Increases funding for civil legal services for low-income individuals in Maine.

The bill increases funding for civil legal services for persons with incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level in Maine. It supplements existing revenue with additional ongoing funding to be distributed by the Maine Civil Legal Services Fund Commission. The bill mandates an annual appropriation of at least $9,500,000 to the fund, starting July 1, 2026. It also requires the joint standing committee of the Legislature to hold public hearings and make recommendations on additional funding for civil legal services.

Increases funding for civil legal services for low-income individuals in Maine.

The bill increases funding for civil legal services for persons with incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level in Maine. It supplements existing revenue with additional ongoing funding to be distributed by the Maine Civil Legal Services Fund Commission. The bill mandates an annual appropriation of at least $9,500,000 to the fund, starting July 1, 2026. It also requires the joint standing committee of the Legislature to hold public hearings and make recommendations on additional funding for civil legal services.