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LD 665

An Act Regarding The Use Of Military Protective Orders In Protection From Abuse And Protection From Harassment Proceedings

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Craig Hickman and 3 co-sponsors

Authorizes Maine courts to recognize Military Protective Orders in PFA/PFH cases, strengthening protection for service members, their families, and those connected to the military.

Signed by Governor
#abuse #military #protectionactions
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Bill Summary · LD 665

Summary — LD 665

An Act Regarding The Use Of Military Protective Orders in Protection from Abuse and Protection from Harassment Proceedings

Main purpose and intent

LD 665 clarifies and authorizes the use of military protective orders (MPOs) within Maine’s civil protection order processes — specifically in Protection from Abuse (PFA) and Protection from Harassment (PFH) proceedings. The bill is intended to ensure that protective measures issued by military authorities can be recognized and relied upon in state courts, improving protection for service members, their families, and others involved with the military justice system.

Key provisions (high-level)

  • Authorizes the use and consideration of military protective orders in Protection from Abuse and Protection from Harassment proceedings in Maine courts.
  • Establishes that MPOs may be introduced or relied upon in state PFA/PFH cases (the enacted bill text contains the specific statutory language and application rules).
  • Clarifies procedural interaction between military-issued protective orders and state court processes (the final statutory details are in the enacted law).

Note: The legislative documents provided do not include the full statutory text in this summary packet. For the precise operative language, conditions, and any limits (for example, whether an MPO automatically converts to a state order or serves as grounds for temporary relief), consult the enacted bill text or the Revised Statutes citation.

Who is affected

  • Service members and their family members or intimate partners who have military protective orders.
  • Victims seeking protection who are connected to military personnel.
  • Maine state courts, clerks, judges, and guardians handling PFA and PFH matters.
  • Law enforcement and attorneys who will process and enforce protective orders.
  • Military legal authorities and installation officials coordinating with state systems.

Fiscal and administrative impact

  • Multiple fiscal notes (preliminary and as amended/engrossed) state “No fiscal impact.” No additional state agency costs were identified in the fiscal notes filed 03/06/2025, 04/04/2025, and 05/14/2025.

Legislative history and timeline

  • Introduced: February 20, 2025 (Sponsor: Rep. Rielly of Westbrook).
  • Committee: Veterans and Legal Affairs — Reported Out Ought to Pass as Amended (OTP‑AM).
  • Committee Amendment: Committee Amendment “A” (H‑130) was adopted.
  • Passed: May 20–21, 2025 (Passed to be enacted; ordered sent for concurrence).
  • Governor’s signature: May 23, 2025 (Signed into law).
  • Effective date: Not specified in the summary documents provided — consult the enacted law or the Legislature’s website for the statute citation and effective date.

Practical effect

LD 665 is intended to reduce gaps between military and state protective systems, making it easier for MPOs to play a direct role in state protection proceedings and potentially speeding or strengthening protection for persons connected to the military. For exact legal effects (e.g., enforcement mechanisms, conversion or duration rules), review the enacted statutory text.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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