MPAC has the following priority bills in the Maine legislature that affect those directly impacted by the Maine Criminal Justice System. These are bills we have submitted and are seeking support on throughout the legislative session.
An Act to establish special intensive out of cell programing during the final six months of incarceration in support of successful reentry transition. This was submitted by Rep Sayre.
An Act to Reinstate Parole in Maine applies to everyone currently incarcerated. People serving a sentence between 5 and 60 years are eligible after 1⁄3 of their sentence—people serving a sentence less than five years would not be eligible for parole.
LD 648, An Act to Expand the Supervised Community Confinement Program, creates a new category of residents eligible for SCCP. Sponsor: Rep. Millikin.
LR 1217, An Act to Establish the Corrections Ombudsman, establishes an independent Office of the Ombuds, based on the models in New Jersey and Washington state, to oversee the Department of Corrections and provide a resource for residents, staff and their families. This will open opportunities for people impacted by incarceration to raise issues and resolve conflicts, recommend positive changes, and report individual and systemic concerns. Submitted by: Sen. Dusan.