of the Chief Judge of the District Court is compensated for those services at the rate of $350 per day or $200 per 1/2 day, as long as the total compensation received under this section by an Active Retired Judge of the District Court in any calendar year does not exceed 75% of the annual salary of an Associate Judge of the District Court set pursuant to section 157 . An Active Retired Judge of the District Court who receives compensation under this section does not accrue additional creditable service for benefit calculation purposes and is not entitled to any other employee benefit, including health, dental or life insurance. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. XXXX, §3 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 1805-A — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 37 / Section 1805-A
4 §1805-A. Indigency determinations; redeterminations; verifications; collections
Status: in_force

1. Duties. The executive director shall administer and improve reimbursement of expenses incurred by assigned counsel, contract counsel and, until February 1, 2026, a private attorney appointed under section 1807 by: A. Establishing procedures to ensure that the eligibility of defendants and civil parties is verified and reviewed randomly and when circumstances have changed, information has changed, additional information is provided or as otherwise needed; [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. UUUU, §14 (NEW).] B. Petitioning the court to reassess the indigency of a defendant or civil party if the executive director determines that indigency should be reassessed; [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. UUUU, §14 (NEW).] C. Providing to the commission recommendations to improve reimbursement of expenses; [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. UUUU, §14 (NEW).] D. Requiring that the amount of time spent on each case by assigned counsel or contract counsel is recorded separately for each case; and [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. UUUU, §14 (NEW).] E. Receiving from the courts collections for the costs of representation from defendants or civil parties who are found to be partially indigent or who have otherwise been determined to be able to reimburse the commission for expenses incurred by assigned counsel, contract counsel or, until February 1, 2026, a private attorney appointed under section 1807. [PL 2025, c. 40, §1 (AMD).] [PL 2025, c. 40, §1 (AMD).]

2. Determination of defendant’s or civil party’s eligibility. The executive director shall provide the court having jurisdiction over a proceeding information used to determine indigency for guidance to the court in determining a defendant’s or civil party’s financial ability to obtain private counsel. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. UUUU, §14 (NEW).]

3. Partial indigency and reimbursement. This subsection applies to partial indigency and reimbursement of expenses incurred by assigned counsel, contract counsel or, until February 1, 2026, a private attorney appointed under section 1807 . A. If the court determines that a defendant or civil party is unable to pay to obtain private counsel but is able to contribute to payment of assigned counsel, contract counsel or, until February 1, 2026, a private attorney appointed under section 1807 , the court shall order the defendant or civil party to make installment payments up to the full cost of representation or to pay a fixed contribution. The court shall remit payments received to the commission. [PL 2025, c. 40, §2 (AMD).] B. A defendant or civil party may not be required to pay for legal services in an amount greater than the expenses actually incurred. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. UUUU, §14 (NEW).] C. Upon petition of a defendant or civil party who is incarcerated, the court may suspend an order for reimbursement issued pursuant to this subsection until the time of the defendant’s or civil party’s release. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. UUUU, §14 (NEW).] D. The executive director may enter into contracts to secure the reimbursement of fees and expenses paid by the commission as provided for in this section. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. UUUU, §14 (NEW).] [PL 2025, c. 40, §2 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 1502 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 31 / Section 1502
4 §1502. Staff
Status: in_force

With the advice and approval of the Court Appointed Special Advocate Advisory Panel, the State Court Administrator shall appoint a Director of the Court Appointed Special Advocate Program, who shall serve at the pleasure of the State Court Administrator. The State Court Administrator may also appoint one or more deputy directors or regional volunteer coordinators, who also shall serve at the pleasure of the State Court Administrator. The State Court Administrator shall provide necessary clerical assistance to the Court Appointed Special Advocate Program, within the limit of funds available. [PL 1997, c. 393, Pt. C, §1 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 1355-A — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 27 / Section 1355-A
4 §1355-A. Minimum ordinary death benefits
Status: in_force

1. Benefit. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 1355 , any eligible surviving spouse and dependent child or children of a judge who was in service prior to December 1, 1984, shall, upon the death of that judge, be entitled to a minimum benefit of 1/2 the retirement benefit of the judge, determined in accordance with section 1352 , on the assumption that retirement of the judge had taken place on the date of death. If more than one child is eligible for this benefit, it shall be divided equally among them. This benefit shall continue as long as the spouse or child or children remain eligible. [PL 1989, c. 133, §31 (AMD).]

2. Eligibility. Eligibility for the minimum benefit of this section is determined as follows. A. A surviving spouse is eligible as long as that spouse does not become the dependent of another person. [PL 1983, c. 853, Pt. C, §§ 15, 18 (NEW).] B. The dependent child or children are eligible until they no longer meet the definition of "dependent child" under section 1201, subsection 6‑A . [PL 1989, c. 133, §32 (AMD).] [PL 1989, c. 133, §32 (AMD).]

3. Election of benefits. The benefits described in this section shall be instead of any benefits payable under either section 1355 or section 1356 . Any person entitled to receive benefits under this section may elect, before benefit payments begin, to receive benefits under section 1355 or section 1356 instead of these benefits, if all requirements of that section are complied with. [PL 1983, c. 863, Pt. B, §§ 32, 45 (NEW).]

4. Cost-of-living adjustments. Payments made under subsection 1 shall be adjusted pursuant to section 1358 in the same manner as retirement allowances. [PL 1983, c. 863, Pt. B, §§ 32, 45 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 24 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 1 / Section 24
4 §24. Operating budgets
Status: in_force

The State Court Administrator shall, subject to the approval of the Chief Justice, prepare biennially a consolidated operating budget for all courts in the State to be known as the Judicial Department operating budget. The administrator may be assisted in this task by the Chief Justice of the Superior Court and the Chief Judge of the District Court. [PL 1993, c. 675, Pt. C, §10 (AMD).]

The State Court Administrator shall prepare the consolidated court budget according to procedures prescribed by the State Budget Officer. Budget requests and other additional information as requested must be transmitted to the State Budget Officer on or before September 1st of the even-numbered years. The Governor shall include in the budget submission the judicial budget without revision, in accordance with Title 5, section 1664 , but with recommendations the Governor considers proper. [PL 1993, c. 675, Pt. C, §10 (AMD).]

The State Court Administrator, subject to the approval of the Chief Justice, shall prescribe the financial management procedures to be used in all courts of the Judicial Department. [PL 1975, c. 408, §7 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 180 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 5 / Section 180
4 §180. Site inspection warrants
Status: in_force

A District Court Judge may issue warrants to conduct surveys and tests on land that is under consideration for purchase or taking through eminent domain by the State or any of its political subdivisions. The Supreme Judicial Court shall provide by rule the manner and circumstances for the issuance of such warrants subject to the following conditions: [PL 1975, c. 753 (NEW).]

1. Compelling need. There is a compelling need for the issuance of the warrant, such as required compliance with state statutes or regulations or protection of the public health, safety or welfare; [PL 1975, c. 753 (NEW).]

2. Notice to owner. The owner of the land shall be served notice at least 14 days prior to the day when any survey or test is initiated; [PL 1975, c. 753 (NEW).]

3. Completion within 30 days. All tests and surveys shall be completed within 30 days of entry; [PL 1975, c. 753 (NEW).]

4. Distance from occupied dwelling. No soils test may be conducted within 200 yards of an occupied dwelling; [PL 1975, c. 753 (NEW).]

5. Site restoration. Upon completion of any soils test or analysis, all holes, pits or trenches created thereby shall be filled in and the site restored as best practicable to its original condition; and [PL 1975, c. 753 (NEW).]

6. Compensation for damages. The owner of land subject to a survey or test has the right to be compensated for any actual damage caused as a result of the surveys and tests. Upon request of the landowner within 30 days after entry on the landowner's premises, the governmental unit shall hold a public hearing to determine whether the landowner is entitled to compensation for actual damages caused by the testing. The governmental unit shall publish a notice of the time and place of hearing in a newspaper having general circulation in its area at least 7 days before the hearing. The governmental unit shall pay the landowner forthwith the amount of compensation to which it determines the landowner is entitled. If the landowner is aggrieved by the decision of the governmental unit, the landowner may appeal to the Superior Court as provided in Rule 80B of the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §7 (COR).]
4 M.R.S. § 1905 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 39 / Section 1905
4 §1905. Requirements for certain notarial acts
Status: in_force

1. Acknowledgment of a record. A notarial officer who takes an acknowledgment of a record shall determine, from personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence of the identity of the individual, that the individual appearing before the officer and making the acknowledgment has the identity claimed and that the signature on the record is the signature of the individual. [RR 2023, c. 2, Pt. A, §6 (COR).]

2. Statement of oath or affirmation. A notarial officer who takes a verification of a statement on oath or affirmation shall determine, from personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence of the identity of the individual, that the individual appearing before the officer and making the verification has the identity claimed and that the signature on the statement verified is the signature of the individual. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

3. Witnessing or attesting to a signature. A notarial officer who witnesses or attests to a signature shall determine, from personal knowledge or satisfactory evidence of the identity of the individual, that the individual appearing before the officer and signing the record has the identity claimed. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

4. Certifying or attesting copy of record. A notarial officer who certifies or attests a copy of a record or an item that was copied shall determine that the copy is a full, true and accurate transcription or reproduction of the record or item. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

5. Protest of negotiable instrument. A notarial officer who makes or notes a protest of a negotiable instrument shall determine the matters set forth in Title 11, section 3‑1505, subsection (1), paragraph (b) . [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

6. Protests of losses; record and copies. When requested, a notarial officer shall enter on record all losses or damages sustained or apprehended by sea or land and all averages and such other matters as, by mercantile usage, appertain to the notarial officer's office and shall grant warrants of survey on vessels; all facts, extracts from documents and circumstances so noted must be signed and sworn to by all the persons appearing to protest. The notarial officer shall note, extend and record the protest so made and grant authenticated copies thereof under the notarial officer's signature and, in the case of a notary public, notarial stamp to those who request and pay for them. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]
4 M.R.S. § 1610-H — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 33 / Section 1610-H
4 §1610-H. Additional securities
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 $23,000,000 outstanding at any one time for capital repairs and improvements to state-owned facilities and hazardous waste cleanup on state-owned properties. [PL 2015, c. 267, Pt. M, §1 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 921 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 18 / Section 921
4 §921. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 1999, c. 379, §1 (NEW).]

1. Paralegal and legal assistant. "Paralegal" and "legal assistant" mean a person, qualified by education, training or work experience, who is employed or retained by an attorney, law office, corporation, governmental agency or other entity and who performs specifically delegated substantive legal work for which an attorney is responsible. [PL 1999, c. 379, §1 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 1803 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 37 / Section 1803
4 §1803. Commission structure
Status: in_force

1. Members; appointment; chair. The commission consists of 9 members appointed by the Governor and subject to review by the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over judiciary matters and confirmation by the Legislature. The Governor shall designate one member to serve as chair of the commission. The membership consists of the following: A. One member from a list of qualified potential appointees, provided by the President of the Senate; [PL 2017, c. 430, §1 (NEW).] B. One member from a list of qualified potential appointees, provided by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; [PL 2017, c. 430, §1 (NEW).] C. Three members from a list of qualified potential appointees, provided by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court; [PL 2017, c. 430, §1 (NEW).] D. One member with experience in administration and finance; [PL 2017, c. 430, §1 (NEW).] E. One member with experience providing representation in child protection proceedings; [PL 2017, c. 430, §1 (NEW).] F. One member from a list of qualified potential appointees who are attorneys engaged in the active practice of law and provide indigent legal services, provided by the president of the Maine State Bar Association. This member is a nonvoting member of the commission; and [PL 2017, c. 430, §1 (NEW).] G. One member from a list of qualified potential appointees who are attorneys engaged in the active practice of law and provide indigent legal services, provided by the president of a statewide organization, other than the Maine State Bar Association, that represents criminal defense attorneys. This member is a nonvoting member of the commission. [PL 2017, c. 430, §1 (NEW).] In determining the appointments and recommendations under this subsection, the Governor, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, the president of the Maine State Bar Association and the president of the statewide organization that represents criminal defense attorneys shall consider input from individuals and organizations with an interest in the delivery of indigent legal services. Recommendations provided by the president of the Maine State Bar Association and the president of the statewide organization representing criminal defense attorneys must consist of attorneys providing indigent legal services as a majority of their law practices. [PL 2017, c. 430, §1 (RPR).]

2. Qualifications. Individuals appointed to the commission must have demonstrated a commitment to quality representation for persons who are indigent and have the knowledge required to ensure that quality of representation is provided in each area of law. No more than 7 members may be attorneys engaged in the active practice of law. A person who is a sitting judge, prosecutor or law enforcement official, or an employee of such a person, may not be appointed to the commission. A voting member and the immediate family members living in the same household as the member may not receive compensation from the commission, other than that authorized in Title 5, section 12004‑G, subsection 25‑A , while the member is serving on the commission. The limitations on members receiving compensation from the commission do not apply to any member serving on the commission as of April 1, 2018 for the duration of the member's term. [PL 2017, c. 430, §2 (AMD).]

3. Terms. Members of the commission are appointed for terms of 3 years each, except that of those first appointed the Governor shall designate 2 whose terms are only one year, 2 whose terms are only 2 years and one whose term is 3 years. A member may not serve more than 2 consecutive 3-year terms plus any initial term of less than 3 years. A member of the commission appointed to fill a vacancy occurring otherwise than by expiration of term is appointed only for the unexpired term of the member succeeded. [PL 2009, c. 419, §2 (NEW).]

4. Quorum. A quorum is a majority of the current voting members of the commission . A vacancy in the commission does not impair the power of the remaining members to exercise all the powers of the commission. [PL 2017, c. 430, §2 (AMD).]

5. Compensation. Each member of the commission is eligible to be compensated as provided in Title 5, chapter 379 . [PL 2009, c. 419, §2 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 558 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 13 / Section 558
4 §558. Administration of oaths
Status: in_force

Clerks of courts may administer oaths required by law unless another officer is specially required to do it.
4 M.R.S. § 1608 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 33 / Section 1608
4 §1608. Trust funds
Status: in_force

All money received pursuant to the authority of this Act shall be considered to be trust funds, to be held and applied solely as provided in this Act. Any officer to whom, or any bank, trust company or other fiscal agent or trustee to which, that money is paid shall act as trustee of the money and shall hold and apply the money for the purpose of this Act, subject to such rules as may be adopted by the authority pursuant to this Act and as the resolution or trust agreement may provide. [PL 1987, c. 438, §1 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 1605 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 33 / Section 1605
4 §1605. Leasing or renting property of the authority
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this chapter, the authority may lease, rent, assign or otherwise dispose of a project, projects or part of any project only to the State, any agency, instrumentality or department of the State or branch of State Government or any related agency of state, county or local government and the revenues derived by the authority from any lease or rental agreement must be used, as necessary, to pay the principal interest and other associated costs on or with respect to any securities issued pursuant to this chapter. [PL 1997, c. 523, §13 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 1901 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 39 / Section 1901
4 §1901. Short title
Status: in_force

This chapter may be known and cited as the Revised Uniform Law on Notarial Acts. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]
4 M.R.S. § 106 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 3 / Section 106
4 §106. Conferences
Status: in_force

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court may from time to time call together the several Justices of the Superior Court at such place as the Chief Justice may appoint for conference as to the conduct and dispatch of judicial business and interchange of views in matters of practice in the court. In addition to their salaries and expenses in holding the several terms of court to which they are assigned, the several justices are entitled to their actual cash disbursements in attending such conferences. [PL 2019, c. 475, §40 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 303 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 7 / Section 303
4 §303. Continuous session; return day for matters requiring public notice
Status: in_force

Probate court shall always be open in each county for all matters over which it has jurisdiction, except upon days on which by law no court is held, but it shall have certain fixed days and places to be made known by public notification thereof in their respective counties to which all matters requiring public notice shall be made returnable, except as otherwise ordered by the judge. In case of the absence of the judge or vacancy in the office at the time of holding any court, the register or acting register may adjourn the same until the judge can attend or some other probate judge can be notified and attend. [PL 1965, c. 238 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 1902 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 39 / Section 1902
4 §1902. Definitions
Status: in_force

As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

1. Acknowledgment. "Acknowledgment" means a declaration by an individual before a notarial officer that the individual has signed a record for the purpose stated in the record and, if the record is signed in a representative capacity, that the individual signed the record with proper authority and signed it as the act of the individual or entity identified in the record. [RR 2023, c. 2, Pt. A, §4 (COR).]

2. Electronic. "Electronic" means relating to technology having electrical, digital, magnetic, wireless, optical, electromagnetic or similar capabilities. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

3. Electronic signature. "Electronic signature" means an electronic symbol, sound or process attached to or logically associated with a record and executed or adopted by an individual with the intent to sign the record. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

4. In a representative capacity. "In a representative capacity" means acting as: A. An authorized officer, agent, partner, trustee or other representative of a person other than an individual; [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] B. A public officer, personal representative, guardian or other representative, in the capacity stated in a record; [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] C. An agent or attorney-in-fact for a principal; or [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] D. An authorized representative of another in any other capacity. [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).]

5. Notarial act. "Notarial act" means an act, whether performed with respect to a tangible or electronic record, that a notarial officer may perform under the laws of this State. "Notarial act" includes taking an acknowledgment, administering an oath or affirmation, taking a verification on oath or affirmation, witnessing or attesting a signature, certifying or attesting a copy and noting a protest of a negotiable instrument or loss in mercantile usage. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

6. Notarial officer. "Notarial officer" means a notary public or other individual authorized to perform a notarial act. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

7. Notary public. "Notary public" means an individual commissioned to perform a notarial act by the Secretary of State. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

8. Official stamp. "Official stamp" means a physical image affixed to or embossed on a tangible record or an electronic image attached to or logically associated with an electronic record and includes an official notary seal. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

9. Person. "Person" means an individual, corporation, business trust, statutory trust, estate, trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture, public corporation, government or governmental subdivision, agency or instrumentality or any other legal or commercial entity. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

10. Record. "Record" means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

11. Sign. "Sign" means, with present intent to authenticate or adopt a record: A. To execute or adopt a tangible symbol; or [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] B. To attach to or logically associate with the record an electronic symbol, sound or process. [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).]

12. Signature. "Signature" means a tangible symbol or an electronic signature that evidences the signing of a record. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

13. Stamping device. "Stamping device" means: A. A physical device capable of affixing to or embossing on a tangible record an official stamp; or [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] B. An electronic device or process capable of attaching to or logically associating with an electronic record an official stamp. [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).]

14. State. "State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

15. Verification on oath or affirmation. "Verification on oath or affirmation" means a declaration made by an individual on oath or affirmation before a notarial officer that a statement in a record is true. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]
4 M.R.S. § 151 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 5 / Section 151
4 §151. Establishment; court of record; seal
Status: in_force

A District Court for the State of Maine, as heretofore established, shall be a court of record and the Chief Judge shall establish a seal.
4 M.R.S. § 9-B — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 1 / Section 9-B
4 §9-B. Committee on judicial responsibility and disability
Status: in_force

The Supreme Judicial Court has the power and authority to prescribe, repeal, add to, amend or modify rules relating to a committee to receive complaints, make investigations and make recommendations to the Supreme Judicial Court in regard to discipline, disability, retirement or removal of justices of the Supreme Judicial Court and the Superior Court and judges of the District Court and the probate courts. [PL 1999, c. 547, Pt. B, §3 (AMD); PL 1999, c. 547, Pt. B, §80 (AFF).]
4 M.R.S. § 565 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 13 / Section 565
4 §565. Examination and correction of records
Status: in_force

The Chief Justice of the Superior Court may cause the records of each clerk to be examined and when found deficient, direct them to be immediately made or corrected, and when such order is not obeyed, the fact of such deficiency shall be certified to the Treasurer of State, who shall cause the clerk's bond to be sued. [PL 1985, c. 68, §3 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 171 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 5 / Section 171
4 §171. Duty on receipt of complaints
Status: in_force

When complaint is made to the proper officer of the District Court charging a person with the commission of a criminal offense, that officer shall issue a warrant for the person's arrest or a summons in such form and under such circumstances as the Supreme Judicial Court may by rule provide. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §5 (COR).]

The officer may, and on complaint shall, cause to be arrested persons found within the officer's county or in an adjoining county under the conditions specified in the first paragraph of section 161 charged with offenses; and those having committed offenses therein or in an adjoining county who have escaped therefrom or from an adjoining county; and all persons charged with offenses and crimes, and all affrayers, rioters, breakers of the peace and violators of the law, and may require such offenders to find sureties for keeping the peace. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §5 (COR).]

A district judge may try those brought before that judge for offenses within that judge's jurisdiction, although the penalty or fine accrues wholly or partly to that judge's town. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §5 (COR).]

Warrants issued by the proper officer of the District Court in criminal cases must be signed by that officer at the time they are issued. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §5 (COR).]
4 M.R.S. § 422 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 8 / Section 422
4 §422. Programs
Status: in_force

1. Coordinator of Diversion and Rehabilitation Programs. The judicial branch shall employ a Coordinator of Diversion and Rehabilitation Programs. The Coordinator of Diversion and Rehabilitation Programs is responsible for helping the judicial branch establish, staff, coordinate, operate and evaluate diversion and rehabilitation programs in the courts. [PL 2003, c. 711, Pt. A, §1 (RPR).]

2. Pass-through services. The Administrative Office of the Courts, with the assistance of the Coordinator of Diversion and Rehabilitation Programs, may enter into cooperative agreements or contracts with: A. The Department of Health and Human Services or other federal-licensed treatment providers or state-licensed treatment providers to provide substance use disorder services for substance use disorder treatment program participants. To the extent possible, the substance use disorder treatment programs must access existing substance use disorder treatment resources for substance use disorder treatment program participants; [PL 2017, c. 407, Pt. A, §3 (AMD).] B. The Department of Corrections, Division of Community Corrections or other appropriate organizations to provide for supervision of substance use disorder treatment program participants; [PL 2017, c. 407, Pt. A, §3 (AMD).] C. The Department of Corrections or other appropriate organizations to provide for drug testing of substance use disorder treatment program participants; [PL 2017, c. 407, Pt. A, §3 (AMD).] D. Appropriate organizations to provide for a drug court manager at each substance use disorder treatment program location; [PL 2017, c. 407, Pt. A, §3 (AMD).] E. Appropriate organizations and agencies for training of substance use disorder treatment program staff and for evaluation of substance use disorder treatment program operations; [PL 2017, c. 407, Pt. A, §3 (AMD).] F. Appropriate local, county and state governmental entities and other appropriate organizations and agencies to encourage the development of diversion and rehabilitation programs; and [PL 2003, c. 711, Pt. A, §2 (NEW).] G. Appropriate organizations and agencies for the provision of medical, educational, vocational, social and psychological services, training, counseling, residential care and other rehabilitative services designed to create, improve or coordinate diversion or rehabilitation programs. [PL 2003, c. 711, Pt. A, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2017, c. 407, Pt. A, §3 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 807-A — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 17 / Section 807-A
4 §807-A. Representation by Bureau of Unemployment Compensation, Department of the Attorney General or Bureau of Revenue Services employees
Status: in_force

Upon the promulgation of and in accordance with rules adopted by the Supreme Judicial Court, employees of the Bureau of Unemployment Compensation may serve civil process and represent the bureau in District Court in disclosure proceedings pursuant to Title 14, chapter 502 , ancillary to the collection of taxes and overpayments for which warrants have been issued pursuant to Title 26, chapter 13 . [PL 1995, c. 560, Pt. G, §2 (AMD).]

Upon promulgation of and in accordance with rules adopted by the Supreme Judicial Court, employees of the Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Bureau of Revenue Services may serve civil process and represent the bureau in District Court in disclosure proceedings pursuant to Title 14, chapter 502 , ancillary to the collection of taxes for which warrants have been issued pursuant to Title 36 , and may represent the State Tax Assessor in arraignment proceedings in District Court in cases in which a criminal complaint has been filed alleging violation of a provision of Title 36 . [PL 2005, c. 683, Pt. A, §3 (RPR).]

Upon the promulgation of and in accordance with rules adopted by the Supreme Judicial Court, employees of the Department of the Attorney General may serve civil process and represent the State in District Court in disclosure proceedings pursuant to Title 14, chapters 502 and 502‑A . [PL 2007, c. 248, §1 (AMD).]

If the Supreme Judicial Court adopts rules under this section, the rules must include the establishment of standards and a method to certify employees of the Bureau of Unemployment Compensation, the Department of the Attorney General and the Bureau of Revenue Services who may represent the State in court under this section as being familiar with court procedures. [PL 2003, c. 278, §4 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 1203 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 27 / Section 1203
4 §1203. Legal process and assignment
Status: in_force

The right of a person to a retirement allowance, the retirement allowance itself, the refund of a person's accumulated contributions, any death benefit, any other right accrued or accruing to a person under this chapter and the money in the various funds created by this chapter are not subject to execution, garnishment, attachment or any other process and are unassignable except that: [PL 1991, c. 746, §2 (RPR); PL 1991, c. 746, §10 (AFF).]

1. Retirement allowance available for child support. A member's retirement allowance is available to satisfy a child support obligation that is otherwise enforceable by execution, garnishment, attachment, assignment or other process; [PL 1991, c. 746, §2 (NEW); PL 1991, c. 746, §10 (AFF).]

2. Accumulated contributions available for child support. A member's accumulated contributions that are refundable under sections 1305‑A and 1305‑B are available to satisfy a child support obligation that is otherwise enforceable by execution, garnishment, attachment, assignment or other process; [PL 2011, c. 606, §5 (AMD).]

3. Qualified domestic relations order. The rights and benefits of a member or retiree under this chapter are subject to the rights of or assignment to an alternate payee, as defined in Title 5, section 17001, subsection 3‑B , under a qualified domestic relations order in accordance with Title 5, section 17059 ; and [PL 2011, c. 606, §6 (AMD).]

4. Forfeiture and restitution. The rights and benefits of a member or retiree under this chapter are subject to forfeiture or assignment to the member's spouse, dependent or former spouse in accordance with the provisions of Title 5, section 17062 . [PL 2011, c. 606, §7 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 1610-F — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 33 / Section 1610-F
4 §1610-F. Additional securities
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 $7,350,000 outstanding at any one time for preliminary planning costs and capital repairs and improvements at various state facilities. [PL 2013, c. 368, Pt. NNN, §1 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 1912 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 39 / Section 1912
4 §1912. Notarial act under authority of federally recognized Indian tribe
Status: in_force

1. Notarial acts under authority of federally recognized Indian tribes recognized. A notarial act performed under the authority and in the jurisdiction of a federally recognized Indian tribe has the same effect as if performed by a notarial officer of this State, if the act performed in the jurisdiction of the tribe is performed by: A. A notary public of the tribe; [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] B. A judge, clerk or deputy clerk of a court of the tribe; or [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] C. Any other individual authorized by the laws of the tribe 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 performing a notarial act under the authority of and in the jurisdiction of a federally recognized Indian tribe 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 a notarial officer described in subsection 1, paragraph A or B 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. § 1235 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 27 / Section 1235
4 §1235. Administrative procedures
Status: in_force

Appeal from the executive director's decision is the same as provided for other programs of the Maine Public Employees Retirement System in Title 5, section 17451 . [PL 2007, c. 491, §39 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 1921 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 39 / Section 1921
4 §1921. Notification regarding performance of notarial act on electronic record; selection of technology; acceptance of tangible copy of electronic record
Status: in_force

1. Selection of technology. A notarial officer may select one or more tamper-evident technologies to perform notarial acts with respect to electronic records. A person may not require a notarial officer to perform a notarial act with respect to an electronic record with a technology that the notarial officer has not selected. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

2. Notification to Secretary of State. Before a notarial officer performs the notarial officer's initial notarial act with respect to an electronic record, the notarial officer shall notify the Secretary of State that the notarial officer will be performing notarial acts with respect to electronic records and identify the technology the notarial officer intends to use. If the Secretary of State has established by rule standards for approval of technology pursuant to section 1928 , the technology must conform to the rules. The Secretary of State shall determine whether the technology proposed by the notarial officer is approved for use in this State. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

3. Tangible copy of electronic record. A register of deeds may accept for recording a tangible copy of an electronic record containing a notarial certificate as satisfying any requirement that a record accepted for recording be an original if the notarial officer executing the notarial certificate certifies that the tangible copy is an accurate copy of the electronic record. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]
4 M.R.S. § 301 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 7 / Section 301
4 §301. Terms; vacancies; salary
Status: in_force

Judges of probate are elected or appointed as provided in the Constitution of Maine. Only attorneys at law admitted to the general practice of law in this State and resident in this State may be elected or appointed as judges of probate. Their election is effected and determined as is provided respecting county commissioners; and they enter upon the discharge of their duties on the first day of January following their election; but, when appointed to fill vacancies, their terms commence on their appointment. Vacancies caused by death, resignation, removal from the county, permanent incapacity as defined in Title 30‑A, section 1, subsection 2‑A or any other reason must be filled as provided in the Constitution of Maine. In the case of a vacancy in the term of a judge of probate who was nominated by primary election before the general election, the judge of probate appointed by the Governor to fill the vacancy until a successor is chosen at election must be enrolled in the same political party as the judge of probate whose term is vacant. In making the appointment, the Governor shall choose from any recommendations submitted to the Governor by the county committee of the political party from which the appointment is to be made. [PL 1995, c. 683, §1 (AMD).]

Judges of probate in the several counties are entitled to receive annual salaries as set forth in Title 30‑A, section 2 . [PL 1995, c. 245, §1 (AMD).]

The fees to which judges of probate are entitled by law must be taxed and collected and paid over by the registers of probate to the county treasurers by the 15th day of every month following the month in which they were collected for the use of their counties with the exception of the fees provided in section 304 , which must be retained by the judge who collects those fees in addition to the judge's salary. [PL 1995, c. 245, §1 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 107 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 3 / Section 107
4 §107. Clerk
Status: in_force

For each county, the Chief Justice shall appoint a person to serve as the clerk of the Superior Court in that county. A clerk of a District Court may also serve as the clerk of a Superior Court. Any deputy clerk, if the deputy's appointment has been temporarily approved by a Justice of the Superior Court then sitting in that county or permanently approved by the Chief Justice of the Superior Court, may, whenever directed by the clerk, act as clerk of the Superior Court at any session in that county. [PL 1995, c. 560, Pt. I, §4 (AMD).]

The clerk of the Superior Court may sign notices to appear in court for hearings on nonpayment of fines, counsel fees or restitution. [PL 1997, c. 135, §1 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 1910 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 39 / Section 1910
4 §1910. Notarial act in this State
Status: in_force

1. Persons authorized to perform notarial acts. A notarial act may be performed in this State by: A. A notary public of this State; [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] B. A justice, judge, clerk or deputy clerk of a court of this State; [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] C. An attorney-at-law duly admitted and eligible to practice in the courts of this State; or [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] D. Any other individual authorized to perform the specific act by the laws of this State. [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 performing a notarial act in this State 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 a notarial 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. Laws on notaries public apply to notarial officers. If a provision of law other than a provision in this chapter specifies that an act may be performed by a notary public, such act may be performed by any of the notarial officers described in subsection 1, paragraph A , B or C unless the law expressly provides otherwise. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]
4 M.R.S. § 854 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 17 / Section 854
4 §854. Judgment final unless appealed
Status: in_force

The judgment of such justice is final unless the respondent within one week files an appeal therefrom to the law court by entering the respondent's claim therefor upon the docket. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §28 (COR).]
4 M.R.S. § 1202 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 27 / Section 1202
4 §1202. Name, establishment and purpose
Status: in_force

There is established the Judicial Retirement Program as a governmental qualified defined benefit plan pursuant to Sections 401(a) and 414(d) of the Internal Revenue Code and such other provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and United States Treasury regulations and other guidance as are applicable, which has the powers and privileges of a corporation. [PL 2009, c. 474, §7 (AMD).]

The purpose of the Judicial Retirement Program is to provide retirement allowances and other benefits under this chapter for judges. [PL 2007, c. 491, §34 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 778 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 15 / Section 778
4 §778. Remedies
Status: in_force

1. Motion. A party may file a motion alleging a violation of this subchapter with the administrative body, court or administrative tribunal in which the action upon which the motion is based is pending or scheduled to be heard. A person need not commence a separate action to allege a violation of this subchapter. [PL 2013, c. 298, §1 (NEW).]

2. Sanction. In addition to remedies that are otherwise available by law, an administrative body, court or administrative tribunal that receives a motion filed pursuant to this section and determines that a person violated this subchapter may refuse to admit the contested transcript and may bar the person from providing services in matters before that administrative body, court or administrative tribunal. [PL 2013, c. 298, §1 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 102 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 3 / Section 102
4 §102. Salary; expenses
Status: in_force

1. Chief justice; salary. The Chief Justice of the Superior Court is entitled to receive a salary, for fiscal year 1998-99 and thereafter, of $94,000, to be paid biweekly. [PL 1997, c. 643, Pt. M, §4 (AMD).]

2. Associate justice; salary. Each Justice of the Superior Court shall receive a salary as follows: A. For fiscal year 1998-99 and thereafter, $90,000, to be paid biweekly. [PL 1997, c. 643, Pt. M, §5 (RPR).] B. [PL 1989, c. 596, Pt. C, §2 (RP).] C. [PL 1989, c. 596, Pt. C, §2 (RP).] D. [PL 1989, c. 596, Pt. C, §2 (RP).] E. [PL 1989, c. 596, Pt. C, §2 (RP).] [PL 1997, c. 643, Pt. M, §5 (AMD).]

2-A. Cost-of-living adjustment. The salaries of the associate justices shall be adjusted as established in Title 4, section 4, subsection 2‑A . [PL 1989, c. 501, Pt. O, §§13, 22 (NEW); PL 1989, c. 600, Pt. B, §§9, 10 (AMD); PL 1989, c. 878, Pt. D, §§14, 15 (AMD).]

3. Expenses. Section 4 , relating to reimbursement of Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court for expenses incurred by them, including clerical assistance, applies to Justices of the Superior Court. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court or the Chief Justice's designee may specify by order a maximum amount to be expended by any justice for clerical assistance. [PL 2019, c. 475, §39 (AMD).]

4. Exception. The salary provisions of this section shall not apply to justices who have retired prior to December 1, 1984. [PL 1983, c. 853, Pt. C, §§7, 18 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 104-A — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 3 / Section 104-A
4 §104-A. Per diem compensation for Active Retired Superior Court Justices
Status: in_force

Any Active Retired Justice of the Superior Court who performs judicial service at the direction and assignment of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court is compensated for those services at the rate of $350 per day or $200 per 1/2 day, as long as the total compensation received under this section by an Active Retired Justice of the Superior Court in any calendar year does not exceed 75% of the annual salary of a Justice of the Superior Court set pursuant to section 102 . An Active Retired Justice of the Superior Court who receives compensation under this section does not accrue additional creditable service for benefit calculation purposes and is not entitled to any other employee benefit, including health, dental or life insurance. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. XXXX, §2 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 172 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 5 / Section 172
4 §172. Judge unable to attend; continuance
Status: in_force

Whenever a District Judge is unable to attend court, any clerk of the District Court may continue any case in such court for a period of not more than 14 days.
4 M.R.S. § 1255 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 27 / Section 1255
4 §1255. Legislative findings and intent
Status: in_force

1. Findings. The Legislature finds that the State owes a great debt to its retired judges for their years of faithful and productive service. Part of that debt is repaid by the benefits provided to judges through the Judicial Retirement Program. [PL 2007, c. 491, §44 (AMD).]

2. Intent. It is the intent of the Legislature that there is appropriated and transferred annually to the Judicial Retirement Program the funds necessary to meet the program's long-term and short-term financial obligations based on the actuarial assumptions established by the board of trustees upon the advice of the actuary. The goal of the actuarial assumptions is to achieve a fully funded program. The program's unfunded liability for members formerly subject to sections 5, 103 and 157-A, is funded by annual appropriations over the funding period of the program. This section does not apply to justices and judges who retired prior to December 1, 1984. [PL 2007, c. 491, §44 (AMD).]

3. Implementation. It is the responsibility of the board of trustees to calculate the funds necessary to maintain the program on an actuarially sound basis, including the unfunded liability arising from payment of benefits for which contributions were not received and to transmit those calculations to the State Budget Officer as required by Title 5, sections 1661 to 1667 . It is the responsibility of the Legislature to appropriate and transfer those funds annually. [PL 2007, c. 491, §44 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 171-A — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 5 / Section 171-A
4 §171-A. Traffic infraction and civil violation complaints
Status: in_force

1. Traffic infraction. When a complaint is made to the proper officer of the District Court charging a person with the commission of a traffic infraction the officer of the District Court shall cause to be served upon the person a Violation Summons and Complaint or other process in such form and under such circumstances as the Supreme Judicial Court shall by rule provide. [PL 1991, c. 733, §1 (NEW).]

2. Civil violations. When a complaint is made to the proper officer of the District Court charging a person with the commission of a civil violation other than a traffic infraction, the officer of the District Court shall cause to be served upon the person a Uniform Summons and Complaint or other process in such form and under such circumstances as the Supreme Judicial Court shall by rule provide. The clerk of each division may accept an admission to a civil violation upon payment of a fine and surcharge in accordance with a schedule of violations, fines and surcharges, within the limits prescribed by law, established by the Chief Judge, which the Chief Judge may amend. [PL 2017, c. 329, §1 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 1904 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 39 / Section 1904
4 §1904. Authority to perform notarial act
Status: in_force

1. Notarial acts authorized. A notarial officer may perform a notarial act authorized by this chapter or by a law of this State other than this chapter. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

2. Certification of electronic records. A notarial officer may certify that a tangible copy of an electronic record is an accurate copy of the electronic record. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

3. Conflict of interest. A notarial officer may not perform a notarial act with regard to which the notarial officer has a conflict of interest as set forth in this subsection. A. A notarial officer may not perform any notarial act for any person if that person is the officer's spouse, domestic partner, parent, sibling or child or an in-law or a step or half relative of the officer. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] B. A notarial officer may not perform any notarial act with respect to a record to which the notarial officer or the officer's spouse, domestic partner, parent, sibling or child or an in-law or a step or half relative of the officer is a party or in which any of them has a direct beneficial interest. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] C. Notwithstanding paragraphs A and B , a notarial officer authorized by Title 19‑A, section 655 to solemnize marriages may solemnize the marriage of a parent, sibling or child or an in-law or a step or half relative of the officer. [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. Acts of notarial officer who is interested in corporation. Any notarial officer who is a stockholder, director, officer or employee of a bank or other corporation may take the acknowledgment of any party to any written instrument executed to or by the bank or corporation, may administer an oath to any other stockholder, director, officer, employee or agent of the bank or corporation or may protest for nonacceptance or nonpayment bills of exchange, drafts, checks, notes and other negotiable instruments that may be owned or held for collection by the bank or other corporation. It is unlawful for any notarial officer to take the acknowledgment of an instrument by or to a bank or other corporation of which the notarial officer is a stockholder, director, officer or employee when the notarial officer is a party to the instrument, either individually or as a representative of the bank or other corporation, or to protest any negotiable instrument owned or held for collection by the bank or other corporation, when the notarial officer is individually a party to the instrument. [RR 2023, c. 2, Pt. A, §5 (COR).]

5. Direct initiative or people's veto referendum. A notarial officer may not administer an oath or affirmation to a circulator of a petition for a direct initiative or people's veto referendum under Title 21‑A, section 902 if the notarial officer also provides services that are not notarial acts to initiate or promote that direct initiative or people's veto referendum. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

6. Voidable notarial acts. A notarial act performed in violation of subsection 3 , 4 or 5 is voidable. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]
4 M.R.S. § 1303 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 27 / Section 1303
4 §1303. State contribution
Status: in_force

1. Payment. For each member, the State shall pay annually into the fund an amount known as the employer contribution. [PL 1989, c. 133, §25 (AMD).]

2. Employer contribution rate. The rate of the employer contribution is fixed on the basis of the assets and liabilities of the Judicial Retirement Program as shown by actuarial valuation and is expressed as a percentage of the annual earnable compensation of each member. A. The employer contribution rate represents the percentage of the members' compensation payable during periods of membership required to provide the difference between the total liabilities for retirement allowances not provided by the members' contributions and the amount of the assets in the fund. [PL 2007, c. 491, §46 (AMD).] B. The employer contribution rate is determined on actuarial bases adopted by the board of trustees. The rate is determined by the board of trustees after each valuation and continues in force until a new valuation is made. [PL 2007, c. 491, §46 (AMD).] [PL 2007, c. 491, §46 (AMD).]

3. State contribution procedure. The board of trustees shall submit budget estimates to the State Budget Officer in accordance with Title 5, section 1665 . On each payroll for judges from which retirement contributions are deducted, the State Controller shall cause a charge to be made of an amount or amounts in payment of the state costs of all charges related to the Judicial Retirement Program and which must be credited to the appropriate accounts of the fund. Percentage rates to be predetermined by the actuary and approved by the board of trustees must be applied to the total gross salaries of members appearing on those payrolls and the resultant charges must be periodically credited to the retirement fund. [PL 2007, c. 491, §46 (AMD).]

4. Minimum amount of employer contribution. The aggregate payment by the State into the fund must be at least sufficient to provide the benefits payable out of the fund and the administrative operating expenses of the Judicial Retirement Program during the current year. [PL 2007, c. 491, §46 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 1916 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 39 / Section 1916
4 §1916. Certificate of notarial act
Status: in_force

1. Certificate required. A notarial act must be evidenced by a certificate. The certificate must: A. Be executed contemporaneously with the performance of the notarial act; [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] B. Be signed and dated by the notarial officer and, if the notarial officer is a notary public, be signed in the same manner as on file with the Secretary of State; [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] C. Identify the jurisdiction in which the notarial act is performed; [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] D. Contain the title of office of the notarial officer; [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] E. If the notarial officer is a notary public, indicate the date of expiration of the officer's commission; and [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] F. Contain the legibly printed or typed name of the notarial officer. [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. Stamp requirements. If a notarial act regarding a tangible record is performed by a notarial officer, an official stamp may be affixed to or embossed on the certificate. If a notarial act regarding an electronic record is performed by a notary public and the certificate contains the information specified in subsection 1, paragraphs B , C and D , an official stamp must be attached to or logically associated with the certificate. [PL 2023, c. 304, Pt. B, §1 (AMD); PL 2023, c. 304, Pt. B, §7 (AFF).]

3. Sufficiency of certificate. A certificate of a notarial act is sufficient if it meets the requirements of subsections 1 and 2 and: A. Is in a short form set forth in section 1917 ; [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] B. Is in a form otherwise permitted by the laws of this State; [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] C. Is in a form permitted by the law applicable in the jurisdiction in which the notarial act was performed; or [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] D. Sets forth the actions of the notarial officer and the actions are sufficient to meet the requirements of the notarial act as provided in sections 1905 , 1906 and 1907 or a law of this State other than this chapter. [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. Execution of certificate certifies compliance. By executing a certificate of a notarial act, a notarial officer certifies that the officer has complied with the requirements and made the determinations specified in sections 1904 , 1905 and 1906 . [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

5. Notarial act to precede signature. A notarial officer may not affix the officer's signature to, or logically associate it with, a certificate until the notarial act has been performed. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

6. Certificate to be attached. If a notarial act is performed regarding a tangible record, a certificate must be part of, or securely attached to, the record. If a notarial act is performed regarding an electronic record, the certificate must be affixed to, or logically associated with, the electronic record. If the Secretary of State has established standards by rule pursuant to section 1928 for attaching, affixing or logically associating the certificate, the process must conform to the standards. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]
4 M.R.S. § 1054 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 23 / Section 1054
4 §1054. Surety bonds authorized in civil and criminal cases
Status: in_force

In any civil or criminal action or mesne process or other process when a bail bond, recognizance or personal sureties or other obligation is required, or whenever any person is arrested and is required or permitted to recognize with sureties for that person's appearance in court, the court official or other authority authorized by law to accept and approve the same shall accept and approve in lieu thereof, when offered, a good and sufficient surety bond duly executed by a surety company authorized to do business in this State. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §43 (COR).]
4 M.R.S. § 104 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 3 / Section 104
4 §104. Active retired justices
Status: in_force

Any Justice of the Superior Court who has retired from the court under this chapter in effect prior to December 1, 1984, or any Justice of the Superior Court who retires or terminates that justice's 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 Superior Court. The Governor, subject to review by the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over judiciary matters and to confirmation by the Legislature, may appoint any eligible justice as an Active Retired Justice of the Superior Court for a term of 7 years, unless sooner removed. That justice may be reappointed for a like term. Any justice so appointed and designated thereupon constitutes a part of the court from which that justice has retired and has the same jurisdiction and is subject to the same restrictions therein as before retirement. An Active Retired Justice of the Superior Court may serve as an arbitrator and conduct arbitration in accordance with rules that may be adopted by the Supreme Judicial Court, except that nothing in this section requires the Supreme Judicial Court to adopt those rules. An Active Retired Justice of the Superior Court may chair screening panels in accordance with Title 24, chapter 21, subchapter 4‑A . An Active Retired Justice of the Superior Court may act only in the cases and matters and hold court only at the terms and times as that justice is directed and assigned by the Chief Justice of the Superior Court. Any Active Retired Justice of the Superior Court may be directed by the Chief Justice to hold any term of the Superior Court in any county and when so directed has authority and jurisdiction therein the same as if that justice were the regular justice of that court. Whenever the Chief Justice of the Superior Court so orders, that justice may hear all matters and issue all orders, notices, decrees and judgments in vacation that any justice of that Superior Court is authorized to hear and issue. An Active Retired Justice of the Superior Court may be assigned by the Chief Justice of the Superior Court to act as a mediator for the foreclosure mediation program in accordance with Title 14, section 6321‑A, subsection 7 . An Active Retired Justice of the Superior Court receives reimbursement for expenses actually and reasonably incurred in the performance of that justice's duties. [PL 2009, c. 402, §2 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 855 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 17 / Section 855
4 §855. Appeals
Status: in_force

The appeal must be heard upon printed copies of the case furnished by the respondent at the next law term. If the case is not argued, it must be decided upon the record, and if the respondent fails to enter an appeal with the printed copies of the case during the first 3 days of said law term, the counsel for the prosecution shall enter the appeal with an attested copy of the judgment and decree, whereupon the same must be affirmed by the law court. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §29 (COR).]
4 M.R.S. § 51 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 1 / Section 51
4 §51. Constitution of court; concurrence required
Status: in_force

When sitting as a Law Court to determine questions of law arising in any civil or criminal action or proceeding, the Supreme Judicial Court must be composed as provided by rules adopted by that court and shall hear and determine such questions by the concurrence of a majority of the justices sitting and qualified to act. [PL 2007, c. 518, §1 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 802 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 17 / Section 802
4 §802. Attorneys from other states
Status: in_force

Attorneys who are practicing law in other states, territories or foreign countries may be admitted on motion to try cases in any of the courts of this State by those courts, but shall not be admitted to the general practice of law in this State without complying with section 805‑A . [PL 1985, c. 124, §2 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 162 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 5 / Section 162
4 §162. Place for holding court; suitable quarters
Status: in_force

In each division, the place for holding court must be located in a state, county or municipal building designated by the Chief Judge 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 Judge considers necessary, within the limits of the budget and the funds available, to provide suitable quarters, adequately furnished and equipped for the District Court in each division. [PL 2011, c. 691, Pt. B, §4 (AMD).]

The facilities of the Superior Court in each county when that court is not in session must be available for use by the District Court of that division in which such facilities are located. Arrangements for such use must be made by the Chief Judge. [PL 2009, c. 415, Pt. B, §1 (AMD).]

If the Chief Judge is unable to negotiate the leases, contracts and other arrangements as provided in this section, the Chief Judge 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 Judge considers necessary, within the limits of the budget and funds available, to provide suitable quarters, adequately furnished and equipped for the District Court in privately owned buildings. [PL 2011, c. 691, Pt. B, §4 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 1801 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 37 / Section 1801
4 §1801. Maine Commission on Public Defense Services; established
Status: in_force

The Maine Commission on Public Defense Services, established by Title 5, section 12004‑G, subsection 25‑A , is an independent commission whose purpose is to provide high-quality, effective and efficient representation and promote due process for persons who receive indigent legal services in parity with the resources of the State and consistent with federal and state constitutional and statutory obligations. The commission shall work to ensure the delivery of indigent legal services by qualified and competent counsel in a manner that is fair and consistent throughout the State and to ensure adequate funding of a statewide system of indigent legal services, which must be provided and managed in a fiscally responsible manner, free from undue political interference and conflicts of interest. [PL 2023, c. 638, §1 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 777 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 15 / Section 777
4 §777. Construction; pro bono services
Status: in_force

Nothing in this chapter may be construed to limit the ability of a court reporting services provider to provide pro bono services to persons or parties with limited means. [PL 2013, c. 298, §1 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 1924 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 39 / Section 1924
4 §1924. Grounds to deny, refuse to renew, revoke, suspend or condition commission of notary public
Status: in_force

1. Grounds. The Secretary of State may deny, refuse to renew, revoke, suspend or impose a condition on a notary public commission for any act or omission that demonstrates the individual lacks the honesty, integrity, competence or reliability to act as a notary public, including: A. Failure to comply with this chapter; [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] B. A fraudulent, dishonest or deceitful statement or omission in the application for a notary public commission submitted to the Secretary of State; [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] C. A conviction of the applicant or notary public of any crime punishable by one year or more imprisonment or a crime involving fraud, dishonesty or deceit; [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] D. A finding against, or admission of liability by, the applicant or notary public in any legal proceeding or disciplinary action based on the applicant's or notary public's fraud, dishonesty or deceit; [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] E. Failure by the notary public to discharge any duty required of a notary public, whether by this chapter, rules of the Secretary of State or any federal or state law; [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] F. Use of false or misleading advertising or representation by the notary public representing that the notary public has a duty, right or privilege that the notary public does not have; [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] G. Violation by the notary public of a rule of the Secretary of State regarding a notary public; [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] H. Denial, refusal to renew, revocation, suspension or conditioning of a notary public commission in another state; or [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] I. Violation of Title 21‑A, section 903‑E . [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. Right to hearing. If the Secretary of State denies, refuses to renew, revokes, suspends or imposes conditions on a notary public commission, the applicant or notary public is entitled to timely notice and hearing in accordance with Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 4 . [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

3. Remedies preserved. The authority of the Secretary of State to deny, refuse to renew, suspend, revoke or impose conditions on a notary public commission does not prevent a person from seeking and obtaining other criminal or civil remedies provided by law. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]
4 M.R.S. § 15 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 1 / Section 15
4 §15. Administrative Office of the Courts; appointment of State Court Administrator
Status: in_force

There is an Administrative Office of the Courts, directed by a State Court Administrator who is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court. The State Court Administrator shall devote full time to the official duties of this position to the exclusion of any profession for profit. The State Court Administrator must have experience and skills in leadership, management, planning and administration. [PL 1993, c. 675, Pt. C, §1 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 654 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 15 / Section 654
4 §654. Death or disability
Status: in_force

When in any criminal case any material part of a transcript of the evidence taken by the Official Court Reporter cannot be obtained because of that court reporter's death or disability, the justice who presided at the trial of the case shall on motion, after notice and hearing, if it is evident that the lack of such transcript prejudices the respondent in prosecuting that respondent's exceptions or appeal, set aside any verdict rendered in the case and grant a new trial at any time within one year after it was returned. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §18 (COR).]
4 M.R.S. § 852 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 17 / Section 852
4 §852. Denial of charges; information to stand for hearing
Status: in_force

If the attorney on whom such service has been made, on or before said return day files in the office of the clerk of courts in said county of return a denial of the charges specified in the information, the information shall thereupon stand upon the docket for hearing at such time and place as said justice shall order, upon such lawful evidence as may be produced either by the State or by the respondent.
4 M.R.S. § 811 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 17 / Section 811
4 §811. Person defined
Status: in_force

"Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership or association. [PL 1965, c. 92, §2 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 776 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 15 / Section 776
4 §776. Exception; governmental entities
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding section 773 , if authorized or required by law, ordinance or rule, a governmental entity may obtain court reporting services on a long-term basis through competitive bidding. [PL 2013, c. 298, §1 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 154 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 5 / Section 154
4 §154. Districts
Status: in_force

The judicial divisions are organized into 13 districts, as follows, with the place for holding court shown in parentheses after the name of each division:

1. First District. The first district consists of the divisions of Eastern Aroostook (Caribou) and Western Aroostook (Fort Kent). [PL 2025, c. 436, §3 (AMD).]

2. Second District. The 2nd district consists of the divisions of Central Aroostook (Presque Isle) and Southern Aroostook (Houlton).

3. Third District. The 3rd district consists of the divisions of Southern Penobscot (Bangor) and Western Penobscot (Newport). [PL 1965, c. 237, §2 (AMD).]

4. Fourth District. The 4th district consists of the divisions of Northern Washington (Calais) and Southern Washington (Machias).

5. Fifth District. The 5th district consists of the divisions of Hancock (Ellsworth) and Waldo (Belfast). [PL 2005, c. 397, Pt. C, §7 (AMD); PL 2005, c. 397, Pt. C, §8 (AFF).]

6. Sixth District. The 6th district consists of the divisions of Bath-Brunswick (Bath, West Bath or Brunswick), Lincoln (Wiscasset) and Knox (Rockland). [PL 1989, c. 891, Pt. A, §5 (AMD).]

7. Seventh District. The 7th district consists of the divisions of Northern Kennebec (Waterville) and Southern Kennebec (Augusta). [PL 1965, c. 425, §3 (AMD).]

8. Eighth District. The 8th district consists of the division of Androscoggin (Lewiston). [PL 2025, c. 436, §4 (AMD).]

9. Ninth District. The 9th district consists of the divisions of Southern Cumberland (Portland) and Northern Cumberland (Bridgton). [PL 1965, c. 425, §3 (AMD).]

10. Tenth District. The 10th district consists of the division of York (Biddeford or any other court facility in the division). [PL 2021, c. 633, §4 (AMD); PL 2021, c. 633, §5 (AFF).]

11. Eleventh District. The 11th district consists of the divisions of Northern Oxford (Rumford) and Southern Oxford (South Paris). [PL 2003, c. 673, Pt. JJJ, §5 (AMD).]

12. Twelfth District. The 12th district consists of the divisions of Somerset (Skowhegan) and Franklin (Farmington). [PL 1965, c. 237, §4 (AMD).]

13. Thirteenth District. The 13th district consists of the divisions of Piscataquis (Dover-Foxcroft), Northern Penobscot (Millinocket) and Central Penobscot (Lincoln).
4 M.R.S. § 1556 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 32 / Section 1556
4 §1556. Appointment of guardian ad litem in child protection cases under Title 22
Status: in_force

1. Appointment of guardian ad litem. An order appointing a guardian ad litem pursuant to Title 22, section 4005 must specify the terms and conditions of the appointment as provided in Title 22 , this chapter and rules adopted by the Supreme Judicial Court. [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).]

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 and specific duties, including the filing of a written report. [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. In pursuit of the best interests of the child, the guardian ad litem must be given access to all reports and records relevant to the case and shall investigate to ascertain the facts. [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).] D. The guardian ad litem must be provided access to the child by any agency or person. [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).] E. The guardian ad litem shall file such reports, motions, responses or objections as necessary and appropriate to the stage of the case to assist the court in identifying the best interests of the child and provide copies to all parties of record. [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).] F. The guardian ad litem shall appear at all child protection proceedings, unless previously excused by order of the court, and other proceedings as ordered by the court. The guardian ad litem may present evidence and ensure that, when appropriate, witnesses are called and examined, including, but not limited to, foster parents and psychiatric, psychological, medical or other expert witnesses. If the guardian ad litem testifies, the guardian ad litem must be duly sworn as a witness and be subject to cross-examination. In the event any new developments or significant changes in the child's circumstances occur during the pendency of the court process, the guardian ad litem may file appropriate pleadings. [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).] G. The guardian ad litem shall protect the interests of the child who is a witness in any judicial proceeding relating to the case in which the guardian ad litem has been appointed. The guardian ad litem may advocate for special procedures, including, but not limited to, special procedures to protect the child witness from unnecessary psychological harm resulting from the child's testimony, with or without the consent of other parties. [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).] H. The guardian ad litem shall recommend appropriate services, by motion for court order if necessary, to access entitlements, to protect the child's interests and to implement a service plan. [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).] I. The hourly rate of compensation for the guardian ad litem may not be less than the rate of compensation established by the Maine Commission on Public Defense Services pursuant to section 1804, subsection 3, paragraph F . Nothing in this paragraph prohibits the court from establishing maximum fees and other reasonable requirements relating to guardian ad litem billing and compensation. [PL 2015, c. 439, §1 (NEW); PL 2015, c. 439, §3 (AFF); PL 2023, c. 558, §13 (REV).] [PL 2015, c. 439, §1 (AMD); PL 2015, c. 439, §3 (AFF); PL 2023, c. 558, §13 (REV).]

3. 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).]

4. 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).]
4 M.R.S. § 17-A — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 1 / Section 17-A
4 §17-A. Publications and technology
Status: in_force

1. Informational publications and record searches. The State Court Administrator may establish a fee schedule to cover the cost of printing and distribution of publications and forms, the procedures for the sale of these publications and forms and record searches performed by Judicial Department employees. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. YYYY, §1 (AMD).]

2. Fund; fees deposited. All fees collected under this section from the sale of publications or forms must be deposited in a fund for use by the State Court Administrator to fund publications, forms and information technology. Twenty percent of fees collected for record searches under subsection 1 must be deposited in the fund, and 80% of fees collected for such record searches must be deposited in the General Fund. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. YYYY, §1 (AMD).]

3. Fees and surcharges for electronic filing. The Supreme Judicial Court may by court rules or administrative orders raise or establish fees for online case searches performed by Judicial Department employees and electronic document delivery and case filings and surcharges on fines to support the operating costs of maintaining an electronic filing and court information management system. All revenues collected under this subsection must be deposited in a fund to be used for those operating costs, including, but not limited to, costs of electronic filing, imaging and hardware, software maintenance fees and hardware maintenance fees and personnel costs. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. YYYY, §1 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 1302 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 27 / Section 1302
4 §1302. Creditable service
Status: in_force

Creditable service for the purpose of determining benefits under this chapter shall be allowed as follows: [PL 1983, c. 853, Pt. C, §§ 15, 18 (NEW).]

1. Membership service. All judicial service of a member after November 30, 1984, for which contributions are made shall be allowed as creditable service. [PL 1989, c. 133, §24 (AMD).]

1-A. Prior service. All service of a member as a judge before December 1, 1984, shall be allowed as creditable service. [PL 1983, c. 863, Pt. B, §§ 19, 45 (NEW).]

2. Disability retirement. The period following the termination of service for which a beneficiary receives disability retirement allowance payments under section 1353 shall be allowed as membership service. [PL 1983, c. 863, Pt. B, §§ 19, 45 (AMD).]

3. State Employee and Teacher Retirement Program and Legislative Retirement Program service. Creditable service as a member of the State Employee and Teacher Retirement Program or the Legislative Retirement Program must be allowed as creditable service of the Judicial Retirement Program as follows. A. Any member who has not withdrawn that member's accumulated contributions with the State Employee and Teacher Retirement Program may, upon appointment as a judge, have that member's State Employee and Teacher Retirement Program contributions and membership service transferred to that member's account with the Judicial Retirement Program and all creditable service resulting from membership in the State Employee and Teacher Retirement Program is creditable service in the Judicial Retirement Program. All funds in the State Employee and Teacher Retirement Program contributed by the employer on account of employment are transferred to the Judicial Retirement Program and must be used to liquidate the liability incurred by reason of that member's previous employment. The State shall make such contributions, from time to time, as may be necessary to provide the benefits under the Judicial Retirement Program for the member as have accrued to the member by reason of the member's previous employment and may accrue to the member by reason of membership in the Judicial Retirement Program. [PL 2007, c. 491, §45 (AMD).] A-1. Any member who has not withdrawn that member’s accumulated contributions with the Legislative Retirement Program may, upon appointment as a judge, elect to have that member’s Legislative Retirement Program contributions and membership service transferred to that member’s account with the Judicial Retirement Program and have all creditable service resulting from membership in the Legislative Retirement Program count as creditable service in the Judicial Retirement Program. The member must pay an amount that, together with regular interest on that amount, is the actuarial equivalent, at the effective date of the retirement benefit, of the portion of the retirement benefit that results from inclusion of the creditable service in the Legislative Retirement Program as creditable service in the Judicial Retirement Program. All funds in the Legislative Retirement Program contributed by the employer on account of the member’s previous membership in the Legislative Retirement Program are transferred to the Judicial Retirement Program and must be used to liquidate the liability incurred by reason of that member’s previous membership. [PL 2009, c. 267, §1 (NEW).] B. Any member who has withdrawn that member's accumulated contributions from the State Employee and Teacher Retirement Program or the Legislative Retirement Program may, subsequent to appointment as a judge and prior to the date any retirement allowance becomes effective for that member, deposit in the fund by a single payment or by an increased rate of contribution an amount equal to the accumulated contributions withdrawn by that member together with interest at 2% greater than regular interest from the date of withdrawal to the date of repayment. If repayment is made in installments, interest continues to accrue on the outstanding balance. The member is entitled to all creditable service that the member acquired during previous membership. In the event any retirement allowance becomes effective before repayment is completed, the member is entitled to credit for that portion of the total of the previous creditable service which the total amount of payments actually made bears to the total amount, including interest at 2% greater than regular interest from the date of withdrawal to the date the retirement allowance becomes effective. [PL 2009, c. 267, §1 (AMD).] C. [PL 1985, c. 693, §8 (RP).] D. A person may not receive benefits under both the Judicial Retirement Program and the State Employee and Teacher Retirement Program or the Legislative Retirement Program based upon the same period of service. [PL 2009, c. 267, §1 (AMD).] [PL 2009, c. 267, §1 (AMD).]

4. Amount of service per year. The board shall establish by rule the amount of creditable service to be granted for service rendered during a year, subject to the following conditions. A. No credit may be allowed for a period of absence without pay of more than one month's duration; and [PL 1983, c. 853, Pt. C, §§ 15, 18 (NEW).] B. No more than one year of service may be credited for all service in one calendar year. [PL 1983, c. 853, Pt. C, §§ 15, 18 (NEW).] [PL 1983, c. 853, Pt. C, §§ 15, 18 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 202 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 7 / Section 202
4 §202. Oaths and acknowledgments
Status: in_force

All oaths required to be taken by personal representatives, trustees, guardians, conservators, or of any other persons in relation to any proceeding in the probate court, or to perpetuate the evidence of the publication of any order of notice, may be administered by the judge or register of probate or any notary public. A certificate thereof, when taken out of court, must be returned into the registry of probate and there filed. When any person of whom such oath is required, excluding any parent executing a surrender and release or a consent under Title 18‑C, section 9‑202 , resides temporarily or permanently outside the State, the oath or acknowledgment may be taken before and be certified by a notary public outside the State, a commissioner for the State of Maine or a United States Consul. [PL 2025, c. 168, §1 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 122 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 3 / Section 122
4 §122. Annual training; domestic violence and child abuse issues
Status: in_force

The Chief Justice of the Superior Court shall establish annual training and education designed to inform Justices of the Superior Court on domestic violence and child abuse, neglect and maltreatment issues. [PL 2021, c. 723, §2 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 1903 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 39 / Section 1903
4 §1903. Applicability
Status: in_force

This chapter applies to a notarial act performed on or after July 1, 2023. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]
4 M.R.S. § 1917 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 39 / Section 1917
4 §1917. Short form certificates
Status: in_force

The following short form certificates of notarial acts are sufficient for the purposes indicated, if completed with the information required by section 1916, subsections 1 and 2 . [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

1. Individual capacity. For an acknowledgment in an individual capacity: State of ……………………………………………………. County of …….……………………………………………. This record was acknowledged before me on ………… by ………………………… Date Name(s) of individual(s) ……………………………………………… Signature of notarial officer Stamp or printed name ………………….. […………………………………………] Title of office [My commission expires: ……………] [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

2. Representative capacity. For an acknowledgment in a representative capacity: State of ………………………………………………….. County of ………………………………………………… This record was acknowledged before me on ………… by …………………………. Date Name(s) of individual(s) as (type of authority, such as officer or trustee) of (name of party on behalf of whom record was executed). ……………………………………………. Signature of notarial officer Stamp or printed name ………………….. [……………………………………….] Title of office [My commission expires: …………..] [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

3. Oath or affirmation. For a verification on oath or affirmation: State of …………………………………………………….. County of ………………………………………………….. Signed and sworn to (or affirmed) before me on ………… by ………………………… Date Name(s) of individual(s) making statement ………………………………………… Signature of notarial officer Stamp or printed name ………………….. [………………………………………] Title of office [My commission expires: …………..] [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

4. Signature. For witnessing or attesting a signature: State of ……………………………………………………… County of ………………………………………………..… Signed [or attested] before me on …………. by …………………………….. Date Name(s) of individual(s) ………………………………………… Signature of notarial officer Stamp or printed name ………………….. […………………………………………….] Title of office [My commission expires: …………..] [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

5. Copy of a record. For certifying a copy of a record: State of …………………………………………………….. County of …………………………………………………. I certify that this is a true and correct copy of a record in the possession of …………………………………………………….. Dated …………………………………. …………………………………………… Signature of notarial officer Stamp or printed name ………………….. […………………………………………] Title of office [My commission expires: …………] [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]
4 M.R.S. § 1305-B — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 27 / Section 1305-B
4 §1305-B. Inactive accounts
Status: in_force

1. Conditions for refund. The retirement system may make an automatic refund of contributions to a member who has not properly applied for a refund as provided in section 1305‑A and who has terminated service, except by death or by retirement under this chapter, and who has not met the minimum creditable service requirement for eligibility to receive a service retirement benefit at the applicable age under the following conditions: A. The member account in the retirement system has been inactive for 3 or more years; [PL 2007, c. 137, §8 (NEW).] B. Only accumulated contributions made by the member or picked up by the employer may be refunded to that member under this subsection; and [PL 2007, c. 137, §8 (NEW).] C. A member who receives an automatic refund under this subsection may, within 30 days of the issuance of the refund, return the full refunded amount to the retirement system. Upon receipt, the retirement system shall restore the accumulated contributions to the member’s credit. [PL 2007, c. 137, §8 (NEW).] Pursuant to the Code, Section 401(a)(31)(B), the amount of an automatic refund under this section may not exceed $1,000. [PL 2009, c. 474, §9 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 752 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 15 / Section 752
4 §752. Reading and signing transcript of testimony
Status: in_force

In cases when the person testifying or submitting to examination is required by law to sign that person's testimony or examination, the transcript made as provided in section 751 must be read to the person whose testimony or examination it is, at a time and place to be appointed by the judge, unless such person or that person's counsel in writing waives such reading. If it is found to be accurate, or if it contains errors or mistakes or alleged errors or mistakes and such errors or mistakes are either corrected or the proceedings had in relation to the same as provided, such transcript must be signed by the person whose testimony or examination it is. When the reading of a transcript is waived as provided by this section, such transcript must be considered correct. In all other cases the transcript need not be signed but must be considered to be complete and correct without signing and has the same effect as if signed. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §20 (COR).]
4 M.R.S. § 1301 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 27 / Section 1301
4 §1301. Membership
Status: in_force

Every judge serving on the court on or after December 1, 1984 must be a member of the Judicial Retirement Program as a condition of employment. [PL 2009, c. 415, Pt. A, §2 (AMD).]

A member ceases to be a member when that member withdraws that member's contributions, becomes a beneficiary as a result of that member's own retirement or dies. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §44 (COR).]

The State Court Administrator shall submit to the board a statement showing the name, title, compensation, sex, date of birth and length of service of each member and any other information as the board may require at such times as the board may require. [PL 1983, c. 863, Pt. B, §§ 18, 45 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 1613 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 33 / Section 1613
4 §1613. Liberal construction
Status: in_force

This Act, being necessary for the welfare of the State and its inhabitants, shall be liberally construed to effect its purposes. To the extent of any conflict between this Act and any other law, this Act shall prevail, but the power and authority granted by this Act shall be considered to be in addition to and not in derogation of power and authority granted by any other law. [PL 1987, c. 438, §1 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 1610-G — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 33 / Section 1610-G
4 §1610-G. 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 in an amount not to exceed $15,000,000 outstanding at any one time for paying the costs associated with planning, purchasing, customizing and implementing a case management, data storage and electronic filing system for the Supreme Judicial Court, Superior Court and District Court, including the violations bureau. [PL 2013, c. 571, §1 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 810 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 17 / Section 810
4 §810. Remedies and procedures additional
Status: in_force

The remedies and procedures provided in sections 808 to 811 are in addition to and not in substitution for other available remedies and procedures. [PL 1965, c. 92, §2 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 198 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 6 / Section 198
4 §198. Rules
Status: in_force

The Supreme Judicial Court may promulgate rules to implement the purposes of this chapter. [PL 1981, c. 501, §1 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 1805 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 37 / Section 1805
4 §1805. Executive director
Status: in_force

The executive director of the commission hired pursuant to section 1804, subsection 1 shall: [PL 2009, c. 419, §2 (NEW).]

1. Compliance with standards. Ensure that the provision of indigent legal services complies with all constitutional, statutory and ethical standards; [PL 2009, c. 419, §2 (NEW).]

2. Development of standards. Assist the commission in developing standards for the delivery of adequate indigent legal services; [PL 2009, c. 419, §2 (NEW).]

3. Delivery and supervision. Administer and coordinate delivery of indigent legal services and supervise compliance with commission standards; [PL 2009, c. 419, §2 (NEW).]

4. Most effective method of delivery. Recommend to the commission the most effective method of the delivery of indigent legal services in furtherance of the commission's purposes; [PL 2009, c. 419, §2 (NEW).]

5. Training for counsel. Conduct regular training programs for counsel providing indigent legal services; [PL 2009, c. 419, §2 (NEW).]

6. Personnel. Subject to policies and procedures established by the commission, hire or contract professional, technical and support personnel, including attorneys, considered reasonably necessary for the efficient delivery of indigent legal services; [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. UUUU, §8 (AMD).]

7. Submissions to commission. Prepare and submit to the commission: A. A proposed biennial budget for the provision of indigent legal services, including supplemental budget requests as necessary; [PL 2009, c. 419, §2 (NEW).] A-1. A monthly report on the amount of revenue collected from counsel fee collections, including counsel expenses recouped each month and for the year to date; [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. UUUU, §9 (NEW).] B. An annual report containing pertinent data on the operation, needs and costs of the indigent legal services system; [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. UUUU, §10 (AMD).] B-1. A monthly report on the number of cases opened, the number of vouchers submitted, the amount of vouchers paid, the amount of payments to contract counsel, the number of requests for professional services, the amount of payments for professional services and information on any complaints made against assigned counsel, contract counsel, employed counsel or public defenders; and [PL 2023, c. 638, §16 (AMD).] C. Any other information as the commission may require; [PL 2009, c. 419, §2 (NEW).] [PL 2023, c. 638, §16 (AMD).]

8. Develop and implement. Coordinate the development and implementation of rules, policies, procedures, regulations and standards adopted by the commission to carry out the provisions of this chapter and comply with all applicable laws and standards; [PL 2009, c. 419, §2 (NEW).]

9. Records. Maintain proper records of all financial transactions related to the operation of the commission; [PL 2009, c. 419, §2 (NEW).]

9-A. Audits; recoupment. Conduct audits of financial requests and payments and recoup payments when necessary. The executive director may exercise the subpoena power of the commission granted under section 1804, subsection 3, paragraph O ; [PL 2021, c. 481, §6 (NEW).]

10. Other funds. Apply for and accept on behalf of the commission funds that may become available from any source, including government, nonprofit or private grants, gifts or bequests. These non-General Fund funds do not lapse at the end of the fiscal year but must be carried forward to be used for the purpose originally intended; [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. UUUU, §12 (AMD).]

10-A. Reimbursement of expenses. Administer and improve reimbursement of expenses incurred by assigned counsel and contract counsel as described in section 1805‑A ; [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. UUUU, §13 (NEW).]

11. Meetings of commission. Attend all commission meetings, except those meetings or portions of the meetings that address the question of appointment or removal of the executive director; and [PL 2009, c. 419, §2 (NEW).]

12. Other assigned duties. Perform other duties as the commission may assign. [PL 2009, c. 419, §2 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 751 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 15 / Section 751
4 §751. Duties of reporters
Status: in_force

The judge of any court of probate or court of insolvency may appoint a reporter to report the proceedings at any hearing or examination in that judge's court, whenever that judge considers it necessary or advisable. Such reporter must be sworn to a faithful discharge of that reporter's duty and, under the direction of the judge, shall take full notes of all oral testimony at such hearing or examination and such other proceedings at such hearing or examination as the judge directs; and when required by the judge shall furnish for the files of the court a correct typewritten transcript of that reporter's notes of the oral testimony of any person testifying at such hearing or submitting to such examination, and in making that transcript the reporter shall transcribe that reporter's notes in full by questions and answers. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §19 (COR).]
4 M.R.S. § 1356 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 27 / Section 1356
4 §1356. Accidental death benefits
Status: in_force

If a member or a former member who is receiving a disability retirement allowance dies as a result of an injury received in the line of duty, benefits are paid on the same basis as provided for members of the State Employee and Teacher Retirement Program by Title 5, chapter 423, subchapter 5, article 5 . [PL 2007, c. 491, §53 (AMD).]

1. Benefit. [PL 1989, c. 133, §33 (RP).]

2. Reduction and termination. [PL 1989, c. 133, §33 (RP).]

3. Election of benefits. [PL 1989, c. 133, §33 (RP).]
4 M.R.S. § 1928 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 39 / Section 1928
4 §1928. Rules
Status: in_force

1. Rules. The Secretary of State may adopt rules to implement this chapter. Rules adopted regarding the performance of notarial acts with respect to electronic records may not require, or accord greater legal status or effect to, the implementation or application of a specific technology or technical specification. The rules may: A. Prescribe the manner of performing notarial acts regarding tangible and electronic records; [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] B. Include provisions to ensure that any change to or tampering with a record bearing a certificate of a notarial act is self-evident; [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] C. Include provisions to ensure integrity in the creation, transmittal, storage and authentication of electronic records or signatures; [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] D. Prescribe the process of granting, renewing, conditioning, denying, suspending or revoking a notary public commission and assuring the trustworthiness of an individual holding a notary public commission; [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] E. Include provisions to prevent fraud or mistake in the performance of notarial acts; and [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] F. Provide for the administration of the examination under section 1923, subsection 1 and the course of study under section 1923, subsection 2 . [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. Rulemaking considerations. In adopting, amending or repealing rules about notarial acts with respect to electronic records, the Secretary of State shall consider, so far as is consistent with this chapter: A. The most recent standards regarding electronic records promulgated by national bodies, such as 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 enact provisions substantially similar to this chapter; 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).]

3. Routine technical rules. Rules adopted pursuant to this section 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).]
4 M.R.S. § 551 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 13 / Section 551
4 §551. Clerks of the judicial courts; appointments
Status: in_force

For each county, or if the Supreme Judicial Court has by rule established judicial regions, for each judicial region, the Chief Justice of the Superior Court shall appoint clerks as necessary to serve the Superior Court. A clerk of the District Court may also serve as the clerk of the Superior Court. If the business of any county or judicial region does not require the full-time service of a clerk, the Chief Justice of the Superior Court may appoint a part-time clerk for that county or region. Whenever a clerk is absent or temporarily unable to perform the duties of clerk and an existing or immediate session of the court requires it, the Chief Justice of the Superior Court may designate a clerk pro tempore who has the same powers and duties as the clerk. The clerks of the Superior Court shall also serve in their respective counties or judicial regions as clerks of the Supreme Judicial Court as needed. [PL 1995, c. 560, Pt. I, §15 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 1614 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 33 / Section 1614
4 §1614. Securities as legal investment
Status: in_force

The securities of the authority are legal investments in which all public officers and public bodies of the State, its political subdivisions, all municipalities and municipal subdivisions, all insurance companies and associations and other persons carrying on an insurance business, all banks, bankers, banking associations, trust companies, savings banks and savings associations, including savings and loan associations, building and loan associations, investment companies and other persons carrying on a banking business, all administrators, guardians, executors, trustees and other fiduciaries and all other persons who are now or may hereafter be authorized to invest in bonds or other obligations of the State, may properly and legally invest funds, including capital, in their control or belonging to them. The securities are also, by this Act, made securities that may properly and legally be deposited with and received by all public officers and bodies of the State or any agency or political subdivision of the State and all municipalities and public corporations for any purpose for which the deposit of securities of bonds or other obligations of the State may be authorized by law. [PL 2007, c. 466, Pt. A, §3 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 251 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 7 / Section 251
4 §251. General jurisdiction
Status: in_force

Each judge may take the probate of wills and grant letters testamentary or of administration on the estates of all deceased persons who, at the time of their death, were inhabitants or residents of the judge's county or who, not being residents of the State, died leaving estate to be administered in the judge's county, or whose estate is afterwards found therein; and has jurisdiction of all matters relating to the settlement of such estates. A judge may grant leave to adopt children, change the names of persons, appoint guardians for minors and others according to law and has jurisdiction as to persons under guardianship, and as to whatever else is conferred by law, except in cases in which the District Court has jurisdiction over a child pursuant to section 152, subsection 5‑A . [RR 2015, c. 2, §1 (COR).]
4 M.R.S. § 557 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 13 / Section 557
4 §557. Receipt and discharge of fines and costs voluntarily paid
Status: in_force

The clerk shall receive all fines, forfeitures and bills of costs imposed or accruing to the use of the State when paid or tendered to the clerk before a precept is issued to enforce collection, give discharges therefor and enter them of record. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §15 (COR).]
4 M.R.S. § 4 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 1 / Section 4
4 §4. Salary of justices; expenses
Status: in_force

1. Chief justice; salary. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court is entitled to receive a salary, for fiscal year 1998-99 and thereafter, of $111,000, to be paid biweekly. [PL 1997, c. 643, Pt. M, §1 (AMD).]

2. Associate justice; salary. Each Associate Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court shall receive a salary as follows: A. For fiscal year 1998-99 and thereafter, $96,000, to be paid biweekly. [PL 1997, c. 643, Pt. M, §2 (RPR).] B. [PL 1989, c. 596, Pt. C, §§1, 8 (RP).] C. [PL 1989, c. 501, Pt. O, §§9, 22 (RP).] D. [PL 1989, c. 501, Pt. O, §§9, 22 (RP).] E. [PL 1989, c. 501, Pt. O, §§9, 22 (RP).] [PL 1997, c. 643, Pt. M, §2 (AMD).]

2-A. Cost-of-living adjustment. Effective July 1, 1999 and every July 1st thereafter, the State Court Administrator shall adjust the salaries of the State's chief justices, chief judge, deputy chief judge, associate justices and associate judges by any percentage change in the Consumer Price Index from January 1st to December 31st of the previous year, but only to a maximum increase of 3%. The State Court Administrator shall determine the cost of these adjustments; notify the State Budget Officer and the Director of the Office of Fiscal and Program Review of these costs; and include them in the Judicial Department's budget requests, as necessary. For purposes of this subsection, "Consumer Price Index" means the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers: United States City Average, All items, 1967=100, as compiled by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics or, if the index is revised or superseded, the Consumer Price Index is the index represented by the Bureau of Labor Statistics as reflecting most accurately changes in the purchasing power of the dollar by consumers. [PL 2013, c. 563, §1 (AMD).]

3. Expenses. Expenses shall be governed as follows. A. Each justice must be reimbursed by the State, upon presentation to the State Controller of a detailed statement, for those expenses, as established by judicial branch policy, actually and reasonably incurred in attending meetings and the sessions of the court and the Law Court. Reimbursement for mileage must be paid at the rate paid state employees under Title 5, section 8 . [PL 2007, c. 539, Pt. JJ, §1 (AMD).] B. Each justice of the court must be reimbursed by the State, upon presentation to the State Controller of a detailed statement, for clerical assistance, postage, stationery, express and telephone tolls and any other reasonably necessary expenses actually and reasonably incurred by that justice. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §1 (COR).] C. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court or the Chief Justice's designee may prescribe regulations for the submission of the required statements through the Chief Justice's office and for the advance approval by the Chief Justice of other reasonably necessary expenses. [PL 2019, c. 475, §34 (AMD).] [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §1 (COR).]

4. Exception. The salary provisions of this section shall not apply to justices who have retired prior to December 1, 1984. [PL 1983, c. 853, Pt. C, §§4, 18 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 922 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 18 / Section 922
4 §922. Restriction on use of titles
Status: in_force

1. Prohibition. A person may not use the title "paralegal" or "legal assistant" unless the person meets the definition in section 921, subsection 1 . [PL 1999, c. 379, §1 (NEW).]

2. Penalty. A person who violates subsection 1 commits a civil violation for which a forfeiture of not more than $1000 may be adjudged. [PL 1999, c. 379, §1 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 112 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 3 / Section 112
4 §112. Sheriff or deputy to attend court
Status: in_force

The sheriff of each of the counties, when requested, shall attend the Superior Court thereof or the Supreme Judicial Court when either court is in session in that county or the sheriff shall specially designate a deputy, approved by the court, so to attend. When court is adjourned, actions brought shall be entered by the clerk and they, with all actions on the docket, shall be continued to the next court day. [PL 1989, c. 722, §2 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 1404 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 29 / Section 1404
4 §1404. Regular retirement benefits
Status: in_force

Any judge who resigned that judge's office or ceased to serve at the expiration of any term thereof, after attaining the age of 70 years and after having served on the Supreme Judicial Court, the Superior Court, the District Court, the Administrative Court or any combination of that service, for at least 7 years, or after attaining the age of 65 years and after having served as a judge on those courts for at least 12 years, or after attaining the age of 60 years and after having served as a judge on those courts for at least 20 years, is entitled to receive annually during the remainder of that judge's life, whether or not that judge is appointed an Active Retired Justice, a retirement benefit equal to 3/4 of the currently effective annual salary to be paid in the same manner as the salaries of the judges of that court from which that judge retired were paid prior to December 1, 1984. The right of any judge drawing a retirement benefit to continue to receive it ceases immediately if that judge acts as attorney or counsel or in any action or legal proceeding in which the State is an adverse party or has any interest adverse to the person or persons in whose behalf that judge acts. [PL 2001, c. 12, §3 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 1911 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 39 / Section 1911
4 §1911. Notarial act in another state
Status: in_force

1. Notarial acts in other states recognized. A notarial act performed in another state has the same effect under the laws of this State as if performed by a notarial officer of this State, if the act performed in that state is performed by: A. A notary public of that state; [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] B. A judge, clerk or deputy clerk of a court of that state; or [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] C. Any other individual authorized by the laws of that state 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 performing a notarial act in another state 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 a notarial officer described in subsection 1, paragraph A or B 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. § 1925 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 39 / Section 1925
4 §1925. Database of notaries public
Status: in_force

The Secretary of State shall maintain an electronic database of notaries public: [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

1. Verification. Through which a person may verify the authority of a notary public to perform notarial acts; and [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

2. Electronic records; remote notarization. That indicates whether a notary public has notified the Secretary of State that the notary public will be performing notarial acts on electronic records or remotely. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]
4 M.R.S. § 1907 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 39 / Section 1907
4 §1907. Identification of individual
Status: in_force

1. Personal knowledge of identity. A notarial officer has personal knowledge of the identity of an individual appearing before the officer if the individual is personally known to the officer through dealings sufficient to provide reasonable certainty that the individual has the identity claimed. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]

2. Evidence of identity. A notarial officer has satisfactory evidence of the identity of an individual appearing before the officer if the officer can identify the individual: A. By means of: (1) A passport, driver's license or government-issued nondriver identification card; or (2) Another form of government identification issued to an individual that contains the signature or a photograph of the individual and is satisfactory to the notarial officer; or [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).] B. By a verification on oath or affirmation of a credible witness personally appearing before the notarial officer and known to the officer or whom the officer can identify on the basis of a passport, driver's license or government-issued nondriver identification card. [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. Additional information or credentials. A notarial officer may require an individual to provide additional information or identification credentials necessary to assure the officer of the identity of the individual. [PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §4 (NEW); PL 2021, c. 651, Pt. A, §8 (AFF).]
4 M.R.S. § 6-B — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 1 / Section 6-B
4 §6-B. Per diem compensation for Active Retired Justices of the Supreme Judicial Court
Status: in_force

Any Active Retired Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court who performs judicial service at the direction and assignment of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court must be compensated for those services at the rate of $350 per day or $200 per 1/2 day, as long as the total compensation received under this section by an Active Retired Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court in any calendar year does not exceed 75% of the annual salary of an Associate Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court set pursuant to section 4 . An Active Retired Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court who receives compensation under this section does not accrue additional creditable service for benefit calculation purposes and is not entitled to any other employee benefit, including health, dental or life insurance. [PL 2017, c. 284, Pt. XXXX, §1 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 1205 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 27 / Section 1205
4 §1205. Internal Revenue Code compliance
Status: in_force

The Judicial Retirement Program established in this chapter is subject to the following requirements. [PL 2009, c. 474, §8 (NEW).]

1. Vesting. In compliance with the Code, Section 401(a)(7), a member is 100% vested in the member's contribution account at all times. [PL 2009, c. 474, §8 (NEW).]

2. Use of forfeitures of benefits. In compliance with the Code, Section 401(a)(8), any forfeitures of benefits by members or former members may not be used to pay benefit increases, but must be used to reduce unfunded liabilities. [PL 2009, c. 474, §8 (NEW).]

3. Benefits. In compliance with the Code, Section 401(a)(9), benefits must be paid in accordance with a good faith interpretation of the requirements of the Code, Section 401(a)(9) and the regulations in effect under that section, as applicable to a governmental plan within the meaning of the Code, Section 414(d). [PL 2009, c. 474, §8 (NEW).]

4. Application of annual compensation limits. In compliance with the Code, Section 401(a)(17), applicable annual compensation limits must be applied for purposes of determining benefits or contributions due to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System. [PL 2009, c. 474, §8 (NEW).]

5. Rollovers. In compliance with the Code, Section 401(a)(31), a member may elect, at the time and in the manner prescribed by the board of trustees, to have any portion of an eligible rollover distribution paid directly to an eligible retirement plan specified by the member in a direct rollover. [PL 2009, c. 474, §8 (NEW).]

6. Qualified military service. Effective December 12, 1994, contributions, benefits and service credit with respect to qualified military service are governed by the Code, Section 414(u) and the federal Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 and, effective January 1, 2007, the Code, Section 401(a)(37). [PL 2009, c. 474, §8 (NEW).]

7. Additional requirements. In compliance with the Code, Section 415, the member contributions paid to and retirement benefits paid from the Judicial Retirement Program must be limited to the extent necessary to conform to the requirements of the Code, Section 415 for a qualified pension plan. [PL 2009, c. 474, §8 (NEW).]

8. Compliance with Section 503(b). Effective July 1, 1989, the board of trustees may not engage in a transaction prohibited by the Code, Section 503(b). [PL 2009, c. 474, §8 (NEW).]

9. Rules. The board of trustees shall adopt rules necessary to maintain the qualified pension plan tax status of the Judicial Retirement Program under the Internal Revenue Code as required for governmental defined benefit plans defined in the Code, Section 414(d). Rules adopted under this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2‑A . [PL 2009, c. 474, §8 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 175 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 5 / Section 175
4 §175. Fees of District Courts
Status: in_force

The Supreme Judicial Court shall have the authority to prescribe rules establishing the fees of the District Courts. [PL 1979, c. 425, §1 (RPR).]
4 M.R.S. § 1615 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 33 / Section 1615
4 §1615. Conflicts
Status: in_force

A member of the authority may not participate in any decision on any contract entered into by the authority under this Act if that member has any interest, direct or indirect, in any firm, partnership, corporation or association that may be party to the contract. The interest must be disclosed to the authority in writing and must be set forth in the minutes of the authority. [PL 1997, c. 523, §19 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 1053 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 23 / Section 1053
4 §1053. Adjournment because of danger from infection
Status: in_force

When a malignant infectious distemper prevails in any town wherein the Supreme Judicial Court, the Superior Court or court of county commissioners is to be held, said courts may be adjourned and held in any town in said county, by proclamation made in such public manner as such courts judge best, as near their usual place of meeting as they think that safety permits.
4 M.R.S. § 1355 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 27 / Section 1355
4 §1355. Ordinary death benefits
Status: in_force

If a member who is in service or a former member who is a recipient of a disability retirement allowance dies, the member's beneficiary, or relative if the member has no designated beneficiary, is entitled to benefits on the same basis as provided for beneficiaries of state employees who are members of the State Employee and Teacher Retirement Program by Title 5, chapter 423, subchapter 5, article 4 . [PL 2021, c. 548, §4 (AMD).]

1. Death before eligibility for service retirement. [PL 1989, c. 133, §30 (RP).]

2. Death after eligibility for retirement. [PL 1989, c. 133, §30 (RP).]

3. Election of benefits. [PL 1989, c. 133, §30 (RP).]

4. Cost-of-living adjustments. [PL 1989, c. 133, §30 (RP).]
4 M.R.S. § 120 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 3 / Section 120
4 §120. Justice of the Superior Court to sit in District Court
Status: in_force

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court may assign a Justice of the Superior Court who had been serving as a Judge of the District Court and who has been nominated and confirmed as a Justice of the Superior Court to sit in the District Court in order to finish any cases that the justice had presided over as a Judge of the District Court and that remain unresolved after the justice's confirmation. [PL 2019, c. 475, §42 (AMD).]

When so assigned, the justice has the same authority and jurisdiction in the District Court as a regular Judge of the District Court. The assigned justice may hear all matters and issue all orders, notices, decrees and judgments that any Judge of the District Court may hear and issue. [PL 1987, c. 769, Pt. B, §2 (RPR).]

The order of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court directing a Justice of the Superior Court to sit in the District Court shall be filed with the Executive Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court, but need not be docketed or otherwise recorded in any case heard by the assigned justice. [PL 1989, c. 502, Pt. A, §8 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 801 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 17 / Section 801
4 §801. Board of bar examiners; purpose; appointment
Status: in_force

The Supreme Judicial Court shall create a board of bar examiners for the purposes of designing, administering and passing judgment on examinations taken by those individuals seeking admission to the bar. The board shall make recommendations to the Supreme Judicial Court as to which individuals have successfully passed this examination process and fulfilled the other requirements of this chapter for admission to the bar. All procedural, administrative and budgetary actions of a board of bar examiners shall be subject to rules established by the Supreme Judicial Court and are deemed to be actions of the Supreme Judicial Court. The board shall be composed of 9 members, 7 of whom shall be licensed to practice law in the State and shall be appointed by the Governor on the recommendation of the Supreme Judicial Court. The remaining 2 members shall be public members and shall be appointed by the Governor. [PL 1987, c. 395, Pt. A, §10 (RPR).]
4 M.R.S. § 1557 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 32 / Section 1557
4 §1557. Complaint process
Status: in_force

1. Rules. The Supreme Judicial Court shall provide by rule for a complaint process concerning guardians ad litem appointed under Title 18‑C , Title 19‑A and Title 22 that provides for at least the following: A. The ability of a party to make a complaint before the final judgment as well as after the final judgment is issued; [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).] B. Written instructions on how to make a complaint; [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).] C. Clear criteria for making a complaint; [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).] D. Transparent policies and procedures concerning the investigation of complaints and the provision of information to complainants; [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).] E. A central database to log and track complaints; and [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).] F. Policies and procedures for using complaints and investigations for recommending the removal of a guardian ad litem from a particular case or other consequences or discipline. [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).] [PL 2017, c. 402, Pt. C, §12 (AMD); PL 2019, c. 417, Pt. B, §14 (AFF).]

2. Complaint process. The division shall provide written and electronic information to communicate the complaint process to the public and to all parties. [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).]

3. Minor complaint option. The rules may provide for a minor complaint option that authorizes corrective action without the necessity of completing the full complaint and investigatory process. [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).]

4. Motion to remove. The complaint process adopted pursuant to this section is in addition to the right of a party to file a motion to remove the guardian ad litem while the case is pending. The court shall hold a hearing on the motion at the request of the party filing the motion. The motion may be advanced on the docket and receive priority over other cases when the court determines that the interests of justice so require. [PL 2013, c. 406, §1 (NEW).]
4 M.R.S. § 55 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 1 / Section 55
4 §55. Preservation of briefs
Status: in_force

The clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court shall preserve 2 complete sets of briefs in all cases decided in the Supreme Judicial Court sitting as the Law Court. The clerk shall provide complete sets of the briefs to the law library of Cumberland County and to the Law and Legislative Reference Library, either by delivering a physical set to each library or by delivering or providing access to an electronic copy of the briefs. All expenses incurred in preparation and delivery of these briefs must be paid by the State from the appropriation for expenses of the Supreme Judicial Court. [PL 2017, c. 223, §1 (AMD).]
4 M.R.S. § 851 — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 17 / Section 851
4 §851. Information against attorney
Status: in_force

Whenever an information is filed in the office of the clerk of courts in any county by the Attorney General, or by a committee of the State Bar Association, or by a committee of the bar or bar association of such county, charging that an attorney at law has conducted that attorney's self in a manner unworthy of an attorney, or has become and is disqualified for the office of attorney and counselor at law, for reasons specified in the information, any Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court may, in the name of the State, issue a rule requiring the attorney informed against to appear on a day fixed to show cause why that attorney's name should not be struck from the roll of attorneys, or such other disciplinary measures imposed as the justice considers appropriate, which rule, with an attested copy of the information, must be served upon such attorney in such manner as the justice directs at least 14 days before the return day, and must be made returnable either in the county where such attorney resides or where it is charged that the misconduct was committed. [RR 2021, c. 1, Pt. B, §26 (COR).]
4 M.R.S. § 101-A — ME Code / Title 4 / Chapter 3 / Section 101-A
4 §101-A. Chief Justice of the Superior Court
Status: in_force

The Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court shall designate one of the Justices of the Superior Court as the Chief Justice of the Superior Court. The Justice so designated serves at the pleasure and under the supervision of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court and is responsible for the operation of the Superior Court. Any authority relating to the operation of the Superior Court that is vested by law in the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court may be delegated by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court to the Chief Justice of the Superior Court acting under the supervision of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court. The Chief Justice of the Superior Court shall also perform such additional duties as may be assigned to the Chief Justice of the Superior Court from time to time by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court. The term "Justice of the Superior Court" includes the Chief Justice of the Superior Court. [PL 2019, c. 475, §38 (AMD).]