An Act O Regarding the Definition of" Serious Bodily Injury" in the Maine Criminal Code
Maine Legislature, Session 129, LD 1023
Committee Amendment CA_A_S116 (Senate)
Amends: 17-A MRSA §2, 17-A MRSA §208

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT " A " to S.P. 302, L.D. 1023, Bill, "An Act 
O 
Regarding the Definition of" Serious Bodily Injury" in the Maine Criminal Code" 
Amend the bill by striking out everything after the enacting clause and inserting the 
following: 
'Sec. 1. 17-A MRSA §2, sub-§23, as amended by PL 1975, c. 740, § 11, is further 
amended to read: 
23. 
"Serious bodily injury" means a bodily injury whieh that creates a substantial 
risk of death or whioh, that causes serious, permanent disfigurement or loss or substantial 
impairment of the health or function of any bodily mem:ber or organ, part of the body or 
that causes harm that requires extended convalescence neosssary for the recovery of 
physical or mental health. 
Sec. 2. 17-A MRSA §208, sub-§1, 1A, as amended by PL 2015, c. 358, §1, is 
further amended to read: 
A. Bodily injury to another that creates a substantial risk of death or that causes harm 
that requires extended convalescence neoessary for the recovery of physical or mental 
health. Violation of this paragraph is a Class B crime; 
Sec. 3. 17-A MRSA §208, sub-§1, 1A-1, as enacted by PL 2015, c. 358, §1, is 
amended to read: 
A-1. Bodily injury to another that causes serious, permanent disfigurement or loss or 
substantial impairment of the health or function of any bodily member or organ part 
of the body. Violation of this paragraph is a Class A crime; 
Sec. 4. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and 
allocations are made. 
INDIGENT LEGAL SERVICES, MAINE COMMISSION ON 
Maine Commission on Indigent Legal Services Z112 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
COMMITTEEAMENDMENT" A "toS.P.302,L.D.1023 (;:;-//u_,) 
Initiative: Provides funding for increased costs to the Maine Commission on Indigent 
Legal Services due to amending the definition of "serious bodily injury" in the Maine 
Criminal Code. 
GENERAL FUND 
All Other 
GENERAL FUND TOTAL 
2019-20 
$19,881 
$19,881 
2020-21 
$26,508 
$26,508 
Amend the bill by relettering or renumbering any nonconsecutive Part letter or 
section number to read consecutively. 
SUMMARY 
This amendment strikes and replaces the bill. The amendment amends the definition 
of "serious bodily injury" in the Maine Criminal Code by clarifying the language 
regarding injury that leads to extended convalescence. The amendment also amends the 
law regarding the crime of aggravated assault to reflect the changes to the definition of 
"serious bodily injury" contained in the amendment. 
The amendment adds an 
appropriations and allocations section. 
FISCAL NOTE REQUIRED 
(See attached) 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
Approved: 05/07/19 ;tW'ac. 
LD 1023 
LR 1931(02) 
An Act Regarding the Definition of "Serious Bodily Injury" in the Maine Criminal Code 
Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment 'iO;-' ( G,~I \l0 
Committee: Criminal Justice and Public Safety 
Net Cost (Savings) 
General Fund 
Appropriations/ Allocations 
General Fund 
Correctional and Judicial Impact Statements 
Fiscal Note Required: Yes 
Fiscal Note 
FY 2019-20 
FY 2020-21 
$19,881 
$26,508 
$19,881 
$26,508 
Projections 
FY 2021-22 
$26,508 
$26,508 
Increase in the incidence of Class A, B, and C crimes; increases correctional and judicial costs. 
Projections 
FY 2022-23 
$26,508 
$26,508 
The additional workload associated with the minimal number of new felony cases filed in the court system does not 
require additional funding at this time. 
The collection of additional fine revenue will increase General Fund and dedicated revenue by minor amounts. 
The Department of Corrections has not indicated a need for additional funding. 
Fiscal Detail and Notes 
The bill expands the definition of serious bodily injury to include bodily injuries that cause the need for extended 
convalescence for recovery of mental health. The Maine Commission on Indigent Legal Services estimates its 
caseload for multiple charges will increase by approximately 20%. The bill includes ongoing General Fund 
appropriations of $19,881 in fiscal year 2019-20 and $26,508 in fiscal year 2020-21 for this increase in caseload. 
LR1931(02) - Fiscal Note - Page 1 of 1