MaineMaine commission would study prosecutor and public defender pay
An 11-member commission would study pay and benefits for Maine prosecutors and public defenders and recommend possible changes by November 4, 2026.
What it does
An 11-member commission would study pay and benefits for prosecutors and public defenders. It would also review loan forgiveness, collective bargaining and other benefits that may help offices recruit and keep qualified attorneys.
By November 4, 2026, the commission would report its findings and recommendations, including possible legislation, to the Judiciary Committee. The committee may send related legislation to the 2027 Legislature.
Argument forA statewide review may identify ways to make prosecutor and public defender jobs more competitive, which could help offices recruit and keep qualified attorneys.
Argument againstThe study may take time and staff attention from other work, while offering no immediate pay or benefit changes to attorneys.
More detail
An 11-member commission would study pay and benefits for prosecutors and public defenders. The study covers new and experienced prosecutors in the Attorney General’s Office and district attorneys’ offices, and public defenders employed by the Maine Commission on Public Defense Services. Members must be appointed within 30 days after the resolve takes effect. The commission must report by November 4, 2026.
The commission would send its findings and recommendations to the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee. The report must address equity in prosecutors’ and public defenders’ compensation and benefits. The Judiciary Committee may report related legislation to the 133rd Legislature; the resolve does not itself change compensation or benefits. The report is due no later than November 4, 2026; related legislation may be considered by the 133rd Legislature in 2027.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Died
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Apr 29Died in Possession of the Senate when the Legislature adjourned Sine Die and was PLACED IN THE LEGISLATIVE FILES. (DEAD)Died
- Mar 3On motion by Senator DUSON of Cumberland placed on the SPECIAL STUDY TABLE pending FINAL PASSAGE - Emergency - 2/3 Elected Required in concurrence.
- Feb 26Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
- Feb 26FINALLY PASSED.Passed 1st Chamber
- Feb 26This being an emergency measure, a two-thirds vote of all the members elected to the House was necessary.
- Feb 24In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
- Feb 24The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (S-496).Minor
- Feb 24Under suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.
- Feb 24CONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAY
- Feb 12Ordered sent down forthwith for concurrence.
- Feb 12READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (S-496)Minor
- Feb 12COMMITTEE ON BILLS IN THE SECOND READING REPORTS NO FURTHER VERBAL AMENDMENTS NECESSARY. REPORT ACCEPTED.
- Feb 10ASSIGNED FOR SECOND READING NEXT LEGISLATIVE DAY.
- Feb 10Committee Amendment "A" (S-496) READ and ADOPTEDMinor
- Feb 10Bill READ ONCEMinor
- Feb 10Report READ and ACCEPTED
- Feb 5Reported Out - OTP-AM
- Jan 14Voted - OTP-AM
- Jan 14Work Session Held
- 2025
- Jun 25CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to any special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 800.
- May 19Carry Over Approved
- May 19Carry Over Approved
- May 19Carry Over Requested
- Mar 21CARRIED OVER, in the same posture, to the next special or regular session of the 132nd Legislature, pursuant to Joint Order SP 519.
- Mar 5Work Session Held - TABLED
- Jan 30Received by the Secretary of the Senate on January 30, 2025 and REFERRED to the Committee on JUDICIARY pursuant to Joint Rule 308.2Introduced
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