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LD 889

An Act To Amend The Laws Regarding The Department Of Health And Human Services

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Michele Meyer

The bill clarifies when DHHS may release information in automatic referrals, aligning procedures without creating new programs.

Signed by Governor
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Bill Summary · LD 889

Summary — LD 889 (132nd Maine Legislature)

Title: An Act To Amend the Laws Regarding the Department of Health and Human Services
Sponsor: Rep. Meyer of Eliot
Committee: Health and Human Services
Status: Signed by Governor (June 18, 2025). Emergency measure — effective on signature.

Purpose

LD 889 clarifies statutory language governing the Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS) release of information in the context of “automatic referrals.” The bill is intended to make clear when and how DHHS may disclose information as part of automatic referral processes established in Maine law.

Key provisions

  • Clarifies the law governing DHHS’s authority and procedures for releasing information connected with automatic referrals. (The engrossed version was adopted with Committee Amendment C “A” (H‑615).)
  • Does not create a new program or new entitlement; rather, it revises and clarifies existing statutory provisions related to information sharing.
  • Includes an emergency preamble/clauses (2/3 vote required and obtained), making the act effective immediately upon the Governor’s signature.

(Note: The draft and fiscal documents refer to clarifying release-of-information rules; the full engrossed bill text should be consulted for precise statutory language and specific procedural or definitional changes.)

Who is affected

  • Department of Health and Human Services — administrative practices and procedures for information release in automatic referral situations.
  • Entities that receive automatic referrals from DHHS (other state agencies, service providers, or program administrators) — may see clearer statutory standards for when information is shared.
  • Individuals whose data are included in automatic referrals — potential privacy and confidentiality implications because the bill clarifies circumstances under which their information may be released.

Fiscal impact

  • Fiscal notes (May 23 and June 11, 2025) indicate a minor General Fund cost increase.
  • Any additional costs are expected to be minimal and can be absorbed within DHHS’s existing budgeted resources.

Legislative history & timeline

  • Introduced: March 4, 2025.
  • Referred to Health and Human Services Committee; work sessions held and Committee Amendment C “A” (H‑615) adopted.
  • Passed the Legislature as an emergency measure (2/3 vote) — Passed to be enacted June 11, 2025.
  • Signed by the Governor: June 18, 2025 — became law and effective immediately.

Notes / Recommendations

  • This summary is based on bill title, fiscal notes, and legislative actions. For exact statutory text and the precise scope of the clarification regarding “automatic referrals,” review the engrossed bill (as amended by H‑615) and enrolled law language.

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

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